2004 Nissan X-Trail diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Nissan X-Trail diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Nissan X-Trail diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.1× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  18.9% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.5%, against 2.9% of all 2004 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.

• Sub-frame3.4× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  17.2% All 2004 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.3% of all 2004 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.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  26.7% All 2004 cars

  14.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.4% of all 2004 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.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  22.8% All 2004 cars

  13.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 1% of all 2004 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints6.1× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  10.4% All 2004 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2004 Nissan X-Trail diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 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
  61% 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
  49% 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
  40% 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
  31% 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
  28% 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
  17% 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 2004 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 rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2004 Nissan X-Trail diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2004 Nissan X-Trail diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2004 Nissan X-Trail diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?