Known APK problem
Nissan X-Trail III: steering
On the Nissan X-Trail III the APK inspector finds steering problems 3.4× as often as on cars of the same age: at 9–10 years 2.8%, against about 0.8% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Play or leaks in the steering rack, tie rods or power steering.
How to check it at the viewing
Turn the wheel while stationary: no play, knocking or heavy spot. On the test drive the car should keep running straight.
Ask the seller: Has any work been done on the steering rack or tie rod ends?
By age
Share of inspected Nissan X-Trail IIIs with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | X-Trail III | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 – 8 years | A | 0.7% | 0.2% | 3.0× |
| 7 – 8 years | B | 0.8% | 1.1% | 0.7× |
| 9 – 10 years | A | 1.3% | 0.4% | 3.7× |
| 9 – 10 years | B | 2.8% | 0.8% | 3.4× |
A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.
Looking at a Nissan X-Trail III? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Nissan X-Trail IIIs of the same age.
All weak spots of the Nissan X-Trail III · Steering: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Nissan X-Trail III often have steering problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 9–10 years the inspector found a steering defect on 2.8% of inspected Nissan X-Trail IIIs, against about 0.8% of all cars of the same age (3.4×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the steering on a used Nissan X-Trail III?
Turn the wheel while stationary: no play, knocking or heavy spot. On the test drive the car should keep running straight.
Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.
Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know