Two batteries, two very different jobs
| 12-volt battery | e-Power lithium-ion battery | |
|---|---|---|
| Which cars | Every Qashqai | e-Power cars only |
| What it does | Runs the electronics and, on a petrol car, starts the engine | Feeds the electric motors that drive the wheels; the petrol engine only charges it |
| Who does the work | Any mechanic with the right spec and a battery tester | A mechanic trained on high-voltage systems |
| First check | Test the battery and the charging system | Read the fault and check the recall |
Check this Qashqai recall before the battery comes out
CarsGuide reported in March 2025 that 11,107 petrol Qashqais built between 2022 and 2024 were recalled because the wiring harness near the 12-volt battery may have been assembled wrongly. The retaining nut can work loose, raise electrical resistance and, in the words of the notice, may lead to a vehicle fire.
If a car from those years has odd electrical trouble, a VIN check comes before a new battery. The same years had a second recall in October 2025, on more than 13,000 cars. The fuel pipe can rub on its support bracket, which can cause a leak and sudden loss of power. If you smell fuel, stop somewhere safe and switch off.
e-Power cars have their own. In July 2026, 237 2025 to 2026 Qashqai e-Power cars were recalled over a software fault in the lithium-ion battery controller, and a dealer reprograms it at no cost.
Other common Qashqai problems
On older automatics, the CVT (a transmission that uses a belt and pulleys in place of fixed gears) is the one to know about. CarsGuide says overheated CVTs can cause juddering and early wear, and that it doesn't seem as widespread here as in some markets. Keeping an eye on the fluid level and servicing it correctly matter most.
A car badged Dualis is the first generation, sold here until 2013. The Qashqai name took over in July 2014.
When a Qashqai is due
CarsGuide's 2025 schedule lists a petrol Qashqai at 12 months or 15,000 km, and an e-Power at 12 months or 10,000 km. Your own book has the final word. Ask for a battery test at each service, and see how long car batteries last if yours is getting on.
Tell us it's a Qashqai, the year, and whether it's petrol or e-Power. A local mechanic who specialises in your car.
What you can do, and what's the mechanic's
You can
- Find the battery spec in the owner's manual.
- Write down your VIN for a recall check.
- Take a photo of any warning lights on the dash.
Leave to the mechanic
- Test the battery and the alternator before anything's replaced.
- Fit the new battery and check the wiring near it is tight.
- Anything on the e-Power high-voltage side, including the orange cables.
Where we'd start with a Qashqai
Run the VIN first. If there's an open recall, get that done before spending on a battery. If it's clear, have the old battery and the charging system tested, because a new battery won't fix a car that isn't charging it. On an e-Power car, don't assume the big battery's at fault: ask for the fault codes in writing.