The Nissan Qashqai regularly suffers from suspension problems, especially in the J10 (2006–2014) and J11 (2014–2022) models. Track rod ends wear quickly, driveshaft boots tear, shock absorbers start sweating and control arms give way under the weight of the car. The result: annoying thudding noises at every bump and reduced road holding. Do you recognise these signs? Read on to understand what is happening and what you can do about it.
Why is the suspension on my Qashqai knocking?
Those annoying knocking or banging noises usually come from the front or rear suspension. The cause is often worn components that have developed too much play. In the J10 models, the rear suspension is a common culprit. Owners regularly report loud creaking and knocking, especially when driving over uneven surfaces.
The high weight of the Qashqai puts extra strain on the suspension. The front shock absorbers and anti-roll bars have a lot to endure as a result. Track rod ends wear out faster than you would expect, and torn driveshaft boots let dirt and moisture in. That accelerates wear even further.
In the J11 models, the focus is more on the complex multi-link rear axle. This system is sensitive to moisture and often produces rattling noises when components become worn out. Control arms (the metal links between wheels and bodywork) and wishbone bushes (the rubber mounting points in them) on both sides can fail at the same time, which you often only discover during a tyre change.
‘ These symptoms point to problems with springs, shock absorbers, axles or wheel alignment. ’
Recognisable symptoms of suspension damage
You don’t need to be a mechanic to notice that something is wrong. Watch out for these signs:
- Thudding or rattling noises when driving over speed bumps or poor road surfaces
- A bouncy ride, as if the car no longer has proper grip on the road
- Uneven tyre wear on one side of the car
- The car pulls to the left or right while driving
- Grinding noise when steering, especially in corners or when parking
- ‘Sweating’ shock absorbers with visible oil patches
These symptoms indicate problems with springs, shock absorbers, axles or wheel alignment. Some owners first notice only uneven tyre wear, while the knocking noises appear later. In other cases, the knocking is immediately obvious.
Which parts fail most often
The Qashqai has a few weak points in the suspension. In J10 models between 2006 and 2014, the shock absorbers often fail prematurely, usually between 50,000 and 100,000 kilometres. The control arms (link arms between wheels and bodywork) and wishbone bushes (the rubber mounting points in them) become worn, which leads to unstable handling.
The J11 generation (2014–2022) mainly suffers from worn wheel bearings. The rear wheel bearings often develop play around 50,000 to 100,000 kilometres, while the front bearings usually last up to 100,000 or 150,000 kilometres. The multi-link rear suspension is sensitive to moisture problems and causes that annoying rattling.
Control arms are a point of attention in both generations. The high vehicle weight puts extra strain on them, causing bushes to age more quickly. Torn driveshaft boots let dirt in, which further damages the control arms. Track rod ends need replacing more often than in comparable models.
How to check driveshaft boots and shock absorbers
You can carry out an initial check yourself before going to the garage. Park the car on level ground and apply the handbrake. Check the driveshaft boots by looking under the car at the rubber protective boots around the driveshafts. Cracks, holes or loose parts are clear signs that replacement is needed.
For shock absorbers, do the push test. Push down firmly on each corner of the car and let go. The car should bounce once and then come to rest steadily. If the car continues to bounce several times, the shock absorbers are no longer working properly. Also look at the shock absorbers themselves. Oil stains or a wet sheen indicate leakage.
Check the tyres for uneven wear. More wear on the inner or outer edge can indicate alignment problems or defective suspension components. While driving, listen for clicking, knocking or grinding noises. Vary your speed and pay attention in corners and on uneven roads.
‘ You can save costs by ordering parts yourself and only having the fitting done. ’
What suspension repairs cost
The costs depend on which component is broken and which garage you go to. A wheel alignment costs from around 75 euros and is often sufficient if the suspension itself is still in good condition. Replacing track rod ends is between 150 and 300 euros each, depending on left or right and front or rear.
Replacing shock absorbers costs on average 200 to 400 euros each, including labour. Many mechanics advise replacing both sides at the same time for even performance. Replacing wheel bearings costs about 150 to 350 euros per wheel. For the rear this is often slightly cheaper than for the front.
Control arms and ball joints are more expensive. Count on 300 to 600 euros per control arm, depending on type and version. For a complete overhaul of the suspension, the total can quickly add up to 1,000 to 2,000 euros. You can save money by ordering parts yourself and only having the fitting done.
Practical tips for owners
Prevent more serious damage by carrying out regular checks. Have the suspension and steering inspected annually or every 20,000 kilometres. If you mainly drive on poor roads or with a heavy load, have this done more often. Ideally choose a garage with experience of Nissan models.
Don’t automatically replace all components at once. Start with the most critical parts such as wheel bearings and anti-roll bar links. For J10 models, the rear suspension is often the first priority. For J11 variants, focus first on the wheel bearings and the multi-link connections.
Do not continue driving with knocking noises. This can lead to damage to other components such as the brakes or the transmission. Schedule repairs before long journeys or holidays to avoid breakdown on the road. Where possible, order original or high-quality aftermarket parts to prevent recurring problems.
Also watch out for moisture in the car. In some J11 models, moisture appears in the headlining, which can indirectly contribute to corrosion of suspension components. Keep an eye on rubber parts and replace them at the first signs of cracking.
When you should go to the garage immediately
Some signs require immediate action. Go straight to the garage if the car suddenly pulls to one side when braking. This may indicate a loose suspension component or a defective braking system. If you hear a loud bang followed by changed steering behaviour, you must stop and call for help.
Severe vibrations in the steering wheel or body at normal speeds are also a warning sign. This may mean that a wheel bearing is about to fail or that a shock absorber has completely given up. Continuing to drive can result in a wheel coming completely loose.
If in doubt, it is always better to have the car checked. A quick inspection does not cost much and can prevent major damage and unsafe situations. Brand specialists often recognise Qashqai problems more quickly than general garages.
On the Carnews website you will find much more information about maintenance, common problems and practical tips for different car brands. Discover more articles that help you take better care of your car and avoid costly repairs.
Frequently asked questions
In the Nissan Qashqai, worn shock absorbers, bushes (rubber suspension mounts), ball joints and track rod ends are common, especially in the older J10 and J11 models. In addition, wheel bearings wear relatively early, particularly on the rear axle, which can lead to humming or droning noises. The multi-link rear suspension is sensitive to rattling noises and play, especially at higher mileages or when driving on poor roads. These problems often manifest themselves as knocking noises, a bumpy ride and uneven tyre wear.
You can recognise worn suspension on your Nissan Qashqai by knocking or rattling noises over bumps and other uneven surfaces, sometimes particularly at the rear. The car can also feel more bouncy or “floaty”, with less stable steering in corners or at high speed. Uneven tyre wear or a car that pulls to one side may indicate worn suspension components or incorrect wheel alignment. In addition, grinding noises when steering can point to worn top mounts or suspension rubbers.
Common causes of suspension problems on the Nissan Qashqai are worn shock absorbers, bushes (rubbers), track rod ends and ball joints. Wheel bearings also wear relatively early, especially on the rear axle, which leads to knocking noises and play. The relatively high vehicle weight in combination with poor roads accelerates this wear, particularly at the front and in the multi-link rear suspension. Insufficient preventive maintenance and failure to carry out wheel alignment make the problems worse and cause additional tyre wear.
The most common suspension problems on the Nissan Qashqai are worn shock absorbers, bushes (wishbone bushes), ball joints, track rod ends and wheel bearings, which manifest themselves as knocking noises, unsettled handling and uneven tyre wear. Replacing shock absorbers and springs generally costs roughly €400–€800 per axle, depending on brand and workshop, while replacing bushes, ball joints and track rod ends often comes in between €200–€500 per side. Wheel bearing replacement usually costs around €250–€450 per wheel. Wheel alignment after repairs is recommended and generally costs from around €75.
Yes, there are tips: have the suspension and steering checked preventively at least once a year or every 20,000 km, especially on older J10 and J11 models. Replace wear parts such as shock absorbers, bushes, track rod ends and wheel bearings in good time instead of waiting until they are badly worn. Pay attention yourself to knocking noises, a steering wheel that pulls and irregular tyre wear, and have the tracking corrected if the car pulls to one side. During tyre changes, carry out extra checks for cracks in driveshaft boots and play in suspension components so you can detect problems early.