2009 Nissan X-Trail: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Nissan X-Trail?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Nissan X-Trail than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Track rod ends4.8× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  23.6% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 13.9%, against 2.4% of all 2009 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.

• Ball joint2.9× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  18% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.1%, against 3.4% of all 2009 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.

• Suspension arm4.7× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  14.7% All 2009 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.7× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  17.8% All 2009 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Brake pads1.6× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  14.5% All 2009 cars

  8.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

Common 2009 Nissan X-Trail MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Nissan X-Trail MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  61% 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
  41% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  9% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Nissan X-Trail

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

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2009 Nissan X-Trail as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2009 Nissan X-Trail as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the 2009 Nissan X-Trail as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?