2011 Nissan X-Trail: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Nissan X-Trail?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Nissan X-Trail than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Ball joint3.8× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  22.2% All 2011 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 15%, against 3.1% of all 2011 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 ends4.2× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  19.8% All 2011 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.5%, against 2.4% of all 2011 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.3× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  13.8% All 2011 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 2% of all 2011 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.

• Suspension arm4.6× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  11.4% All 2011 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.3% of all 2011 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.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  10.1% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 2011 Nissan X-Trail MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Nissan X-Trail MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  57% 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
  40% 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
  26% 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
  19% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  14% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 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 ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2011 Nissan X-Trail as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2011 Nissan X-Trail as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2011 Nissan X-Trail as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?