Engine / equipment: Nissan Qashqai I (J10) (with other Nissan models)
Period mentioned: Recalls of June 2008 and November 2009
Symptoms: Noises and play in the steering and, in the worst case, loss of steering.
Possible cause described: According to the ADAC, in 2008 the needle bearing of the steering gear may have been forgotten at assembly, which gives noises and play and, if ignored for a long time, can end in loss of steering; the steering of every car was checked and, if the bearing was missing, the gear was replaced (about two hours). In November 2009 the lock nut of the bolt between the steering shaft and the gear input could work loose and the steering fail; a retaining flange was added in half an hour. This second one covered 40,204 cars in Germany (with other models). Both are free.
Check for the garage: Ask Nissan by VIN whether they were done. If the steering makes noises or has play, do not keep driving and take it to a garage.
Cost cited in the source: Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Confirm with the VIN whether your car is included and whether the recall was done.

Steering wheel hub of insufficient material strength that can separate from the column (Qashqai I, 2012 and 2015 recalls)Suspension and steering

Engine / equipment: Nissan Qashqai I (J10) (with other Nissan models)
Period mentioned: Recalls of October 2012 and March 2015
Symptoms: The ADAC does not describe earlier symptoms: if the hub separates from the column, the car can no longer be steered.
Possible cause described: According to the ADAC, the steering wheel hub may have insufficient material strength and, if a large force acts on it, separate from the column, and then the car cannot be steered. Dealers check the casting date of the hub and, if needed, replace the steering wheel (15 minutes to check, 30 to replace). In Germany the 2012 recall covered 4,249 cars (with other models); the March 2015 one extended it to other production areas. Free.
Check for the garage: Ask Nissan by VIN whether your steering wheel is included and whether it was checked. If you notice play or a creak from the steering wheel, do not keep driving.
Cost cited in the source: Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Only the 2.0 petrol (MR20) with CVT gearbox; confirm with the VIN.

Brake line that chafes on the CVT gearbox and CVT belt that slips (Qashqai I 2.0 with CVT, 2011 and 2013 recalls)Brakes

Engine / equipment: Nissan Qashqai I (and +2) 2.0 petrol (MR20) with CVT gearbox
Period mentioned: Recalls of July 2011 and June 2013
Symptoms: Brake fluid leak from a chafed line, with failure of one brake circuit, and CVT wear that in the long run can leave the car stopped with the engine warning light on.
Possible cause described: According to the ADAC, on the 2.0 petrol (MR20) with CVT gearbox the brake line from the master cylinder to the ABS unit runs too close to the gearbox, can chafe, leak and put one brake circuit out of action: a considerable safety risk. Dealers check the routing and correct it; chafed lines are replaced (up to two hours; free). And with the CVT, in full-load driving on a slippery surface the belt can slip and wear until drive is lost; it is fixed with a CVT control unit update in a quarter of an hour (15,513 cars in Germany, with other models).
Check for the garage: Ask Nissan by VIN whether both were done. If the engine warning light comes on and the car loses drive, or the brake pedal sinks, stop the car and take it to a garage.
Cost cited in the source: Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: The whole Qashqai I.

Weak points of the Nissan Qashqai I according to the ADAC: mounts, brakes, oil leaks and turboKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Nissan Qashqai I (J10), petrol and diesel
Period mentioned: 2007–2014
Symptoms: Axle mounts and steering joints with play, brakes that fail too often, oil loss at the drive unit and, among component faults, the alternator (2014), clutch slave cylinder (2009), turbo and intercooler lines (2012) and spark plugs (2010).
Possible cause described: According to the ADAC, the Qashqai is in the front of the midfield in the breakdown statistics and is unlikely to be left stranded, and a series of recalls fixed the early problems. In the German roadworthiness test, however, it does poorly: the number of defect-free cars is below average in every year. It lists as drawbacks the high boot sill, the lack of pinch protection on the electric windows (except the driver's) and above-average defects at the inspection. Of the diesels it highlights the 103 to 110 PS 1.5 dCi, economical and with a reputation for durability, and the 130 PS 1.6 dCi as the best choice.
Check for the garage: Check the axle mounts, steering joints, brakes and oil leaks, and ask by VIN about the recalls (steering, steering wheel hub, turbo hose and, on the 1.5 dCi, the high-pressure pump pulley).
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Other engines of the Nissan Qashqai (J10)