2007 Nissan X-Trail diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Nissan X-Trail diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Nissan X-Trail diesel than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Track rod ends3.3× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  18.4% All 2007 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.5%, against 2.5% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  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 joint3× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  18.7% All 2007 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.6%, against 3.1% of all 2007 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints8× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  8.8% All 2007 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.2% of all 2007 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.

• Sub-frame2.3× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  13.5% All 2007 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.4% of all 2007 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.7× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  11.7% All 2007 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.6% of all 2007 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 2007 Nissan X-Trail diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 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
  63% 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
  47% 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
  35% 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
  16% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  12% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 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 track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2007 Nissan X-Trail diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2007 Nissan X-Trail diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 8× as often on the 2007 Nissan X-Trail diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?