2013 Nissan X-Trail: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Nissan X-Trail?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Nissan X-Trail than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Ball joint4.9× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  22.6% All 2013 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 14.4%, against 2.6% of all 2013 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.

• Track rod ends3.2× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  13.9% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 2.2% of all 2013 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.

• Suspension arm6.4× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  9% All 2013 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.1% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.7× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  13.4% All 2013 cars

  7.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Ball joint dust cover3× usual
  Nissan X-Trail

  6.3% All 2013 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.9% of all 2013 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 2013 Nissan X-Trail MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Nissan X-Trail MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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
  37% 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.

• Tyres
  26% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  10% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Driveshafts and joints
  5% 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 2013 Nissan X-Trail

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

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2013 Nissan X-Trail as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2013 Nissan X-Trail as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 6.4× as often on the 2013 Nissan X-Trail as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?