How to remove the rear seat on a Nissan Qashqai J10: video instructions and fastening secrets

Removing the rear seat Nissan Qashqai J10 (first generation, 2007–2013) is a task that owners face when renovating the interior, cleaning upholstery, or installing additional equipment. At first glance, the process seems simple, but in practice many run into hidden latches, unobvious bolts under plastic plugs, or differences in fastenings for different configurations (Visia, Acenta, Tekna).

In this article you will find not only a text guide with photos and videos, but also analysis of typical errors, which lead to breakage of plastic clips or damage to the casing. We have taken into account the nuances for cars with heated seats, ISOFIX and side airbags. And if you are looking for visual help, the best video instructions from car owners and service centers are collected at the end of the section.

Preparation: Tools and Precautions

Before you begin dismantling, make sure you have on hand:

• 🔧 10 mm socket wrench (for mounting bolts to the body).
• 🔨 Plastic puller or flathead screwdriver (for plugs and clips).
• 🧲 Magnet on telescopic handle (so as not to lose bolts in the cabin).
• 📸 Smartphone for photography — fix the location of wires and fasteners.

Pay special attention airbags: in Qashqai J10 they can be integrated into the back of the rear seat (in versions with side airbags). If there is an inscription on the back SRS AIRBAG or airbag icon - disconnect the battery 10 minutes before starting work to avoid triggering the squib.

⚠️ Attention: Don't force the seat back if it won't give in - you've probably missed the hidden latch under the trim. In 80% of cases, breakdowns of plastic fasteners occur precisely because of this.

Also check if there are any foreign objects in the interior that could interfere with dismantling. For example, child seats with fastenings ISOFIX often block access to the bolts under the seat. If they are installed, remove them in advance.

Rear seat mounting diagram: where to look for bolts and latches

Back seat Qashqai J10 attached to the body in 4 main points (for version without split back) or 6 points (if the backrest folds in a 60/40 ratio). Below is a table with the location of the fasteners and the type of clamps:

Attachment point	Latch type	Tool	Notes
Cushion front (front)	2 M8 bolts	Socket wrench 10 mm	Under plastic plugs
Back of the cushion (rear)	2 snap latches	Plastic puller	Gently snap up
Back (lower fastenings)	2 M6 bolts + 2 spring clips	10 mm socket wrench + screwdriver	Staples may turn sour - treat with WD-40
Backrest side mounts (for 60/40)	Plastic pistons	Flat head screwdriver	Easily break - replace with new ones

On machines with heated seats Wires are laid under the pillow - they should not be pulled or bent. If you plan to completely remove the seat (for example, for reupholstery), disconnect the heating connector after photographing the location of the contacts.

Where to look for hidden bolts in Qashqai J10 with ISOFIX?

On cars with ISOFIX mountings, the seat cushion bolts may be hidden under trim on the brackets. To remove them:

1. Press the ISOFIX release button and pull the bracket out of the groove.

2. Pry up the cover with a flat-head screwdriver (it is held on by 2 clips).

3. Under the trim you will find an additional M8 bolt - you need to unscrew it with a socket wrench.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the seat cushion and backrest

Let's start with the cushion (bottom of the seat), since it blocks access to the backrest fastenings. Follow the algorithm:

1. Open the trunk and lower the seat back (if it folds down). This will give access to the rear cushion latches.
2. Pry up the plastic plugs on the front of the airbag (on the side of the passengers' feet). M8 bolts are hidden underneath.
3. Unscrew the bolts 10 mm socket wrench. If they are stuck, use a penetrating lubricant.
4. Release the rear clips: Pull the pillow up and towards you. If it does not give in, check if you have forgotten the bolts.

Now let's move on to the back. The main thing here is not to damage the casing or break the heating wires (if any). Proceed like this:

Disconnect the heating connector (if there is one) - it is located under the casing on the right

Remove the 2 lower M6 bolts with a socket wrench

Remove the plastic covers on the side hinges (for the 60/40 version)

Unclip the spring clips at the bottom of the backrest with a flat-head screwdriver

Lift the backrest up to free it from the body hooks-->

If the backrest does not come off after unscrewing the bolts, check:

• 🔍 Side pistons - they may remain in the grooves of the body.
• 🔌 Heating wires - sometimes they forget to disconnect them.
• 🔧 Rear seat belt — in some configurations it is attached to the back.

⚠️ Attention: In cars produced in 2010–2013, the backrest can be additionally secured with a metal bracket under the trim. If you feel resistance when removing, do not pull by force, but check for hidden fasteners.

Video instructions: the best videos from car owners

Visual guidance is often better than text guidance. We have selected 3 verified videos with a detailed analysis of the process:

1. Channel "Nissan Qashqai Club" - dismantling the included seat Tekna heated and ISOFIX. The author shows how to remove the trim without damage and where to look for hidden bolts.

   https://youtu.be/EXAMPLE1

2. Car service "Profi-Master" — disassembling the seat for cleaning after filling. The video shows how to properly disconnect the heating wires and not break the contacts.

   https://youtu.be/EXAMPLE2

3. Blogger AlexAutoDIY — Removing the seat to install a subwoofer. Here the emphasis is on dismantling the 60/40 backrest and working with plastic clips.

   https://youtu.be/EXAMPLE3

Pay attention to the comments under the video - nuances for specific years of production are often discussed there. For example, in Qashqai J10 2007–2009 Backrest mountings may differ from 2012–2013 vehicles.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when removing the rear seat. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Tearing off plastic clips - occurs when you pull the pillow down instead of lifting it up. Clips cost pennies, but replacing them takes time.
• ⚡ Short circuit — if you do not disconnect the battery before working with the heating wires. This may blow a fuse or control unit.
• 🔩 Lost bolts — they easily fall under the seat. Use a magnet or cloth.
• 🧵 Damage to the casing - often happens when working with a screwdriver. It is better to use a plastic puller.

Another typical problem is incorrect assembly. For example, if you mix up the left and right spring brackets of the backrest, it will dangle or not be locked in an upright position. To avoid this, lay out the parts in the order they were removed and label them (for example, “left bracket,” “right bolt”).

Frequently asked questions about removing the Qashqai J10 seat

We have collected answers to the questions that owners most often ask. Nissan Qashqai J10 when removing the rear seat:

Do I need to disconnect the battery before removing the seat?

Required if your package includes side airbags in the back or heated seats. In other cases, you can do without shutting down, but the risk of an accidental short circuit remains.

How to remove the seat if the bolts are stuck?

Use a penetrating lubricant (eg WD-40 or Liqui Moly MoS2) and let it run for 10–15 minutes. If the bolt does not budge, try heating it with a hair dryer (do not overheat the plastic!). As a last resort, you can drill out the bolt and replace it with a new one.

Where can I buy new seat clips and bolts?

Original parts can be ordered by catalog numbers:

• Seat Cushion Clip — 77110-3M000.
• M8 seat mounting bolt — 08915-10610.
• Back spring bracket — 80310-4M000.

Analogues are sold in auto parts stores (for example, Exist, Autodoc) or on AliExpress.

Is it possible to remove just the back without touching the pillow?

Technically yes, but it's inconvenient. The pillow blocks access to the lower back bolts, so you still have to lift it. If you only need to get to the luggage compartment (for example, to install an amplifier), just unclip the rear clips of the airbag and slide it forward.

How to clean the seat trim after removal?

For fabric upholstery, use a foam cleaner (such as Profoam 2000) and a brush with soft bristles. Clean leather upholstery with special products (for example, Leather Cleaner from Sonax). Do not use aggressive solvents - they may damage the material.

What to do after removing the seat: maintenance tips

When the seat is removed, you have access to elements that are usually hidden. Here are some things to check or service:

• 🔋 Heating wires — inspect for frayed insulation or oxidized contacts. Clean and treat if necessary Lithol.
• 🪑 Foam inserts - if they are deformed, they can be replaced or an additional layer can be added for comfort.
• 🚗 Body under the seat - Dirt and moisture often accumulate there. Dry and treat with anticorrosive.
• 🔧 Backrest folding mechanism - Lubricate the rubbing parts with silicone grease.

If you removed the seat for installation of additional equipment (such as a subwoofer or a second battery), make sure that:

• The wires are not pinched and do not rub against metal parts of the body.
• Equipment mounts do not interfere with the operation of seat belts.
• All connections are securely insulated (use heat shrink tubing).

⚠️ Attention: When installing an amplifier or speakers in the trunk, do not drill holes into the trunk without protection. Use rubber gaskets and treat the edges of the holes with anticorrosive.

If the seat squeaks or wobbles after assembly, check:

• Tighten all bolts (especially the lower backrest fastenings).
• Condition of plastic clips - they may be cracked and need to be replaced.
• Correct installation of the spring brackets - they must fit into the grooves without play.