2008 Nissan X-Trail petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Nissan X-Trail petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Nissan X-Trail petrol than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Track rod ends3.7× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  18.9% All 2008 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.7%, against 2.4% of all 2008 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.4× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  16.3% All 2008 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Ball joint2.3× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  14.4% All 2008 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8%, against 3.2% of all 2008 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.

• Exhaust system1.9× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  16.3% All 2008 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Brake pads1.9× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  16.5% All 2008 cars

  8.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.2% of all 2008 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.

Common 2008 Nissan X-Trail petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Nissan X-Trail petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  60% 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
  38% 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
  32% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% 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 an engine warning light.

• Driveshafts and joints
  16% 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 2008 Nissan X-Trail petrol

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 3.7× as often on the 2008 Nissan X-Trail petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2008 Nissan X-Trail petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2008 Nissan X-Trail petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?