2002 Nissan X-Trail diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Nissan X-Trail diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Nissan X-Trail diesel than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Sub-frame5.9× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  25.5% All 2002 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 0.2% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Brake pads2.7× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  17.8% All 2002 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.6% of all 2002 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.

• Ball joint2.6× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  15.4% All 2002 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 2.6% of all 2002 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.4× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  16.1% All 2002 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 3.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.7× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  11.4% All 2002 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.1% of all 2002 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.

Common 2002 Nissan X-Trail diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Nissan X-Trail diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  65% 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
  51% 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
  41% 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
  34% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  25% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  20% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Nissan X-Trail diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 5.9× as often on the 2002 Nissan X-Trail diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2002 Nissan X-Trail diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2002 Nissan X-Trail diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?