Restyled Nissan Qashqai second generation (body code J11) appeared on the market in 2017 and was produced until 2021 - just during the period when class crossovers SUV-C have become the most popular in Russia. The car has received an updated design, modified engines and improved sound insulation, but is it still as reliable as before the restyling? In this article we have collected real owner reviews with mileages from 30 to 150 thousand km, analyzed typical problems and compared Qashqai with key competitors - Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson And Volkswagen Tiguan.

We will pay special attention problems with the Jatco JF016E variator, which appear after 80–100 thousand km, as well as the nuances of operating turbo engines 1.3 DIG-T And 1.6 dCi. If you are planning to buy a used one Qashqai restyled version - here you will find a checklist for inspection and tips on how to avoid costly repairs.

Design and interior: what has changed after the 2017 restyling

Externally Nissan Qashqai J11 after restyling, it began to look more aggressive due to the new radiator grille in the style V-motion, LED headlights (in top versions) and a redesigned bumper. The owners note that the car looks more modern, but some details cause criticism:

  • 🔹 Plus: LED headlights Pure Drive in version Tekna provide excellent illumination, especially on the highway.
  • 🔸 Minus: Plastic lining on the arches quickly scratches and loses its shine (especially on dark colors).
  • 🔶 Nuance: Tail lights with a 3D effect look stylish, but the lamps in them are more expensive than regular ones (about 1,500–2,000 rubles per set).

Inside, changes affected the steering wheel (now with a flat bottom), a new multimedia system NissanConnect with a 7-inch touch screen and improved finishing materials. However, owners complain about:

  • 🛋️ Uncomfortable seats: In basic versions Visia And Acenta there is no lateral support, and after 2–3 hours of driving, the back begins to ache.
  • 🎛️ Noisy buttons: The plastic of the instrument panel creaks and rattles on uneven surfaces (especially in cold weather).
  • 🔊 Poor sound insulation: At speeds over 110 km/h, you can hear the noise from the wheels and wind in the cabin (even with winter tires).
📊 Which design element of the Qashqai facelift do you like most?
  • Front optics
  • V-motion radiator grille
  • Tail lights 3D
  • Wheels R17/R19
  • I don't like anything

Engines and transmission: which engine to choose

After restyling Qashqai J11 was offered with four types of engines: two gasoline (1.2 DIG-T, 1.3 DIG-T) and two diesel (1.5 dCi, 1.6 dCi). Let's look at each in detail.

Engine Power, hp Consumption (city/highway), l Typical problems Recommendation
1.2 DIG-T (HR12DDT) 115 8.5 / 5.8 Turbine overheating, oil burn after 100 thousand km ❌ Don’t take it - weak for a crossover
1.3 DIG-T (HR13DDT) 140 / 160 8.0 / 5.5 Problems with the timing chain (stretching after 120 thousand km) ✅ The best choice among gasoline
1.5 dCi (K9K) 110 5.5 / 4.2 The particulate filter becomes clogged during short trips ⚠️Only for the track
1.6 dCi (R9M) 130 6.0 / 4.5 Problems with EGR and turbine after 150 thousand km ✅ Optimal for mixed cycle

Deserves special attention variator Jatco JF016E, which was installed on all versions with gasoline engines. The owners note:

  • ✅ Smooth ride and efficiency on the highway.
  • ❌ Jerks during acceleration after 80–100 thousand km (oil change and valve body cleaning required).
  • ⚠️ Overheating when towing or driving uphill (you need to install an additional radiator).
⚠️ Attention: If during a test drive the variator emits hum or vibration at speeds of 60–80 km/h - this is a sign of bearing wear. Repairs will cost 80–120 thousand rubles.
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Before purchasing a Qashqai with a CVT, be sure to check the transmission oil change history. The interval is every 60 thousand km, even if the dealer says that it is “for the entire service life”.

Real fuel consumption: owner data

Official fuel consumption figures from Nissan often diverge from real indicators. We collected data from owners with mileages from 20 to 150 thousand km (winter/summer, city/highway).

Engine City (winter), l/100 km City (summer), l/100 km Highway (110 km/h), l/100 km
1.3 DIG-T (140 hp) 10.5–11.2 8.7–9.3 5.8–6.2
1.6 dCi (130 hp) 7.2–7.8 6.5–7.0 4.8–5.2
2.0 (144 hp, for Asia) 11.0–12.0 9.5–10.0 6.5–7.0

Important details:

  • 🛢️ Diesel versions 1.5 dCi And 1.6 dCi require only high quality fuel (it’s better to refuel at Lukoil or Gazpromneft). When using cheap diesel fuel, the particulate filter becomes clogged after 50–60 thousand km.
  • ❄️ In winter, the consumption of gasoline engines increases by 1.5–2 liters due to prolonged heating (the variator takes longer to warm up than the automatic transmission).
  • 🚗 If you drive mostly around the city with frequent traffic jams, it is better to avoid 1.2 DIG-T — it gets “stupid” at low speeds and requires frequent oil changes (every 7–8 thousand km).
How to reduce fuel consumption on Qashqai 1.3 DIG-T?

1. Use oil 5W-30 with permission Nissan Strong Save XE - it reduces friction.

2. Monitor tire pressure (optimally 2.3–2.5 bar).

3. Disconnect Eco Mode when overtaking, it artificially “strangles” the engine.

4. Refuel at trusted gas stations (for example, Tatneft or Rosneft Premium).

Typical problems and weaknesses: what to look for

Despite the improvements after restyling, Qashqai J11 has several “diseases” that are kept silent in salons. Here is a list of the most common problems according to service centers and owner forums:

1. Electronics and multimedia

  • 📱 NissanConnect "glitchy" when connecting Android Auto/CarPlay (especially in the cold).
  • 🔋 The battery runs out after 2-3 days of inactivity due to current leakage (the comfort unit is to blame).
  • 🎵 Speakers Bose in version Tekna They begin to wheeze after 3–4 years (problem with capacitors).

2. Suspension and chassis

  • 🔧 Wheel bearings fail at 60-80 thousand km (symptom - hum at speeds of 80+ km/h).
  • 🛞 Shock absorbers Kayaba leak after 50 thousand km (especially on bad roads).
  • 🔩 The threads in the places where the levers are attached rust - when replacing, you have to cut off the bolts.

3. Engine and transmission

  • 🔥 Turbine on 1.3 DIG-T “whistles” after 100 thousand km (replacement or cleaning required).
  • 🛢️ CVT Jatco starts to “kick” during a cold start (needs to change the oil and filters).
  • 🔋 The starter jams in cold weather (-25°C and below) - only replacing it with Bosch or Valeo.
⚠️ Attention: If the dashboard lights up battery icon along with exclamation point - this is not always a problem with the battery. More often to blame generator (wear of brushes or bearings). Diagnostics will cost 1,500–2,000 rubles, repairs - from 8,000 rubles.

Check the oil change history of the variator (should be every 60 thousand km)

Inspect the stabilizer links for leaks

Conduct turbine diagnostics (should operate without whistling)

Make sure there are no errors on the particulate filter (for diesels)

Check the heater operation at maximum temperature (a common problem is the stove does not heat)

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Comparison with competitors: Qashqai vs Sportage vs Tucson vs Tiguan

To understand whether it's worth buying Nissan Qashqai J11 after restyling, let's compare it with the main competitors in the class. All cars are taken in similar configurations (with a 1.4–1.6 liter turbo engine, all-wheel drive and automatic).

Parameter Nissan Qashqai 1.3 DIG-T Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDI Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI
Used price (2018, 80 thousand km), rub. 1 400 000–1 600 000 1 500 000–1 700 000 1 450 000–1 650 000 1 700 000–1 900 000
Consumption in the city, l/100 km 9.5–10.0 10.0–10.5 9.8–10.3 9.0–9.5
CVT/automatic transmission reliability ⚠️ Average (problems after 100 thousand km) ✅ High (6-speed automatic) ✅ High (6-speed automatic) ✅ Very high (DQ200)
Noise insulation Medium (noisy at speeds of 120+ km/h) good good Excellent
Maintenance cost (per 100 thousand km), rub. 120 000–150 000 100 000–120 000 100 000–120 000 150 000–180 000

Conclusions:

  • 💰 Qashqai cheaper Tiguan by 20–25%, but loses in transmission reliability.
  • 🔧 Sportage And Tucson They win in terms of price/quality ratio, but their design is less memorable.
  • 🛡️ If comfort and silence are important to you, it’s better to pay extra for Volkswagen, but be prepared for expensive maintenance.
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Nissan Qashqai restyling is suitable for those who are looking for a stylish crossover with good handling and do not plan to drive more than 150 thousand km. For long-term use, it is better to consider Koreans or Germans.

Owner reviews: honest stories with mileage

We interviewed the owners Nissan Qashqai J11 with different mileages and collected their reviews. Here are the most telling stories:

1. Alexey, Moscow (Qashqai 1.3 DIG-T, 2018, mileage 78 thousand km)

"I bought a new one in 2018, I drive mostly around Moscow and sometimes to the dacha. Pros: dynamic engine, comfortable interior (I have Tekna with leather seats). Cons: the variator began to twitch after 60 thousand km - an oil change helped (12 thousand rubles). In winter, at -20°C, the car has difficulty starting, and you have to warm up the battery. Otherwise I'm happy, but I'll take the next car with a classic automatic."

2. Ekaterina, St. Petersburg (Qashqai 1.6 dCi, 2019, mileage 110 thousand km)

“I took a diesel to save money, but now I regret it. The particulate filter clogged at 90 thousand km - washing cost 25 thousand rubles. Another problem: the stove blows cold air at idle (they say you need to clean the radiator). But the fuel consumption is good - 5.5 liters on the highway. If not for these jambs, the car would be ideal."

3. Dmitry, Yekaterinburg (Qashqai 1.3 DIG-T, 2020, mileage 45 thousand km)

“I bought it with a mileage of 20 thousand km. So far the flight is normal, but I have already encountered two problems:

1. At temperatures below -25°C, the heated steering wheel does not work.

2. The rear view camera dims at night (hard to see).

Otherwise, I like the car - the handling is good, the design is cool. But if I had known about these little things, I might have taken it Kia Sportage."

4. Sergey, Novosibirsk (Qashqai 1.2 DIG-T, 2017, mileage 130 thousand km)

“The biggest mistake is to take a 1.2-liter engine. It doesn't handle well on the highway and is scary to overtake. The variator has already been repaired twice (in total I spent 90 thousand rubles). There is only one plus - low consumption (6.5 liters on the highway). Now I'm selling and taking Skoda Karoq with 1.5 TSI."

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When choosing between a petrol and diesel Qashqai, consider the climate. For cold regions (Siberia, Ural) diesel 1.6 dCi doesn't fit - better take it 1.3 DIG-T with heating of the fuel system.

Is it worth buying a facelifted Nissan Qashqai in 2026?

Let's summarize: Nissan Qashqai J11 after restyling - a stylish and dynamic crossover, but with a number of design flaws. Here are the key points to help you make a decision:

Buy if:

  • 💡 Do you need inexpensive crossover with good handling (better than Duster or Kaptur).
  • 🚗 You drive mostly around the city and rarely go off-road (190 mm ground clearance is not an SUV!).
  • 🔧 Ready to spend 15–20 thousand rubles. per year for maintenance (oil, filters, brake pads).
  • 🎨 Design is important to you - Qashqai looks fresher than Sportage 2017–2020

Do not buy if:

  • ❌ If you plan to drive over 150 thousand km, the variator and turbine will require expensive repairs.
  • ❄️ If you live in a region with frosts below -30°C, problems with the battery and starter are guaranteed.
  • 🛣️ You often drive on the highway - noise insulation and comfort are worse than Tiguan or RAV4.
  • 💰 Not ready for possible expenses on repairing a particulate filter (for diesel engines) or a variator.
⚠️ Attention: If you still decide to buy Qashqai J11, be sure to take the version with a motor 1.3 DIG-T (140 or 160 hp) and check the oil change history of the variator. Avoid cars with mileage over 120 thousand km - the risk of breakdowns increases sharply.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Qashqai restyling

❓ Which engine is the most reliable in Qashqai restyling?

The most reliable - 1.6 dCi (R9M) provided that the car was driven on the highway and fueled with high-quality diesel. Better among petrol ones 1.3 DIG-T (HR13DDT), but it needs to be serviced every 10 thousand km (oil 5W-30, filter Mann). Motor 1.2 DIG-T It is not recommended to take it - weak and problematic.

❓ How long does the Jatco JF016E variator last?

With proper maintenance (oil change every 60 thousand km), the variator runs 150–180 thousand km. If the oil is not changed, the first problems (jerking, humming) appear already at 80–100 thousand km. The average cost of a major overhaul is 120–150 thousand rubles.

❓ What is the real ground clearance of the Qashqai restyling?

Officially the ground clearance is 190 mm, but in fact:

- Under the front bumper - 160–170 mm (risk of getting caught when leaving the curb).

- Under engine protection - 180 mm.

- Under the rear bumper - 175 mm.

The car is not intended for off-road use - maximum primer or snow up to 20 cm.

❓ What oil to pour into the 1.3 DIG-T engine?

Manufacturer recommends Nissan Strong Save XE 5W-30, but owners also use:

- Mobil 1 ESP X2 5W-30 (better for turbo engines).

- Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 (protects well from wear).

- Motul Specific DEXOS2 5W-30 (suitable for cold regions).

Important: The oil must be approved Dexos2 or Nissan KE900-99942.

❓ What is the most problematic year of Qashqai restyling?

The largest number of complaints are about cars 2017–2018 (first batches after restyling). Typical problems:

- Faulty heater control unit (the heater blows cold air).

- Leaking shock absorbers Kayaba already at 30–40 thousand km.

- Problems with firmware NissanConnect (freezes, errors).

Cars 2019–2020 more reliable, but also more expensive.