Engine QR20DE - one of the most common motors Nissaninstalled on popular models Qashqai, X-Trail, Juke and other crossovers of the brand. This 2-liter petrol unit has an aluminum cylinder block and a continuously variable valve timing system. CVTC has gained a reputation as a reliable, but not devoid of peculiarities, power unit. On the one hand, QR20DE famous for its unpretentiousness and resource in 300,000+ km with proper maintenance, on the other hand, it has a number of “childhood diseases” that every owner should know about.

In this article we will look at technical specifications engine, typical problems and malfunctions, nuances operation and tuning, and also give practical recommendations for increasing the resource. We will pay special attention to the questions that most often concern owners: why oil “eats”, how to avoid overheating, whether it is worth installing LPG and what engine modifications exist. If you are planning to buy a car with QR20DE or you are already a happy owner - this material will help save time and money on repairs.

QR20DE Engine Specifications

Engine QR20DE belongs to the family QR, which replaced the outdated series SR. Its debut took place in 2000, and since then the engine has undergone several upgrades. The basic version has the following parameters:

  • 🔧 Type: inline 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC
  • 📏 Volume: 1,997 cm³
  • 🔄 Gas distribution system: CVTC (continuous change of phases on the intake shaft)
  • 🛢️ Fuel: gasoline AI-92/AI-95 (octane number not lower than 91)
  • ⚡ Power: from 136 to 150 hp (depending on modification and firmware)
  • 🌀 Torque: 190–200 Nm at 4,000–4,800 rpm
  • 🔥 Compression Ratio: 9.9:1 (for versions with EFI)

Structurally QR20DE made with an aluminum cylinder block and cast iron liners, which reduces the weight of the engine to 120 kg (without attachments). Power system - distributed injection EFI with electronic control. One of the key features is the presence hydraulic compensators, which relieves the owner of the need to adjust valve clearances.

Parameter Value (QR20DE) Value (QR20DD) Value (QR20DE with turbine)
Power, hp 136–150 140 (direct injection) 200+ (with tuning)
Torque, Nm 190–200 200 250–300
Fuel consumption (combined cycle), l/100 km 7,5–9,0 7,0–8,5 9,5–12,0
Resource before major overhaul, km 250 000–350 000 300 000+ 200 000–250 000

It is worth noting that there are modifications of the motor: QR20DD (with direct fuel injection) and QR20DET (turbocharged version for Nissan Juke Nismo). The latter develops to 215 hp, but requires more careful maintenance. In Russia, the basic atmospheric version is most often found QR20DE, installed on Qashqai J10/J11, X-Trail T31/T32 And Juke F15.

📊 What car with the QR20DE engine do you have?
  • Nissan Qashqai
  • Nissan X-Trail
  • Nissan Juke
  • Another Nissan
  • Other brand

Weaknesses and typical faults of the QR20DE

Despite the reliability QR20DE has several “diseases” that appear when running for 150,000 km. Let's look at the most common problems and their causes:

  • 🛢️ Increased oil consumption: the most common complaint from owners. Reason - occurrence of oil scraper rings or worn valve seals. The consumption rate for this motor is up to 500 ml per 1,000 km, but if this value is exceeded, diagnostics are required.
  • 🔥 Overheat: associated with a malfunction of the thermostat or pump. This is especially true for cars driven in traffic jams. Critical temperature - 110°C and above.
  • 🔊 Knock of hydraulic compensators: appears on a cold engine. Most often the solution is to replace the oil with a more viscous one (for example, 5W-40 instead of 5W-30).
  • ⚡ Problems with the CVTC system: extraneous noise or error P0011 (“Improper camshaft position”) indicate wear on the chain or tensioner.
  • 🚨 Troubleshooting and misfires: the spark plugs, coils or injectors are to blame. Often accompanied by an error P0300.
⚠️ Attention! If the engine begins to “eat” oil more 1 l per 1,000 km, and blue smoke comes out of the exhaust pipe - this is a sign wear of the cylinder-piston group. In this case, major repairs are inevitable, and its cost is 80,000–150,000 rubles (depending on the region).

Another common problem is crankshaft oil seal leak. It manifests itself as oil stains under the car and requires replacing the seal. Average repair cost - 5,000–10,000 rubles (with work). Also, owners often encounter throttle valve contamination, which leads to unstable idle speed. The solution is to clean every 50,000 km.

What should you do if your QR20DE suddenly stalls and won’t start?

If the engine stalls and refuses to start, check:

1. Presence of a spark (remove the spark plug and check for ground).

2. Fuel pressure (when the ignition is turned on, the sound of the fuel pump should be heard).

3. Condition of fuses (especially ECU And Fuel Pump).

If there is no spark, the problem is in the coils or the ECU. If there is no fuel, the fuel pump or relay is to blame.

Maintenance QR20DE: regulations and recommendations

Service life QR20DE directly depends on the quality and regularity of service. The manufacturer recommends the following intervals:

  • 🛢️ Changing the oil and filter: every 10,000 km (or once a year). The optimal oil for this engine is 5W-30 or 5W-40 with permission API SN.
  • ⚡ Spark plugs: every 30,000 km (original - NGK IFR6T11 or Denso FK16HR11).
  • 🔧 Air filter: every 20,000 km (or more often when operating in dusty conditions).
  • 🛑 Brake fluid: once every 2 years (regardless of mileage).
  • 🔄 Timing belt: every 100,000 km (on QR20DE There is a chain, but its resource is also limited!).

An important nuance: despite the fact that the engine is equipped with a timing chain, its stretching is a common problem. Signs of wear: rattling sound on startup, errors P0011 or P0014, as well as “floating” speed. Replacing the chain costs 20,000–35,000 rubles (with work), so it’s better not to bring it to a cliff.

🔹 Oil condition (color, level, presence of emulsion)

🔹 Mileage and service history (timing chains, valve stem seals)

🔹 Presence of errors in the ECU (especially P0011, P0300, P0171)

🔹 Condition of the coolant (are there any signs of overheating)

🔹 Idling (no vibrations or tripping)-->

Pay special attention fuel quality. QR20DE sensitive to octane number: regular use of gasoline is lower AI-92 leads to detonation and accelerated wear of the piston group. It is also not recommended to drive with an almost empty tank - this increases the risk of dirt getting into the fuel system.

Tuning QR20DE: what can be done without harming the resource

Many owners Nissan Qashqai or Juke want to increase power QR20DE, but they are afraid to reduce the life of the motor. Let's consider tuning options - from “soft” to radical:

  • 🔧 Chip tuning (ECU firmware): allows you to increase power up to 160–170 hp without mechanical modifications. Cost - 15,000–25,000 rubles.
  • 💨 Cold intake installation: improves cylinder filling, adds 5–10 hp. It is important to choose a quality filter (for example, K&N or BMC).
  • 🔥 Replacing the exhaust manifold with a 4-2-1 spider: improves exhaust gas removal, adds 10–15 hp in the upper rev range.
  • ⚡ Turbine installation (for QR20DET): a radical option that requires strengthening the piston group. Power grows up to 200–250 hp, but the motor resource is reduced to 150,000 km.
⚠️ Attention! Turbocharged atmospheric QR20DE without preparation leads to destruction of pistons or valve burnout. If you want supercharging, look for a donor one QR20DET or install a forged piston.

The safest tuning is chip tuning + intake/exhaust. It gives an increase in power by 15–20% without serious consequences for the resource. For example, after flashing and installing the “spider” Nissan Qashqai accelerates to 100 km/h at 0.5–1 second faster (with 10.5 to 9.5 sec).

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Before chip tuning, be sure to check the compression in the cylinders. If it's lower 12 bar in any of the cylinders, the engine must first be repaired, otherwise the firmware will only worsen the problems.

QR20DE and HBO: is it worth installing?

Installation of gas equipment on QR20DE - a popular solution among owners who want to save on fuel. However, there are several nuances here:

  • ✅ Pros:
    • Saving on fuel (gas is cheaper than gasoline by 30–50%).
    • Less cylinder wear (gas octane number is higher - 105–110).
    • Increased spark plug life (gas burns cleaner).
  • ❌ Cons:
    • Power reduction by 5–10% (gas has lower calorific value).
    • Risk valve burnout if configured incorrectly.
    • Additional load on valve stem seals (gas dries rubber).

If you decide to install HBO, adhere to the following rules:

1. Choose equipment 4th generation (or higher) with lambda probe snag.

2. Adjust the throttle only certified craftsmen (For example, Lovato or BRC).

3. Every 10,000 km check the condition of the spark plugs and valves.

4. Don't skimp on gas filter - it needs to be changed every 15,000 km.

⚠️ Attention! If, after installing LPG, the engine begins to “trouble” on gas, but runs normally on gasoline, the problem is incorrect injector calibration or air leaks in the intake manifold.

Comparison of QR20DE with other Nissan engines

To understand strengths and weaknesses QR20DE, compare it with other popular engines Nissan:

Parameter QR20DE MR20DE HR16DE VQ25DE
Volume, cm³ 1 997 1 997 1 598 2 488
Power, hp 136–150 140–150 110–117 170–200
Fuel consumption (combined), l/100 km 7,5–9,0 7,0–8,5 6,5–7,5 9,0–11,0
Resource, km 250 000–350 000 300 000+ 250 000–300 000 350 000–400 000
Reliability High (but there are problems with oil) Very high Medium (chain problems) High (but expensive to repair)

MR20DE (installed on Qashqai J11 And X-Trail T32) is considered a more modern and economical version QR20DE. He has lightweight block and improved system CVTC, but less maintainable. HR16DE (1.6 l) is inferior in power, but cheaper to maintain. VQ25DE (2.5 l) - more powerful and durable, but consumes more fuel.

If you choose between Qashqai with QR20DE And MR20DE, please note:

- QR20DE easier to repair and cheaper to buy spare parts.

- MR20DE more economical and more modern, but replacing the timing chain is more expensive.

- Both engines “eat” oil, but MR20DE less sensitive to its quality.

Overhaul of QR20DE: when is it needed and how much will it cost

Major renovation QR20DE required for the following symptoms:

- Oil consumption more than 1 liter per 1,000 km.

- Compression below 10 bar in one or more cylinders.

- Knock of connecting rod or main bearings.

- Blue smoke from the exhaust pipe (a sign of worn rings or valves).

The cost of a major overhaul depends on the scope of work:

- Replacing valve rings and seals: 40,000–60,000 rubles.

- Boring the block and replacing pistons: 80,000–120,000 rubles.

- Complete rebuild with crankshaft replacement: 150,000–200,000 rubles.

Average resource QR20DE to the capital - 250,000–300,000 km, but with aggressive driving or poor maintenance it is reduced to 180,000–200,000 km. To delay repairs:

- Change the oil every 7,000–8,000 km (even if the manufacturer allows 15,000 km).

- Use approved oil API SN and viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40.

- Follow engine temperature - overheating 10–15% reduces resource.

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If you buy a used Nissan with over 150,000 km, be sure to check the compression and condition of the timing chain. This will avoid unexpected expenses for repairs in the first months of operation.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the QR20DE engine

❓ Why does QR20DE start to “eat” oil after 150,000 km?

Main reasons:

- Occurrence of oil scraper rings (due to carbon deposits or poor quality oil).

- Wear of valve seals (rubber loses elasticity).

- Problems with the crankcase ventilation system (clogged valve PCV).


Solution: measure the compression. If it is normal (12–14 bar), it is enough to replace the caps and clean the rings. If the compression is low, repair is needed.

❓ Is it possible to pour 5W-20 oil into QR20DE?

No, the manufacturer recommends viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40. Oil 5W-20 too fluid for this engine and can lead to:

- accelerated wear of hydraulic compensators,

- increased oil consumption,

- problems with pressure in the lubrication system at high temperatures.

❓ What is the resource of the timing chain on QR20DE?

Officially the chain is designed for 200,000 km, but in practice it has to be changed already when 120,000–150,000 km. Signs of wear:

- Rattling sound when starting from cold.

- Errors P0011 or P0014 in the ECU.

- Unstable speed at idle speed.


The cost of replacing a chain with tensioners is 15,000–25,000 rubles.

❓ Is it worth buying a Nissan with QR20DE with a mileage of 200,000+ km?

Yes, but on condition:

- Yes full service history (receipts, oil and chain change records).

- Compression in all cylinders is not lower than 12 bar.

- No blue smoke from the exhaust pipe And knocks in the engine.

- The price takes into account possible investments in repairs (20,000–50,000 rubles).


If these conditions are met, the motor will last longer. 100,000+ km.

❓ Which oil is better for QR20DE: synthetic or semi-synthetic?

Optimal choice - semi-synthetic or synthetics with permission API SN and viscosity 5W-30/5W-40. Best options:

- Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 (for regions with frosts below -30°C),

- Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 (universal),

- Idemitsu Zepro Touring 5W-40 (for hot climates).


Semi-synthetic (Shell Helix HX7) suitable for runs up to 150,000 km, then it’s better to switch to synthetics.