Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan X-Trail SUV (2013-2021) - Reliability & safety

Even owners of the most basic Nissan X-Trail can rest assured they have some of the most sophisticated safety technology

Carbuyer Rating

3.6 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Reliability & safety Rating

3.5 out of 5

The Nissan X-Trail scored five stars in crash tests conducted by Euro NCAP in 2014 – to be expected for a large, family-orientated car. It also comes with a comprehensive range of hi-tech safety equipment, including six airbags, Chassis Control (which uses the brakes to stabilise the car in adverse conditions), electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes. Nissan’s record for reliability is below average, though, and this isn’t bolstered by its three-year/60,000-mile warranty cover – about average for the industry.

Nissan X-Trail reliability

The Nissan X-Trail was rated poorly for reliability in our 2017 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey of cars currently on sale in the UK. Of the owners who responded, 22.2% reported experiencing a problem with their car at least once. The most common fault related to the vehicle electrics.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Owners praised the X-Trail highly for its practicality and sat-nav, but its performance, ride and handling and build quality came in for criticism. It didn't appear in our top 75 list in 2021, but the five-seat Qashqai finished in 52nd place, while Nissan had a middling result in the manufacturer list, coming 18th out of 29 brands.

Safety

The X-Trail scored the maximum five stars in the rigorous Euro NCAP crash tests, but its ratings for adult occupant protection (86%) lag a little behind those achieved by the, Skoda Kodiaq (92%), Toyota RAV4 (89%) and even the older Kia Sorento (87%). The Sorento performed slightly better for child protection, too, scoring 84% compared to the X-Trail's 83%.

However, even the occupants of the most basic Nissan X-Trail can rest assured they're being protected some of the most sophisticated safety technology offered on any mainstream car. Valuable additional protection is also available in the form of several reasonably priced option packs.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Kia Sorento review – a great SUV now made even better
Kia Sorento 2024 front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
10 Apr 2024

Kia Sorento review – a great SUV now made even better

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
12 Apr 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Dacia introduces seven-year ‘Zen’ warranty for new and used cars
Dacia Zen warranty badge
News
16 Apr 2024

Dacia introduces seven-year ‘Zen’ warranty for new and used cars

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
best electric cars
Best cars
28 Mar 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024