2004 Nissan X-Trail Sport DCI review from UK and Ireland

After 3 months, the engine lost power and smoke billowed out. Dealer said it was the turbo and it was replaced under warranty.

About a year after, the same thing happened and the turbo was again replaced under warranty.

Another year later, much worse problems. The car was stalling when stationery and at low revs, and stalling when turning into roads etc. In addition to this, the engine suddenly lost power and the only cure was to switch it off and restart it. Also there was a burning oil smell. Went to garage who had it for almost 2 months! They said they could not find out what was wrong with it. Eventual conclusion was the turbo again, which was once again replaced under warranty. I was not convinced though as car did not seem right when it came back, and the symptoms had not been the same as original turbo problems.

Lo and behold, 3 months later the same problems again, loss of power and stalling. It has gone in the garage again and they are now saying it is the intercooler and turbo, and I am being told I have to pay £2200! as it is not under warranty. It was only repaired three months ago. I am convinced the intercooler problem must have been present then. I'm livid to say the least.

On a positive note, the car looks smart and is a good drive.

The interior is good, and it has some well thought out ideas like the boot area that is very easy to keep clean.

It is badly let down by these serious problems.

I have owned three Nissans (2 Terranos and 1 X-Trail), and always found them good value for money. I would probably have bought another X-Trail had it not been for these problems.

The service from the dealer has been acceptable, but they are governed by the Nissan warranty issues.

I have found from personal experience, the Nissan customer service to be unhelpful and unsympathetic, particularly after I encountered serious problems after only having the vehicle a few months. This alone would put me off ever buying another Nissan.