Family SUV · 1997–2021 cars

Nissan Qashqai reliability

The Nissan Qashqai fails 30.4% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 1,778,676 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

Below averageReliability score 37/100#52 of 59 family suvs

Checking a Nissan Qashqai before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 30.4%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 15% more; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 1,778,676; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 8,500; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

What this means for buyers

The Nissan Qashqai is a below-average buy on MOT results. Its first-time fail rate is 30.4%, against 28.4% for all cars. Compared with cars of the same age and mileage, it has 15% more MOT fails. It ranks 52 of 59 in its category. Steering is its weakest area, with 242% more fails than cars of the same age and mileage.

A below-average model can still be a good buy if you check the right things. Model year matters: 2020 cars had 21% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, while 2009 cars had 35% more. When viewing one, check the track rod ends and suspension ball joints, the most common failures at 3.98% and 3.93% of tests. Then check the brake pads and position lamps, at 3.43% and 3.35% of tests.

MOT fail rate by age

How the Nissan Qashqai ages

Each point is the share of Nissan Qashqais of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

Nissan QashqaiAll cars

Nissan Qashqai first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	Nissan Qashqai	All cars
3	10.5%	12.3%
4	13.6%	14.1%
5	16.3%	16.4%
6	18.4%	19.1%
7	22.1%	22.1%
8	26.9%	25.5%
9	34.1%	28.8%
10	41.7%	31.8%
11	47%	34.6%
12	50.6%	37.3%
13	53.5%	39.5%
14	56.2%	41.1%
15	56%	42.3%
16	55.7%	42.9%
17	56.2%	43.4%

By year

The best and worst Nissan Qashqai years

2020 cars come out best and 2009 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

Nissan Qashqai MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2021 Qashqai	11,675	9.6%	17% fewer fails	24,806
2020 Qashqai	55,771	9.5%	21% fewer fails	27,159
2019 Qashqai	137,282	12.4%	8% fewer fails	31,906
2018 Qashqai	162,317	15.3%	0% more fails	38,612
2017 Qashqai	203,032	17.6%	2% fewer fails	46,258
2016 Qashqai	196,908	20.8%	1% fewer fails	54,981
2015 Qashqai	188,437	23.9%	3% fewer fails	64,482
2014 Qashqai	148,500	28.7%	2% more fails	73,906
2013 Qashqai	152,545	40.6%	29% more fails	79,787
2012 Qashqai	136,698	46%	32% more fails	89,181
2011 Qashqai	113,813	48.1%	27% more fails	97,136
2010 Qashqai	106,677	51.8%	28% more fails	105,890
2009 Qashqai	80,515	56.8%	35% more fails	110,796
2008 Qashqai	47,783	56.5%	30% more fails	114,149
2007 Qashqai	36,621	55.4%	25% more fails	116,653

Common problems

What fails most on a Nissan Qashqai

Its weak spot is steering: 242% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Suspension12.1%54% above avg
Lights and electrics10%2% above avg
Brakes7.7%31% above avg
Tyres5.7%12% below avg
Steering5.5%242% above avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5%17% above avg
Body, chassis and structure4.2%58% above avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.4%7% below avg
Seat belts and airbags1.6%112% above avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 3.98% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
2
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.93% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
3
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 3.43% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
4
Position lamp not working 3.35% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
5
CV joint boot split or insecure 2.78% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
6
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.49% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
7
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.97% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
8
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.91% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Nissan Qashqai's MOT certificate most often.

Tyre worn close to legal limit14.29%
Brake pads wearing thin13.07%
Brake disc pitted or scored9.17%
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking9.14%
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear6.97%
Child seat limits belt inspection3.96%

Before you buy

What to check on a used Nissan Qashqai

1
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
2
Suspension ball joint excessively worn
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
3
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
4
Position lamp not working
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
6
The mileage record
A typical Nissan Qashqai covers about 8,500 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.

Fuel types tested

Diesel53.6%
Petrol46.2%
Hybrid0.2%
LPG0%
Electric0%
Other0%

Most common colours

Black, Grey, White, Blue, Red

Average engine size: 1.5 litres.

Compare

How the Nissan Qashqai compares with its rivals

Nissan Qashqai against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque	15.2%	33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Volkswagen Tiguan	17.4%	24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Honda CR-V	25.6%	22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Land Rover Freelander	33.4%	17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Ford Kuga	20.2%	12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Kia Sportage	22.8%	about average for its age
Nissan Qashqai	30.4%	15% more MOT fails than the average car its age

Every family suv ranked in the family suv reliability index, or all Nissan models.

Questions

Nissan Qashqai questions, answered

Is the Nissan Qashqai reliable?

On MOT results, the Nissan Qashqai is below average: it fails 30.4% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 52 of 59 family suv models in our index.

What fails most on a Nissan Qashqai MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the Nissan Qashqai are track rod end ball joint excessively worn (3.98% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (3.93% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (3.43% of tests). By area, suspension fails 12.1% of its tests.

Which Nissan Qashqai year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2020 cars do best (21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2009 cars do worst (35% more MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a Nissan Qashqai do a year?

A typical Nissan Qashqai covers about 8,500 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.

How do I check a Nissan Qashqai before I buy it?

Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.

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