2007 Nissan X-Trail petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Nissan X-Trail petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Nissan X-Trail petrol than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Ball joint2.6× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  16.2% All 2007 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 3.1% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Track rod ends2.6× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  14.2% All 2007 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 2.5% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints8.5× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  9.3% All 2007 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.2% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Exhaust system1.9× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  16.8% All 2007 cars

  8.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.5% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.9× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  12.8% All 2007 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 3.1% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2007 Nissan X-Trail petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Nissan X-Trail petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  39% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  32% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  27% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Driveshafts and joints
  13% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 Nissan X-Trail petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2007 Nissan X-Trail petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2007 Nissan X-Trail petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 8.5× as often on the 2007 Nissan X-Trail petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?