1.8 / 2.0 (QG18 / QR20)
2002–2008 · petrol · 1769cc · 116hp
Engine codes: QG18DE, QR20DE, QR25DE
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Nissan Primera P12 1.8 / 2.0 (QG18 / QR20). Check this before you buy used.
The naturally-aspirated petrols — the 1.8 QG18 and the 2.0 QR20 — are the dependable, simple choice in the quirky P12 Primera: chain-driven, port-injected and largely vice-free, with the unburstable reputation that made these Nissan fours popular as taxis. Cautions are minor: the QR20 can show some oil use and the odd coil/sensor, and the CVT automatic (where fitted) is the real weak point to avoid more than the engine. On a manual, a serviced car is a genuinely low-worry, long-lived unit.
Known Issues
The CVT auto is the P12's real weakness — expensive when it fails. Engine itself is robust.
Fix / Workaround: Prefer the manual; CVT fluid history if auto.
Repair cost: €800–€2500
Typically appears after: 120,000 km
Coils and sensors with age; QR20 can use a little oil.
Fix / Workaround: Replace coils; monitor oil.
Repair cost: €50–€300
Typically appears after: 130,000 km
The QR20 in particular is documented for ring-related oil consumption as mileage climbs; the QG18 does it too when neglected. Watch the level — sudden failures are rare, quiet oil starvation isn't.
Fix / Workaround: Dipstick check every 1,000 km on an unknown example; walk away from one that arrives with a low level.
Repair cost: €0–€1200
Typically appears after: 150,000 km
Aged MAF sensors cause hesitation and lean codes; after battery disconnects the electronic throttle needs an idle relearn or it stalls — both classic P12 complaints.
Fix / Workaround: Clean/replace the MAF; perform the idle relearn procedure after any battery work.
Repair cost: €40–€200
Mileage Thresholds
After 250,000 km: Taxi-grade durability on manual.
After 180,000 km: It's all about oil consumption from here — an example with a stable level is a keeper.
Fault Codes to Scan
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Avoid the CVT auto
- ☐Chain-driven, simple, tough
- ☐Manual is the buy
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nissan Primera P12 1.8 / 2.0 (QG18 / QR20) reliable?
Reliable — The naturally-aspirated petrols — the 1.8 QG18 and the 2.0 QR20 — are the dependable, simple choice in the quirky P12 Primera: chain-driven, port-injected and largely vice-free, with the unburstable reputation that made these Nissan fours popular as taxis. Cautions are minor: the QR20 can show some oil use and the odd coil/sensor, and the CVT automatic (where fitted) is the real weak point to avoid more than the engine. On a manual, a serviced car is a genuinely low-worry, long-lived unit.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Nissan Primera P12 1.8 / 2.0 (QG18 / QR20)?
The most commonly reported problems: CVT gearbox (auto cars), Coils / minor oil use, Oil consumption (QR20 rings, QG18 at age), MAF sensor and idle-relearn quirks.
Is a used Nissan Primera P12 1.8 / 2.0 (QG18 / QR20) worth buying?
Minor issues only, easy to maintain, no design flaws. A safe used buy.