Nissan Qashqai: 923,364 MOT tests show which years to buy and which to avoid

The generation gap that every buyer needs to know about

The Nissan Qashqai has been through three distinct generations, and the MOT data tells the story of each one. The Mk1 (2007 to 2013) was a pioneering car that aged badly. The Mk2 (2014 to 2017) was a significant improvement. The Mk3 (2018 onwards) is a properly reliable machine.

The difference is not small. A 2009 Qashqai passes its MOT 59.6% of the time. A 2020 Qashqai passes 91.1% of the time. That is a 31.5 percentage point gap between two cars that share a name.

The Qashqai has a signature fault: suspension and CV joints

Across all 923,364 tests, the single most common Qashqai MOT failure is a worn suspension pin, bush or joint, affecting 7.1% of all tests. The second most common is a steering ball joint with excessive wear, affecting 3.7%. These are both high-mileage wear items, and the data on the older cars explains why: a 2009 Qashqai presenting for its MOT has covered an average of 117,616 miles.

The third most common failure is a CV joint boot that is missing or no longer seals properly. This is a distinctive Qashqai weak spot. The constant velocity joint boot is a rubber gaiter that protects the CV joint from dirt and moisture. When it splits, the joint itself quickly wears and becomes expensive to replace. It is worth inspecting on any Mk1 or early Mk2 Qashqai before buying.

One number stands out: 8.8% of all Qashqai MOT failures are classified as roadside risk failures, meaning faults serious enough that the car could leave you stranded. That is above average for a family SUV and is driven almost entirely by the older Mk1 cars racking up brake, steering and drivetrain failures at high mileage.

High mileage explains the Mk1 failures

The Mk1 Qashqai's poor pass rates are not just about age, they are about mileage. A 2009 Qashqai presenting for its MOT in 2024 has covered an average of 117,616 miles. At that mileage, suspension bushes and ball joints wear out on almost any car. The question is whether the Qashqai holds up better or worse than average.

The answer is worse. The UK average pass rate at similar mileage profiles is significantly higher. At 117,000 miles, a well-maintained car should still be passing its MOT reliably. The fact that nearly 4 in 10 high-mileage Qashqais are failing suggests the Mk1's suspension components are not as durable as the competition.

The contrast with the Mk3 is stark. A 2020 Qashqai at its first or second MOT has covered an average of 30,569 miles and passes 91.1% of the time. The engineering improvement between generations is real and substantial.