2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · DN66 SSJ

Chronic front suspension wear is the defining mechanical theme in this Qashqai's MOT record, with ball joint issues appearing across consecutive tests and a structural tyre failure on the rear offside recorded as a dangerous defect. The most recent test on 8 April 2026 returned a clean pass with no advisories, which on the surface suggests the front suspension concerns were addressed at the failed re-test on 22 November 2024. However, the pattern across the two 2024 examinations is more concerning than the latest result implies: an offside front ball joint was deemed excessively worn at the major defect level, the nearside dust cover was already severely deteriorated, and a dangerous rear tyre bulge required immediate replacement. The earlier 2023 fail adds further context, with an ABS warning lamp fault, an underperforming windscreen washer, and a recurring registration plate lamp issue that has persisted across three consecutive tests. Taken together, the record shows a vehicle that has had its suspension work touched at least once but with advisories stacking up around front-end wear, lighting minor defects, and tyre condition. The recorded mileage of 110,257 against an approximate ten-year age places this Qashqai broadly in line with typical annual accumulation at around 11,000 miles per year, with no dramatic spikes or unusual gaps between tests that would suggest prolonged standing or sudden high-mileage use. Testing frequency has been broadly annual, with two visits in 2024 separated by ten days reflecting the failed test and subsequent re-test, and consistent mileage progression between tests. For a diesel or petrol Qashqai of this age and mileage, the mechanical expectation is general consumable wear rather than catastrophic component failure, and the recorded defects align with this expectation. Buyers should nevertheless note that the ABS warning lamp fault flagged in 2023 was not recorded as resolved in any subsequent advisory, meaning it could have been rectified silently at the time or may still be latent. A prospective buyer should treat the front suspension as the primary inspection focus. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front end over speed humps, uneven surfaces, and during full-lock manoeuvres, particularly from the offside where excessive wear was previously recorded. Check for uneven or accelerated tyre wear on the front pair, excessive free play in the wheels when rocked by hand with the car raised, and any uneven tracking or steering pull that could indicate worn ball joints or bushes affecting geometry. The nearside front ball joint dust cover deterioration observed in 2024 should prompt a close visual inspection of the rubber boot for splits, grease leakage, or perished edges, as a damaged cover will accelerate joint wear once contamination enters. Given that the offside rear tyre suffered a structural separation at the last failure, the spare should also be checked for age, and the buyer should verify the age and condition of all four fitted tyres as a priority. The ABS warning lamp history deserves targeted verification. At the pre-purchase inspection, confirm with a diagnostic tool that no ABS or related wheel speed sensor fault codes are stored, even if the warning lamp is currently extinguished, as intermittent sensor faults on Qashqais of this age are common. The recurring registration plate lamp minor defect should be verified by simply checking both lamps illuminate correctly with the sidelights on, and the windscreen washer system should be operated to confirm adequate jetting onto the majority of the swept area. Beyond the flagged components, a Qashqai of this mileage warrants standard inspection of the rear brake drums or discs for binding or surface corrosion, exhaust mounting rubbers for perishing, and any signs of oil misting from the engine or transmission seals, as these are typical wear items not always captured in MOT testing but relevant to the vehicle's age and mileage profile.