Nissan Qashqai MOT pass rate and common problems
75.0% of 825,029 Nissan Qashqai MOT tests pass.
The Qashqai's pass rate of 75.0% is in line with the average across all Nissan models, at 74.9%.
At 75.0%, the Nissan Qashqai passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Nissan Qashqai?
This is the average across every Nissan Qashqai in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Nissan’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
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.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 94.2% | 38,178 | 23,067 miles |
| 3–6 years | 89.9% | 183,134 | 37,437 miles |
| 6–10 years | 79.9% | 305,702 | 65,595 miles |
| 10–15 years | 59.5% | 252,409 | 99,282 miles |
| 15+ years | 52.7% | 45,606 | 120,055 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Nissan Qashqai
The most common reason the Nissan Qashqai fails its MOT is suspension — present in 50.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint excessively worn".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 50.9% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 39.5% | Not working |
| Brakes | 32.5% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Tyres | 20.4% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Steering | 20.1% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Visibility | 15.2% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 13.3% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.7% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 4.2% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Road Wheels | 2.5% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Nissan Qashqai: what to check
These checks follow the Nissan Qashqai’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
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.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 60,000–90,000 mi to 90,000–120,000 mi: 72.9% down to 59.8%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 50.9% of failed Nissan Qashqai MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 39.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
2. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 39.5% of failed Nissan Qashqai MOTs. 42.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.6% at 0–3 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 32.5% of failed Nissan Qashqai MOTs. 17.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 2.0% at 0–3 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 20.4% of failed Nissan Qashqai MOTs. 8.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 2.4% at 0–3 years.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
5. Steering
Recorded in 20.1% of failed Nissan Qashqai MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 20.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on steering.
The steering should feel precise, without knocks or play, and the car should run straight. Turn to full lock both ways and listen for clunks.
For engine and gearbox faults, recalls and which versions to look for, read the used Nissan Qashqai buying guide.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Nissan service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Nissan models
- Nissan Juke — 76.4% pass rate
- Nissan Micra — 72.1% pass rate
- Nissan Note — 72.6% pass rate
- Nissan X-Trail — 75.5% pass rate
- Nissan Navara — 77.3% pass rate
- Nissan Leaf — 85.2% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Nissan Qashqai?
- 75.0% of Nissan Qashqai MOT tests pass, based on 825,029 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Nissan Qashqai?
- The most common reason the Nissan Qashqai fails its MOT is suspension — present in 50.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint excessively worn".
- What are the common problems with the Nissan Qashqai?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Nissan Qashqai are suspension; lights and electrics; brakes. Rare on young cars, but 39.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
- What should I check when buying a used Nissan Qashqai?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; lights and electrics; brakes; tyres; steering. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Nissan Qashqai's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Nissan service history guide for how to check and keep one.