2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · DN16 SRX

A chronic pattern of nearside front suspension arm ball joint play has emerged across consecutive MOT tests, first noted in 2024 and recurring through to August 2025, which presents the most consistent mechanical concern in this Qashqai's record. While the January 2026 test returned a clean pass with no defects recorded, the persistence of this advisory over multiple visits suggests the component may be approaching the threshold of failure rather than simply representing a one-off observation. The August 2025 test also raised supplementary advisories including front brake pads wearing thin and a front tyre worn close to the legal limit on both edges, indicating that consumable wear items were beginning to demand attention even though the vehicle remained technically roadworthy. The broader test history shows three recorded failures across the period: a dangerous rear brake pad defect in August 2023 which would have presented a serious stopping-distance risk, a windscreen wiper failure on the offside in August 2024, and a nearside rear tyre cut exposing ply or cords noted alongside the brake fault. The 2023 brake pad failure is particularly noteworthy as it represents a component that had been allowed to wear beyond the point of safe operation, and the same test also recorded an offside rear tyre at the legal edge, pointing to a pattern of deferred brake and tyre maintenance at that point in the vehicle's life. At 81,769 miles over approximately ten years, this Qashqai accumulates around 8,177 miles annually, which sits within the typical range for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, and the mileage progression between tests appears broadly consistent with steady regular use rather than extended lay-up or unusually heavy accumulation. From a mechanical standpoint, this usage profile means the vehicle has experienced the kind of wear commensurate with normal commuter or family duties, and the components most likely to demand attention at this mileage band, including suspension bushes, brake discs, drive belts, and coolant system items, are consistent with those flagged in the advisories. The mileage does not raise any immediate red flag, but neither does it suggest the vehicle has been spared the typical wear associated with its age and category. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority should be a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension, specifically the nearside ball joint which has shown slight play across multiple tests. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, and check for uneven tyre wear on the nearside front which can indicate the joint is no longer holding precise alignment. A bouncy or unsettled ride quality, or any wandering in the steering, would suggest the component has progressed beyond the advisory stage. Given the dangerous brake pad failure recorded in 2023, the current state of the braking system warrants close inspection: the August 2025 advisory noted front pads wearing thin, so a test of pedal feel and response is essential, along with an examination of the rear brake hoses where a minor rubbing defect was noted against the inner arch liner in 2022, a fault which can develop into a fluid leak if the hose has continued to chafe. On the test drive, pay particular attention to any pulling to one side under braking, which can indicate a binding caliper, and listen for any grinding or squealing from the front discs that would confirm the thin pads have worn further since the last test. Inspect all four tyres carefully for both legal tread depth and edge wear, given the multiple advisories for tyres worn close to the limit on both front and rear axles, and check that none show sidewall damage similar to the deep cut that resulted in the 2023 tyre failure. Verify the operation of both front wiper blades and the washer system, as the 2024 failure of the offside wiper to clear the screen effectively suggests the wiper linkage or motor may be prone to deterioration. Finally, examine the inner arch liners and underbody areas for any sign of corrosion or fluid staining, particularly around the rear brake hose routing which was flagged for contact with the arch liner, and request evidence that the suspension ball joint and brake components flagged in earlier tests have been addressed since the most recent advisory was issued.