Nissan Qashqai Common Problems: DPF, CVT and 1.2 DIG-T Explained

Two generations, different problems

The Nissan Qashqai has been one of the best-selling family cars in Britain since it arrived in 2007. The first generation, known as the J10, ran until 2013. The second, the J11, ran from 2014 to 2021. Both are practical, comfortable cars, and both have a few faults that owners should know about.

DPF blocking on diesel models

Most Qashqais on the road around Oldbury are diesels, usually the 1.5 dCi or 1.6 dCi. These have a diesel particulate filter that traps soot and burns it off during a regeneration, which only happens when the engine runs hot for a sustained spell.

A Qashqai that mostly does school runs and short local trips never gets hot enough. The DPF fills up, the warning light comes on and, if nothing changes, the car goes into limp mode. Failed regenerations can also leave diesel in the engine oil, which thins it and raises the oil level.

Sometimes a good run clears it. If not, the cause needs finding. A faulty pressure sensor, a sticking EGR valve or a leaking injector can all stop the DPF clearing, and fixing those comes before cleaning or replacing the filter.

CVT automatic judder

Automatic Qashqais mostly use a CVT, which Nissan calls Xtronic. Instead of fixed gears it uses a belt between two pulleys. When the fluid is old or the gearbox is worn, owners notice shuddering when pulling away, a droning whine or hesitation.

CVT fluid changes are often left off service plans. Keeping the fluid fresh is the best way to keep the gearbox healthy, and a judder is worth having checked early.

1.2 DIG-T petrol: oil use and timing chain

The J11 Qashqai introduced a 1.2 DIG-T turbo petrol engine. Some of these have been reported to use oil between services and to develop a cold-start rattle from the timing chain. Checking the oil level regularly and keeping to the service schedule with the right oil makes a real difference.

If you hear a rattle for a few seconds on start-up, get it looked at before it becomes a bigger job.

Other things we see

On older J10 diesels with manual gearboxes, the dual-mass flywheel can wear, causing vibration through the clutch pedal. Suspension wear and corroded brake components are also common on higher-mileage examples, usually picked up at the MOT.

Simple habits that prevent most Qashqai problems

Most of the problems on a Qashqai are made worse by the way it is used. If yours is a diesel and spends most of its time on short trips, give it a steady run of 20 minutes or more on a faster road every week or two so the DPF can regenerate. Do not switch off in the middle of a regeneration if you notice the fan running or the idle speed raised after a drive.

Check the oil level regularly, especially on the 1.2 DIG-T petrol, and keep to the service schedule with the correct oil. On automatics, ask about the CVT fluid at your next service if it has never been changed.

Qashqai servicing and repairs in Oldbury

We service and repair all generations of the Qashqai at our Oldbury workshop. If your DPF light is on or your automatic has started to judder, call us on 0121 544 3736 to book a check.