CARMOTIQ Model Research Report
Nissan Qashqai
2016–2021
Unlike a registration check, this report analyses how thousands of similar Nissan Qashqai models have performed at MOT over time—not just one vehicle.
This report analyses 1.4 million official UK MOT tests and more than 1.85 million recorded defect notes for Nissan Qashqai models first registered between 2016 and 2021. It reveals common faults, MOT pass rates and maintenance trends to help you research the model before you buy.
Report Dataset
- Official UK DVSA MOT tests analysed
- 1,366,931
- Recorded defect notes
- 1,848,705
- Registration era
- 2016–2021
- Coverage
- United Kingdom
- Snapshot
- 23 July 2026
- Research method
- Aggregated model-level MOT analysis
MOT pass rate
86.1%
of MOT tests passed
MOT tests analysed
1,366,931
Defect notes recorded
1,848,705
Key Findings
Nissan Qashqai (2016–2021)
- 86.1% MOT pass rate across 1.4 million tests.
- 64% of recorded defect notes relate to owner maintenance.
- Tyres account for the largest volume of recorded MOT issues.
- Engine management (MIL) warnings are the most common recurring systemic issue.
- Headlamp alignment appears throughout the vehicle's life, from low to higher mileages.
Nissan Qashqai Research Summary
Based on over 1.4 million official UK MOT tests, Nissan Qashqai models registered between 2016 and 2021 achieve a strong 86.1% MOT pass rate.
The majority of recorded MOT defects relate to routine owner maintenance, with tyres, lighting and washer systems accounting for most common faults seen on used examples in this age band.
Recurring systemic faults occur far less frequently, although engine management warning lamp (MIL) defects appear consistently across the dataset.
Overall, the data suggests that this generation of Nissan Qashqai is more likely to fail MOT due to maintenance items than widespread design faults, making service history and routine upkeep particularly important when buying used. Shoppers comparing a used Nissan Qashqai should treat this research summary as model-level context before inspecting any individual car.
What this doesn't tell you
This report describes model-level MOT trends, not the condition of any individual vehicle.
Two identical Nissan Qashqai models can have very different maintenance histories.
Use this report to understand common patterns before inspecting a specific car.
How we classify MOT faults
We group recorded DVSA defect wording into four research categories to help identify whether issues are more likely to reflect routine maintenance, expected wear, recurring model patterns or miscellaneous inspection outcomes.
- Owner maintenance
- Defects often linked to day-to-day upkeep — for example tyres, lamps, washers and other items a careful owner can usually prevent or fix promptly.
- Wear & tear
- Age- and mileage-related deterioration that accumulates with normal use, even when a car has been looked after.
- Systemic
- Recurring wording and patterns that appear across the model fleet and may point to design, component or known-model tendencies rather than one careless owner.
- Other
- Inspection outcomes that do not sit cleanly in the three groups above, including mixed or less classifiable defect notes.
How MOT failures break down
Share of recorded defect notes by category for Nissan Qashqai in this age band (not MOT tests and not number of vehicles).
- Owner maintenance
64.4% · 1,191,388
defect notes
- Wear & tear
19.5% · 360,684
defect notes
- Systemic
2% · 37,476
defect notes
- Other
14% · 259,157
defect notes
Severity mix
How those defect notes were graded — advisory, minor, major or dangerous — summed across categories for this model band.
Advisory
1,457,520
defect notes
Minor
129,469
defect notes
Major
171,182
defect notes
Dangerous
90,534
defect notes
Most Common Owner-Maintenance Faults
DVSA wording grouped as owner maintenance for this model and age band.
Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
- Recorded
- 314,227 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.2.3 (e)
What it means
Tread is close to (or at) the legal minimum, or wear is concentrated on an edge. That often points to alignment, pressure or suspension issues as well as simple age.
Why it happens
Under-inflation, poor alignment, aggressive driving or simply delayed replacement push tread below a safe/legal profile.
Buyer tip
Measure tread across the full width, check tyre age (DOT date) and look for uneven inner-edge wear.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Headlamp aim too low
- Recorded
- 19,393 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 4.1.2 (a)
What it means
This MOT defect usually indicates incorrect headlamp alignment following adjustment, suspension movement or repair work.
Why it happens
Aim drifts after suspension work, bumper repairs, bulb changes or simply from road vibration over time.
Buyer tip
Check beam alignment during inspection and ask whether the lamps were aimed after any recent suspension or bodywork.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Windscreen washer not working
- Recorded
- 18,491 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 3.5 (a)
What it means
Washer jets are not delivering fluid. Testers need a clear screen; empty reservoirs, blocked jets or failed pumps are common.
Why it happens
Empty bottles, frozen/blocked jets, split pipes or a failed pump stop fluid reaching the screen.
Buyer tip
Top up fluid, test the jets on the driveway, and check for cracked bottles or split pipes in the engine bay.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Shock absorbers has light misting of oil
- Recorded
- 13,287 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.3.2 (b)
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative
- Recorded
- 5,655 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.2.3 (h)
What it means
The tyre pressure monitoring system is reporting a fault or is clearly not working, so you may not get a dashboard warning of under-inflation.
Why it happens
Flat battery sensors after tyre changes, damaged valves or control-module faults are common.
Buyer tip
Confirm whether sensors need replacing after recent tyre or wheel work, and check pressures manually anyway.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault
- Recorded
- 2,025 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.6 (b)
What it means
The ABS system is reporting a fault or its wiring is damaged. You may lose anti-lock control in an emergency stop.
Why it happens
Wheel-speed sensors, damaged wiring or module faults set ABS warnings.
Buyer tip
Scan for ABS codes, check wheel-speed sensor wiring, and do not ignore a lit ABS lamp.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed
- Recorded
- 1,560 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 7.1.2 (b)
What it means
Seat-belt webbing is frayed or lightly damaged, which can weaken the belt in a crash.
Why it happens
Abrasion at guides, trapped belts or age fray the webbing fibres.
Buyer tip
Pull each belt fully out and inspect for cuts, fraying and weak retraction.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Electronic stability control warning lamp not working
- Recorded
- 1,547 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 7.12 (e)
What it means
Electronic stability control is reporting a fault or related wiring damage. Stability aids may be unavailable.
Why it happens
Sensor, wiring or module faults disable ESC and light the dashboard warning.
Buyer tip
Check for ESC/ASR lamps on ignition and ask for a scan if any warning stays on.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Most Common Wear & Tear Faults
DVSA wording grouped as wear and tear for this model and age band.
Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak
- Recorded
- 158 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.1 (b)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush
- Recorded
- 98 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.3.2 (c)
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually wear related
Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak
- Recorded
- 58 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.2.1 (b)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
Brake pedal wearing smooth worn on edge
- Recorded
- 50 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.1.2 (c)
What it means
The brake pedal rubber is worn smooth, reducing grip for your foot in the wet.
Why it happens
The pedal rubber wears through with daily use and is often left until an MOT flags it.
Buyer tip
A new pedal rubber is inexpensive — treat smooth pedals as a quick owner-maintenance fix.
Severity
Usually wear related
Emissions unable to be completed exhaust leak
- Recorded
- 33 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.2 (d)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
Brake performance unable to be tested wheel bearing
- Recorded
- 24 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.2.1 (g)
What it means
Service brake performance could not be fully verified, or a brake is binding/fluctuating. That often points to worn discs, seized calipers or hub issues.
Why it happens
Seized caliper slides, worn discs or contaminated friction material upset brake balance.
Buyer tip
Insist on a road test and a proper brake inspection; unresolved binding can destroy pads and hubs.
Severity
Usually wear related
Exhaust mounting defective rubbers worn.
- Recorded
- 21 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 6.1.2 (a)
What it means
An exhaust mount is worn or the system is insecure/leaking. That can worsen noise, fumes and later emissions failures.
Why it happens
Rubber hangers perish and joints loosen with heat cycles and corrosion.
Buyer tip
Look under the car for hanging sections, cracked rubbers and sooty leak marks at joints.
Severity
Usually wear related
Service brake excessively fluctuating brakes worn
- Recorded
- 15 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.2.1 (e)
What it means
Service brake performance could not be fully verified, or a brake is binding/fluctuating. That often points to worn discs, seized calipers or hub issues.
Why it happens
Seized caliper slides, worn discs or contaminated friction material upset brake balance.
Buyer tip
Insist on a road test and a proper brake inspection; unresolved binding can destroy pads and hubs.
Severity
Usually wear related
Most Common Systemic Faults
DVSA wording grouped as systemic patterns for this model and age band.
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
- Recorded
- 6,158 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.2 (h)
What it means
The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
- Recorded
- 5,947 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.2.2 (g)
What it means
The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Brake pipe excessively damaged
- Recorded
- 276 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.1.11 (c)
What it means
A brake pipe is damaged or heavily corroded. Pipe failure can cause sudden loss of braking effort.
Why it happens
Road salt, stone chips and age corrode metal pipes, especially along the underbody.
Buyer tip
Inspect metal pipes along the underbody and near calipers; corroded pipes should be replaced before you rely on the car.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Anti-lock braking system wiring excessively damaged
- Recorded
- 217 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.6 (d)
What it means
The ABS system is reporting a fault or its wiring is damaged. You may lose anti-lock control in an emergency stop.
Why it happens
Wheel-speed sensors, damaged wiring or module faults set ABS warnings.
Buyer tip
Scan for ABS codes, check wheel-speed sensor wiring, and do not ignore a lit ABS lamp.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Registration plate inscription illegible cracked
- Recorded
- 171 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 0.1 (b)
What it means
The number plate is cracked, deteriorated or hard to read. Plates must remain legible and securely fitted.
Why it happens
Age, stone chips, poor replacements or mounts that flex crack or fade plates.
Buyer tip
Budget for legal replacement plates; check fixing and any bike-rack or tow-bar obstruction.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Exhaust mounting defective crack
- Recorded
- 86 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 6.1.2 (a)
What it means
An exhaust mount is worn or the system is insecure/leaking. That can worsen noise, fumes and later emissions failures.
Why it happens
Rubber hangers perish and joints loosen with heat cycles and corrosion.
Buyer tip
Look under the car for hanging sections, cracked rubbers and sooty leak marks at joints.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Emissions not tested Engine noisy
- Recorded
- 45 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.2 (d)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Rear Electronic stability control wiring excessively damaged
- Recorded
- 30 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 7.12 (b)
What it means
Electronic stability control is reporting a fault or related wiring damage. Stability aids may be unavailable.
Why it happens
Sensor, wiring or module faults disable ESC and light the dashboard warning.
Buyer tip
Check for ESC/ASR lamps on ignition and ask for a scan if any warning stays on.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Recent year-by-year category counts
Defect-note totals by calendar year in the serving extract (not MOT tests, not vehicles, and not a prediction).
| Year | Owner maintenance | Wear & tear | Systemic | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| defect notes | defect notes | defect notes | defect notes | |
| 2021 | 111,513 | 20,712 | 2,440 | 23,082 |
| 2022 | 165,339 | 35,935 | 3,726 | 31,476 |
| 2023 | 205,757 | 54,245 | 5,435 | 37,572 |
| 2024 | 246,880 | 80,903 | 7,820 | 47,534 |
| 2025 | 262,565 | 107,362 | 10,898 | 58,873 |
| 2026 | 105,095 | 47,223 | 4,851 | 25,177 |
Buying a used Nissan Qashqai: practical MOT checks
- Check tyre brand, age and inner-edge wear — Qashqai MOT notes are heavily tyre-led in this age band.
- Listen for suspension knocks and inspect dampers if the car has covered motorway miles.
- Verify any engine management light history and recent diagnostic work.
- Compare Qashqai against other family SUVs on MOT outcomes before you fall for cabin space alone.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Nissan Qashqai MOT pass rate at 5–10 years?
- In the 2016–2021 registration band, the Qashqai shows an 86.1% MOT pass rate across about 1.37 million recorded DVSA tests in this dataset.
- Why do so many Qashqai MOT notes mention tyres?
- Tyres worn close to the legal limit are the highest-volume owner-maintenance item for this model in our extract. That usually reflects usage and replacement timing rather than a unique Qashqai-only design fault.
- Can I rely on this instead of an HPI or inspection?
- No. This is model-level MOT research. Still run finance/write-off checks and a physical inspection on the specific vehicle.