Nissan Qashqai J11 (2014-2021): What to Buy and What to Avoid Used

The Qashqai J11 is easy to find and easy to live with, but the engine decides whether it is a good buy. A 1.3 DIG-T from late 2018 onwards or a well-serviced 1.6 dCi is the safe choice; an early 1.2 DIG-T with unknown oil history is the gamble. Expect about €8,900 for a typical car in November 2026.

J11 timeline: launch, facelift and the 2018 engine swap

Nissan revealed the second Qashqai in London on 7 November 2013, and UK sales began in February 2014. European cars came from Nissan's Sunderland plant. ADAC dates the German launch to March 2014, so most early cars on sale are 2014 registrations.

The facelift (often called J11b) was shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017 and reached showrooms that summer. It brought a new nose, better cabin materials and, on higher trims, more driver assistance. Car Mechanics describes post-2017 cars as more refined and better to drive. The bigger change came in October 2018, when the 1.3 DIG-T replaced both the 1.2 and 1.6 petrols; the story of that switch is told in the Qashqai 2018 engine article. The third-generation car took over from June 2021, according to ADAC. Earlier and later generations are on the Nissan Qashqai hub.

Engines: which Qashqai J11 to buy

The 1.2 DIG-T is the engine to be careful with. Car Mechanics reports high oil consumption and piston failures, with some cars needing a new engine. A German specialist guide traces the cause to worn piston rings: when the oil level drops, the chain tensioner can lose pressure, the timing chain wears faster and the engine can be destroyed. It lists the affected cars as VINs SJNEJ11U1000001 to SJNEJ11U1924450. A bottle of oil kept in the boot is a warning sign in itself.

The 1.6 DIG-T is rated a buy by the same guide, but ADAC notes it uses noticeably more fuel. The 1.3 DIG-T is smooth and strong, and the specialist guide calls it much more dependable than the 1.2. Among diesels, ADAC calls the 1.5 dCi weak but economical, says the 1.6 dCi is noticeably stronger and common, and picks the 1.7 dCi for fast motorway trips and towing.

Xtronic CVT, DCT or manual

The Xtronic CVT was offered with the 1.2 DIG-T, the 1.6 DIG-T and the 1.6 dCi. ADAC says it pairs surprisingly well with the 1.6 dCi and suits relaxed drivers in the 1.2. Car Mechanics, however, lists low-speed judder and transmission temperature warnings on long climbs, linked to low or dirty fluid and a small fluid capacity. The German guide recommends a CVT fluid change every 50,000-60,000 km and only buying a CVT car with proof of it. CVTs built between 20 July 2013 and 21 July 2014 were also recalled for engine-speed fluctuations that could cause loss of drive.

From 2018 a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (Getrag 7DCT300, according to Wikipedia) was offered with the 1.3 DIG-T at 117 kW (160 PS), and ADAC says it also became an option on the 1.5 dCi. In ADAC's February 2019 test of the 1.3 DIG-T DCT, shifts were convincing at a calm pace but hectic in hurried driving, and the car lurched when pulling away with careless throttle. A manual facelift car is the simplest choice.

What ADAC, TÜV and owners report

The ADAC breakdown statistics are the Qashqai's weak point. In the 2025 edition, the index (breakdowns per 1,000 cars per year) is 25.5 for 2014 cars, 22.7 for 2016, 17.4 for 2017, 19.7 for 2018 and a poor 30.7 for 2019, before falling to 10.4 for 2021. ADAC blames mainly weak starter batteries, plus alternators on 2014 cars and thermostats on 2019 cars. The German guide says early FIAMM batteries were short-lived and later VARTA ones last longer.

The TÜV picture is better than for the first-generation Qashqai. Recurring defects are axle mounts and steering parts, high exhaust emissions and worn brakes, and older cars often fail their first inspection attempt. In the UK, What Car?'s owner survey ranks the Qashqai seventh of 76 family SUVs with 98.3%, though Nissan as a brand came 29th of 30. Carbuyer notes that in the 2020 Driver Power survey 15.9% of owners reported at least one fault, mostly batteries, water leaks, air conditioning and media system glitches.

Running costs and servicing

ADAC measured 7.1 l/100 km for the 1.3 DIG-T 117 kW (160 PS) with DCT in its 2019 EcoTest, close to the official WLTP 7.0 l/100 km. Petrol Qashqais need a service every 12,500 miles (about 20,000 km) or yearly, diesels every 18,000 miles (about 29,000 km), according to Carbuyer.

The petrol engines and the 1.6 dCi use a timing chain. The 1.5 dCi has a belt, and here the sources disagree: What Car? gives five years or 75,000 miles (about 120,000 km), Car Mechanics five years or 90,000 miles. Use the shorter interval. Diesels driven mainly in town clog their particulate filter and EGR system, and Car Mechanics reports 1.5 dCi turbo failures at relatively low mileage, with whistling and power loss as early signs.

ADAC measured 365 litres of boot space on the facelift car, 1,325 litres up to the roof. Petrol versions were never sold with four-wheel drive.

Prices today and what you get

In 2014 the cheapest Qashqai J11 had an ADAC list price in Germany of €19,990. On AutoScout24 in November 2026, asking prices show a median of about €8,900 across about 6,600 listings. The middle 80% of cars were priced between about €7,000 and €11,900 in November 2026.

At the bottom of that range sit 2014-2016 cars, many with the 1.2 DIG-T or high-mileage 1.5 dCi engines. The facelift 1.3 DIG-T cars from 2019-2021 cluster near the top. The German guide puts well-kept, low-mileage facelift cars at €10,000 or more in June 2026. Individual cars vary with year, mileage, engine and condition.

Qashqai J11 against its rivals

The Qashqai is usually cheaper than its Korean rivals of the same age. A used Kia Sportage or used Hyundai Tucson costs more but scores far better in ADAC's breakdown data. The best used family SUVs list compares them on price and reliability.

How to find a good one

Have a Nissan dealer run the VIN for outstanding recalls: the 2017 rear wheel-arch liner that can damage the brake line, the emergency braking software update and, on early cars, the CVT and towbar actions. Read the oil service history on any 1.2 DIG-T and ask how often the owner tops up. Drive from cold, listen for a rattling timing chain on petrols and whistling from diesel turbos, and do at least 20 minutes on mixed roads so a CVT warms up fully.