2017 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · DF17 UAB

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 19 March 2026, resulted in a Pass with no defects recorded, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory roadworthiness standard on the day of inspection. It is, however, important to note that this Pass was achieved the day immediately following a Dangerous failure on 18 March 2026, which flagged serious deficiencies in the braking system and front suspension. Prior to this episode, the vehicle demonstrated a consistent and clean pass history from 2020 through 2025, with only one advisory noted in July 2022 regarding brake pads, brake disc corrosion, and rear tyre wear approaching legal limits. The sudden and clustered appearance of multiple Major and Dangerous defects after years of clean tests suggests either a period of deferred maintenance immediately prior to testing or component failures that reached an acute state. The fact that the car passed the following day implies remedial work was carried out promptly, but the severity and concentration of defects warrants close scrutiny from any prospective buyer to confirm that quality repairs have been completed rather than temporary or minimal rectification. Overall, the maintenance trend appears to have deteriorated sharply at the most recent test before being restored, so this vehicle should be regarded with cautious attention to the repaired areas. Mileage stands at 81,837 recorded miles over approximately nine years, equating to an annual usage rate of around 9,093 miles, which is broadly typical for a family SUV of this age and segment. The MOT record does not reveal any significant mileage gaps between tests, indicating the vehicle has been in consistent use rather than left standing for extended periods, which is generally favourable for mechanical longevity. Consistent annual mileage of this magnitude suggests that wear-related servicing of consumables such as brake friction material, tyres, and suspension components would have been performed at predictable intervals, though higher-mileage examples of the Qashqai can experience accelerated wear of the continuously variable transmission, clutch components in manual variants, and turbocharger ancillaries if predominantly used for short urban journeys. Given the volume of use, buyers should expect evidence of regular oil and filter changes, timing chain or belt replacement in line with Nissan schedules, and diligent attention to coolant and transmission fluid condition. The Dangerous failure for brake fluid not visible is a particularly serious finding, as it suggests either a substantial leak, fluid loss, or contamination within the hydraulic system, and this relates directly to the Major defect recorded for the offside front hydraulic brake calliper leaking at its flexible hose connection. A prospective buyer must verify that the calliper has been properly rebuilt or replaced with a quality unit, that the flexible brake hose is new and correctly routed, and that the brake fluid has been fully bled and refreshed to DOT 4 specification. The advisory noting that the offside front flexible brake hose was not secured to the strut indicates a possible routing or clip failure that could have contributed to chafing and ultimately the fluid leak; ensure the repair has addressed the underlying mounting issue, as otherwise the hose may chafe again. On a test drive, listen for any fluid noises from the brake pedal, sponginess underfoot, or pulling to one side under braking, and inspect under the wheel arch and behind the offside front wheel for residual fluid staining or fresh leaks. The Major defects relating to the nearside front suspension arm ball joint being excessively worn and the offside front coil spring being fractured or broken are equally serious. A worn ball joint will manifest as knocking or clonking noises from the front end over speed bumps, on uneven road surfaces, or during full lock manoeuvres, and may also produce uneven tyre wear on the inside shoulder of the nearside front tyre. A fractured coil spring is particularly hazardous as the broken section can potentially puncture a tyre or damage the suspension turret, and may produce audible rattling or a noticeably lower ride height on the affected corner. Both components must be confirmed as new or professionally overhauled, with the suspension geometry checked and a four-wheel alignment performed. Beyond the repaired items, the 2022 advisories for brake pad wear, disc corrosion, and rear tyre edge wear should prompt buyers to inspect the current brake pad and disc condition, as corroded discs from standing or infrequent heavy braking can cause brake shudder or judder under pedal pressure. Given the vehicle is now nine years old, also examine the tyres for sidewall cracking and perishing typical of age-related rubber degradation, test the 12-volt battery under load as older units may hold surface charge but fail under cranking demand, verify that brake fluid and coolant have been replaced within their calendar service intervals regardless of mileage, and inspect the underside for any corrosion beginning to take hold around suspension mounting points, subframes, and exhaust hangers, as the Qashqai in particular can be prone to rear axle corrosion on earlier production runs.