2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Diesel · EU16 DHC

The most recent DVSA examination on 10 November 2025 resulted in a PASS, though the vehicle carries forward a record from the immediately preceding attempt on 7 November 2025, which was failed on a Major defect classified as nearside front suspension arm ball joint excessively worn under section 5.3.4 (a) (i). That Major category defect represents a serious component-level failure of the front suspension, and the fact that the car subsequently passed three days later strongly suggests an emergency repair or replacement was carried out to clear the failure, rather than any gradual improvement in mechanical condition. Prior to this, the MOT history from 2019 through 2022 demonstrated a very clean record with no advisories at all, while the 2023 and 2024 tests introduced minor advisories relating to tyre wear and child seat inspection. Overall, the trend is one of a stable and well-maintained vehicle for most of its life, but the recent 2025 test sequence shows a clear deterioration in front suspension and steering component condition that warrants close attention from a prospective buyer. With a recorded mileage of 65,239 miles over approximately ten years, this Qashqai has covered an average of around 6,524 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a privately used family crossover of this age and segment. There is no evidence in the MOT history of unusually low annual mileage that would suggest prolonged periods of standing, nor any indication of high-rate accumulation that might indicate motorway fleet or heavy commuter use. That said, the relatively modest annual mileage often correlates with shorter journeys and colder operating conditions, which can accelerate brake disc and caliper corrosion, degrade the 12V battery through repeated shallow discharge cycles, and promote moisture accumulation in the engine oil. The buyer should therefore consider that calendar-based servicing of fluids and certain wear items is just as relevant as mileage-based servicing on this particular vehicle. The nearside front suspension arm ball joint failure from November 2025 is the single most significant item in the recent history, and although it was apparently rectified in time for the retest, a prospective buyer must establish exactly what work was carried out. Ideally, an invoice or receipt should be obtained confirming whether the complete suspension arm assembly, the ball joint alone, or related components such as the bushings or wishbone were replaced. Ball joint wear typically presents on the road as a clonking or knocking noise from the front suspension when traversing speed humps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, and it may also cause vague or wandering steering and uneven front tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges. The accompanying advisory regarding the nearside front track rod end ball joint dust cover being damaged or deteriorated is also relevant, as a perished dust cover will allow dirt and moisture ingress and lead to accelerated wear of the track rod end itself; symptoms to monitor include steering play, imprecise directional changes, and knocking under braking or over rough surfaces. The 2024 advisory for an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge further supports a pattern of front-end wear, and any new tyres fitted should be examined to confirm they are of matching size and specification. Given that this is a ten-year-old vehicle, several age-related items should be physically inspected regardless of the MOT record. Tyre sidewalls should be checked carefully for cracking, perishing, or rubber degradation from age, as tyres older than around five to six years may show surface crazing even with adequate tread depth. The brake discs, particularly the rear units on a Qashqai which are often solid items, should be examined for surface corrosion and the calipers should be checked for binding or seized slider pins, which is a common consequence of low annual mileage. The 12V battery is very likely due for replacement on a calendar basis given the vehicle's age, and the engine should be started from cold to observe smooth operation, absence of excessive smoke, and steady idling. Fluid services, particularly brake fluid (which is hygroscopic and typically requires renewal every two years regardless of mileage) and coolant, should be verified through the service book, while the underside should be inspected for any signs of fluid leakage from the power steering system, the suspension components that were recently replaced, and the exhaust system. A thorough road test on a variety of road types should confirm straight-line stability, absence of pulling under braking, and no unusual noises from the front suspension after the recent ball joint repair.