Problems with Nissan Xtrail

Bummer hey ! Typical of the throw away society though.

REMEMBER most of these vehicles are not designed for off road use - they are targeting city driving. Cheers Tony

Look under most 4 x 4 vehicles - there is next to nothing for protection - it all has to be done after market. Cheers Tony

Ian
It's an unfortunate fact of life that manufacturers these days are giving people false expectations with the publicity they give these soft roaders. There is no doubt the X Trail is a very competent vehicle. But IMHO it was never designed to be driven for lengthy periods in the outback. Despite having 4wd they are not built to withstand the constant pounding that driving on unsealed roads gives them. The suspension is not adequate. I can't comment on your a/c, but it appears that its location is not suitable either. That's not surprising. Can you believe that on one model of the American 4wd flagship Jeep the lowest point of the engine and the most exposed underbody part is the oil filter. BTW are you certain it was a stone? It couldn't have been damage caused by constant vibration? And also, don't expect any joy out of Nissan if you complain. They have the thickest skin of any manufacturer in Australia.

teege

Hi Ian, ".......solenoid on the A/C" ?? Do you perhaps mean the A/C compressor magnetic clutch? If so, it is usual for this to be replaceable independently from the compressor.

At $1600 I would suggest you get the advice and quote from a reputable A/C service business.

I assume it's not a warrantable replacement if you have to pay for it. I had to replace my A/C compressor last year due to having too much fun in the mud and leaving my A/C on, Grrrrr!!!

It cost me about $900 to replace inc labour. At $1600 I would shop around.

Have now seen it and it was not quite as I understood.
It is actually the Condensor and Liquid Tank Assembly which looks a bit like a radiator and sits in front of the radiator to get the air flow.

There are large vents in the front of the x-trail to allow the air to get through and it appears that a stone, or rock, has come through one of the vents and split a part of the assembly.

It couldn't have been something that we kicked up but must have come from a passing vehicle - in either direction. It clearly could happen anywhere - even on sealed roads with a few loose stones. Quoted cost included a service, so cost for this was about $1300.

It is clearly a less than optimum design and it needs a protective shield in front of it.