Used Nissan Qashqai buying guide (2014–2021): common problems and what to check
The second-generation Qashqai, sold from 2014 to 2021 and facelifted in 2017, is one of the most popular used family SUVs. Parkers calls it a safe choice if you pick a later car, but engine choice matters a lot, and the model has had several recalls.
By CarKept · Sources checked
What Nissan Qashqai MOT results show
75.0% of 825,029 Nissan Qashqai MOT tests passed in 2024, across every generation of the model. Pass rate drops sharply with age: the Nissan Qashqai tested at 0–3 years pass 94.2% of the time, compared with just 52.7% at 15+ years.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Nissan Qashqai comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 79.9% to 59.5%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
The areas it most often fails on:
- Suspension: in 50.9% of failed tests. Rare on young cars, but 39.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
- Lights and electrics: in 39.5% of failed tests. 42.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.6% at 0–3 years.
- Brakes: in 32.5% of failed tests. 17.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 2.0% at 0–3 years.
- Tyres: in 20.4% of failed tests. 8.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 2.4% at 0–3 years.
- Steering: in 20.1% of failed tests. Rare on young cars, but 20.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on steering.
Be careful with the 1.2 DIG-T petrol
Parkers reports that the 1.2-litre DIG-T petrol can burn oil to the point of starving itself of lubrication, with failures reported from around 30,000 miles. Check the oil level before you drive and listen for rattles from a cold start. Parkers only recommends one with an impeccable history.
The 1.3-litre petrol that replaced it after the facelift can suffer timing chain tensioner problems. Again, listen for rattles when it starts and when you accelerate.
CVT automatics and diesel DPFs
The Xtronic CVT automatic needs regular fluid changes with Nissan’s specified fluid. Ask for proof, check for leaks underneath, and be wary of any hesitation or judder when pulling away.
Diesels that have mostly done town driving can clog their particulate filter, particularly the 1.5 dCi. Check for warning lights and ask how the car has been used.
The towbar recall and other recalls
On cars built in 2014 with Nissan’s factory towbar, the mounting could come away from the chassis. That was the subject of a recall; check the work has been done.
Parkers says the model has had five recalls. Enter the registration on GOV.UK’s recall checker and ask the seller for evidence of completed recall work.
Which Qashqai to look for
Parkers recommends a post-2017 facelift car. It has better interior quality, more equipment, and the 140hp 1.3-litre petrol, which Parkers calls the best choice. Whatever the engine, a full service history with regular oil changes is the single best predictor of a good one.
Before you buy any Nissan Qashqai
Check its MOT history. Enter the registration below to see every past test, including failures, advisories and the mileage recorded each time. Repeated advisories for the same thing, or a mileage that goes backwards, are worth asking about.
Check for open recalls on GOV.UK, and ask for proof the work was done.
Ask for the service history, with invoices. Most of the problems above are made worse by missed or late servicing. How to check Nissan service history.
Looking at a Nissan Qashqai?
Enter its registration for the full MOT history: every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
Frequently asked questions
- Which Nissan Qashqai engine should I avoid?
- Parkers warns about oil consumption on the 1.2-litre DIG-T petrol, with engine failures reported from around 30,000 miles, and only recommends one with an impeccable service history. Its preferred choice is the post-2017 140hp 1.3-litre petrol.
- Is the Qashqai CVT gearbox reliable?
- It needs regular fluid changes with Nissan’s specified fluid. Ask for evidence it has had them, and be wary of hesitation or judder when pulling away.
- What was the Nissan Qashqai towbar recall?
- On 2014 cars with Nissan’s factory-fitted towbar, the mounting could detach from the chassis. Check the recall work has been done using the registration on GOV.UK’s recall checker.