2015 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · EU15 OFS

A clear pattern of front suspension and steering wear has emerged across the MOT history of this 2015 Nissan Qashqai, culminating in a failure on 2025-12-08 before a subsequent pass was secured just one week later on 2025-12-15. The failed test recorded major defects on both nearside and offside front suspension arm ball joint dust covers and both track rod end ball joint dust covers, all deemed to no longer prevent the ingress of dirt, alongside an advisory noting play in the offside front suspension arm pin or bush. Seven days later the vehicle returned with advisories for a nearside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit on edge and play in the nearside front steering rack inner joint, indicating that the repair work addressed the immediate failure items but the underlying wear on the front steering and suspension geometry remains a developing concern. The history shows this deterioration has been progressive rather than sudden, with the 2024-12-12 test already flagging severely deteriorated dust covers on all four front suspension and track rod ball joints, plus slight play in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint. The 2023 tests were clean and the 2022 entry noted only front tyre wear, so the front-end wear picture has worsened measurably over the last three testing cycles. With 119,504 miles recorded across roughly eleven years, this Qashqai averages around 10,800 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment. The annual mileage is consistent across the testing gaps visible in the record, with no extended absences from the road or sudden unexplained jumps in odometer readings between tests. This level of use means the braking, suspension and drivetrain components have experienced normal service life accumulation, and consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres and suspension bushes will have been subjected to steady wear rather than the rapid degradation sometimes seen on high-mileage vehicles. The mileage history supports a usage profile of regular daily driving rather than long idle periods. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension and steering assembly should be the primary focus of any physical inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps, potholes or uneven road surfaces, as this is characteristic of worn suspension arm bushes and ball joints with excessive play. Pay particular attention to steering response: any vagueness, clunks on full lock, or a tendency to wander or pull under braking would suggest the steering rack inner joint play and track rod end wear noted on the recent advisories have progressed beyond acceptable tolerance. With the engine running and the vehicle stationary, rocking the steering wheel from lock to lock while listening for grinding or rubbing can help reveal worn steering rack internals. A thorough inspection of all four front suspension arm ball joints, track rod ends and steering rack inner joints is essential, and replacing these components can be labour-intensive on this platform. The braking system also warrants close attention despite not appearing as a failure in the recent tests. The 2021 entries flagged pitted front brake discs and thinning front pads, which at typical mileage accumulation would mean replacement has been completed since then, but the condition of the current brake pads, discs and any flexible brake hoses should be physically verified. Check for any judder through the steering wheel or brake pedal during moderate to firm braking, which would indicate disc run-out or uneven pad wear. The nearside rear tyre noted as worn close to the legal limit on the most recent advisory should be inspected for uneven shoulder wear, as this can indicate rear suspension or alignment issues. Under the vehicle, inspect the subframe mounting points, lower suspension arms and anti-roll bar drop links for any surface corrosion or perished bushes, given the vehicle's age and mileage. Finally, verify that the nearside front side repeater lamp noted as inoperative on the 2021 failure has been rectified and remains functional, as electrical gremlins of this nature can recur on ageing Nissan wiring.