IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2017 Nissan X-Trail Mk3 (T32)

Nissan's summer-2017 package of upgrades created the facelifted third-generation X-Trail: a reshaped front end with new lamps, a stepped-up cabin and a revised range of 1.6 and 2.0 dCi diesels plus the 1.6 DIG-T petrol. Further changes in 2019 brought the 1.7 dCi and the 1.3 DIG-T.

What changed for 2017

  • •Revised front bumper, grille and headlamp design, with updated wheel options
  • •Improved interior materials and infotainment, closing the gap on the Qashqai
  • •2019 engine switch from 1.6 dCi to 1.7 dCi and from 1.6 DIG-T to 1.3 DIG-T

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Parking sensor, camera and adaptive lighting faults that fail the lighting and electrics sections
  • !Corroded and split brake pipes, and worn rear suspension bushes on seven-seat cars
  • !DPF-related warning lights on diesels used for short runs, with a rear oxygen sensor failure behind them
3
Known Issues
2
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Xtronic CVT Wear

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The CVT is smoother than older Nissan units when healthy, but neglected fluid changes still lead to shuddering, whining and very expensive rebuilds.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,500–£3,500
Warning Signs:

Judder when pulling away, Rev flare without matching speed, Whine under load or limp mode

What to Inspect:
  • Drive the car from stone cold and again fully warm
  • Ask for evidence of CVT fluid changes
  • Reject cars with even mild hesitation or flare
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

1.6 dCi DPF and Turbo Trouble

SeriousExhaust & Emissions

Repeated short journeys clog the DPF and can overload the turbo, turning a supposedly economical diesel family SUV into a very expensive fix.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£2,000
Warning Signs:

DPF warning light, Limp mode, Poor boost or turbo whistle

What to Inspect:
  • Ask what kind of journeys the car usually does
  • Check for DPF cleaning or replacement invoices
  • Look for smoke, hesitation or turbo noise on a hard pull
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

ABS / ESP Warning Lights from Poor Earth Connection

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

A poor engine-earth connection can trigger multiple warning lights and make the fault look far more serious than it actually is.

Est. Repair Cost: £80–£250
Warning Signs:

ABS warning light, ESP warning light, Multiple fault messages appearing together

What to Inspect:
  • Make sure all warnings clear after startup
  • Scan for stored fault codes
  • Inspect for evidence of previous earth-cable replacement or repair
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2017 Nissan X-Trail Mk3 (T32)

  • Buy the 2.0 dCi for real towing and the 1.3 DIG-T for low mileage, and check the service interval was halved for commercial use
  • Test the Around View Monitor, reversing camera and every lighting function before agreeing a price
  • Inspect the rear arches, tailgate bottom edge and the spare wheel well, where salt damage starts on these SUVs
2014–20162018–2019
Check a 2017 Nissan X-Trail Mk3 (T32) by Registration