Nissan X-TRAIL Problems

Graham Smith reviews the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Nissan X-Trail as a used buy.

Nissan was relatively late into the compact SUV market, arriving here in the wake of the trail blazing Toyota RAV4 and the popular Honda CR- V, but when it did hit the market it did so with a thoroughly competent vehicle in the X-Trail. The T31 was an all-new model launched late in 2007, initially in all-petrol form, but with a turbo-diesel option from 2008. With its rugged looks, practical cabin, gutsy petrol engine and its clever all-mode 4WD system it won its share of followers, but the diesel was really the icing on the cake. There were two versions of the turbo-diesel engine, one that came with the auto transmission that was less powerful, and one you got with the manual gearbox that boasted more performance. While most buyers would probably prefer the automatic transmission variant for its smooth driveability around town it's important to understand that it has a lower towing capacity than the variant with the manual gearbox. When hooked up to the manual the towing capacity is a hefty 2000 kg, but with the auto it drops to just 1350 kg. Nissan's smart all-mode drive system gave the driver the option at the flick of a switch of 2-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, or a combination of both in which the system chose which drive was needed for the conditions of the moment. The cabin was roomy and flexible, but if there was a criticism it was the central location of the instruments, which meant the driver had to take his/her eyes off the road for an instant to check speed and other vitals. That aside the interior was spacious for the class and there were lots of practical storage options. All models boasted a full-sized spare wheel mounted under the rear for better security. The T31 is still relatively new in the market and few have done high mileage, so there is little service history to report. But there are lots of the earlier T30 models that have done the big kays to have confidence that this one will go the distance without too much trouble. Both the petrol and diesel engines use chains to drive the camshafts, so the cost of servicing is reasonable. The introduction of the diesel brought with it a Diesel Particulate Filter, which periodically needs to go through a regeneration cycle. If a driver fails to complete the cycle as required it can mean a trip to the dealer to have it done and that will cost. Anyone considering converting the petrol X-Trail should think again, the LPG industry generally recommends against it. A number of X-Trails that have been converted have suffered high engine wear, which has been attributed to the engine drawing in particles of the internal structure of the catalytic converter, causing excessive wear on the cylinder bores. While it's been mostly associated with X-Trails on LPG, and blamed on the gas, there have also been reports of cars showing high oil consumption at higher odometer readings. That suggests the issue, while perhaps exacerbated by LPG, is not restricted to engines running on gas. The X-Trail uses regular unleaded fuel and Nissan approves the use of E10 ethanol blend as well. Competent, well-equipped all-rounder with intelligent 4WD system and choice of diesel engine makes it a worthy contender in the compact SUV class.

More than 8000 Nissan X-Trails and 2700 Nissan Dualis and Dualis 2+ models are being reeled in to fix, respectively, potential fire risk from a loose engine-bay insulation and possible steering breakage. Nissan Australia says no incidents have been reported by Australian owners. "In the case of the Dualis, it's only an inspection of the steering wheel boss,'' says Nissan Australia spokesman Peter Fadeyev.  "Of the 48,000 Dualis (also called Qashqai) recalls around the world, only 600 had to be repaired, so in terms of the numbers, it's relatively minor. But it's still important,'' he says. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commissions (ACCC) published an official recall notice stating that the 2712 J10 Nissan Dualis models built between February 27, 2012 and May 16, 2012, "are at risk of losing their steering as a result of having the steering wheel boss - which connects to the steering column - separate from the steering column because of not having the appropriate strength.'' Mr Fadeyev says owners are being contacted to arrange inspection of the steering wheel boss. "The batch number on the casting will be inspected to confirm if replacement is required,'' he says. The X-Trail recall, also spelled out by the ACCC, involves potential warping of the engine bay's firewall insulator in 8136 T31 X-Trails built between December 21, 2006 and April 27, 2012. The insulator could warp and come into contact with the engine's turbocharger and potentially lead to a fire. It affects only the diesel version of the X-Trail. "This recall means all the affected vehicles will need a modification,'' Mr Fadeyev says. "It will mean having a bracket fixed to the firewall to hold the insulation in place and prevent it from warping and touching the turbocharger.'' Nissan Australia says X-Trail owners are being contacted and Dualis owners are recommended to contact their nearest Nissan dealer to arrange an inspection of the steering wheel boss, where a batch number located on the casting will confirm if replacement is required.