Nissan X-TRAIL 2008 Problems

The biggest complaint from owners of the earlier X-Trail turbo-diesel was a lack of low-down torque which gave the car a lazy feel when accelerating from rest. Nissan actually issued a Technical Service Bulletin (like a recall, but for a non-safety related issue) to reflash the turbo-diesel’s computer to increase boost pressure at low revs and give the car a livelier feel.

But like many modern turbo-diesels, the X-Trail has also been the victim of Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems where the engine never gets hot enough to cause the DPF to self-regenerate. The bottom line is that if you don’t drive the car at freeway speeds for at least 20 minutes once every few weeks, you could be setting the DPF up to fail. Replacing the DPF is a costly business, too, so make sure that your intended use for the vehicle fits with its mechanical requirements.

A diesel engine is also often more costly to own and maintain thanks to higher-cost, more frequent servicing that can easily offset the diesel’s lower fuel consumption compared with a petrol engine. Urban owners are drifting away from diesel powerplants and back to petrol engines, and that, frankly, makes a lot of sense.

Stick with the respected brands and models like the Suzuki Grand Vitara or Nissan X-Trail. With your budget you should be able get into a 2008/2009 model.

Good advice but some CVTs are beyond such a fix, as the problems seem to be in the core programming.

Brakes are not covered by warranties. They're considered consumables like tyres, filters and so on. But that presumes you get reasonable mileage out them. In this case you are certainly not getting reasonable mileage. Though Nissan and its dealer are telling you to go away, I'd persist with Nissan head office. I think it has a moral obligation as a good corporate citizen to fix your problem instead of hiding behind the warranty.

GLAD we could help. I hope you continue to enjoy the savings at the pump.