Family SUV · 2000–2021 cars

Nissan X-Trail reliability

The Nissan X-Trail fails 29.3% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 309,147 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

About averageReliability score 44/100#48 of 59 family suvs

Checking a Nissan X-Trail before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 29.3%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 6% more; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 309,147; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 9,300; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

What this means for buyers

The Nissan X-Trail is below average for reliability. It ranks 48 of 59 family SUV models. Its first-time MOT fail rate is 29.3%, against 28.4% for all cars. It also has 6% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. A below-average model can still be a good buy if you check the right things.

Steering is the weakest area, with 107% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage. The best year was 2020, with 12% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. The weakest was 2010, with 14% more. When you look at a car, check the suspension ball joints, brake pads, track rod end ball joints and wiper blades. Ask for its MOT history, too.

MOT fail rate by age

How the Nissan X-Trail ages

Each point is the share of Nissan X-Trails of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

Nissan X-TrailAll cars

Nissan X-Trail first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	Nissan X-Trail	All cars
3	12.9%	12.3%
4	15%	14.1%
5	17.3%	16.4%
6	20.2%	19.1%
7	25.1%	22.1%
8	29%	25.5%
9	33%	28.8%
10	36.2%	31.8%
11	40%	34.6%
12	44.2%	37.3%
13	45.9%	39.5%
14	46.9%	41.1%
15	49.5%	42.3%
16	48%	42.9%
17	48.3%	43.4%
18	48.6%	43.5%
19	48.4%	43.4%
20	47.3%	42.8%
21	48.9%	41.4%
22	44.2%	40.6%

By year

The best and worst Nissan X-Trail years

2020 cars come out best and 2010 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

Nissan X-Trail MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2021 X-Trail	1,068	11%	7% fewer fails	27,210
2020 X-Trail	8,356	11.1%	12% fewer fails	29,474
2019 X-Trail	14,834	14.6%	8% more fails	32,840
2018 X-Trail	31,193	15.2%	4% fewer fails	41,409
2017 X-Trail	58,968	18.9%	1% fewer fails	52,471
2016 X-Trail	51,398	23.8%	8% more fails	61,719
2015 X-Trail	28,495	28.8%	12% more fails	72,566
2014 X-Trail	13,441	31.1%	7% more fails	80,067
2013 X-Trail	5,324	32.9%	4% more fails	83,348
2012 X-Trail	5,664	36.7%	5% more fails	92,629
2011 X-Trail	6,891	42.7%	12% more fails	105,136
2010 X-Trail	4,689	46%	14% more fails	112,253
2009 X-Trail	6,868	47%	11% more fails	113,968
2008 X-Trail	10,801	48.5%	11% more fails	123,703
2007 X-Trail	14,111	47.9%	8% more fails	122,372
2006 X-Trail	16,615	49.1%	9% more fails	124,262
2005 X-Trail	14,121	47.6%	5% more fails	127,856
2004 X-Trail	9,142	48.8%	7% more fails	126,094
2003 X-Trail	5,222	48.4%	8% more fails	121,236
2002 X-Trail	1,714	46%	6% more fails	115,364
2001	228	44.7%	4% more fails	110,940

Common problems

What fails most on a Nissan X-Trail

Its weak spot is steering: 107% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Suspension12.2%45% above avg
Brakes9%33% above avg
Lights and electrics7.6%30% below avg
Tyres5.2%20% below avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.3%6% below avg
Body, chassis and structure3.9%15% above avg
Steering3.8%107% above avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.4%7% above avg
Seat belts and airbags1.1%1% above avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 5.2% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
2
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 3.65% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
3
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 2.7% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
4
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.17% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
5
Position lamp not working 1.98% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
6
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.97% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
7
CV joint boot split or insecure 1.65% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
8
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.36% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Nissan X-Trail's MOT certificate most often.

Tyre worn close to legal limit13.8%
Brake pads wearing thin12.99%
Brake disc pitted or scored10.54%
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear7.63%
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking7.24%
Engine oil leak, not excessive4.92%

Before you buy

What to check on a used Nissan X-Trail

1
Suspension ball joint excessively worn
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
2
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
3
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
4
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
6
The mileage record
A typical Nissan X-Trail covers about 9,300 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.

Fuel types tested

Diesel85.5%
Petrol14.4%
Hybrid0%
LPG0%
Other0%

Most common colours

Black, Grey, Silver, Blue, White

Average engine size: 1.8 litres.

Compare

How the Nissan X-Trail compares with its rivals

Nissan X-Trail against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
Audi Q5	15.3%	38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
BMW X3	19.9%	25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Volvo XC60	19.5%	22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Land Rover Discovery Sport	16.5%	14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Mitsubishi Outlander	21.9%	11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Hyundai Tucson	17.5%	3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Nissan X-Trail	29.3%	6% more MOT fails than the average car its age

Every family suv ranked in the family suv reliability index, or all Nissan models.

Questions

Nissan X-Trail questions, answered

Is the Nissan X-Trail reliable?

On MOT results, the Nissan X-Trail is about average: it fails 29.3% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 48 of 59 family suv models in our index.

What fails most on a Nissan X-Trail MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the Nissan X-Trail are suspension ball joint excessively worn (5.2% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (3.65% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (2.7% of tests). By area, suspension fails 12.2% of its tests.

Which Nissan X-Trail year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2020 cars do best (12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2010 cars do worst (14% more MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a Nissan X-Trail do a year?

A typical Nissan X-Trail covers about 9,300 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.

How do I check a Nissan X-Trail before I buy it?

Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.

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