2003 Nissan X-Trail diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Nissan X-Trail diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Nissan X-Trail diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Sub-frame4.1× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  18.8% All 2003 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.3% of all 2003 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.9× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  18% All 2003 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.8%, against 3.1% of all 2003 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.

• Ball joint2.8× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  17.8% All 2003 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.3%, against 3% of all 2003 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.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  23.3% All 2003 cars

  12.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Engine oil leaks1.7× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  24.8% All 2003 cars

  14.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2003 Nissan X-Trail diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 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
  37% 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
  32% 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
  26% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  22% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 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 4.1× as often on the 2003 Nissan X-Trail diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2003 Nissan X-Trail diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2003 Nissan X-Trail diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?