2015 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · EX15 VRD

A pattern of steering and suspension deterioration is the defining mechanical story of this Qashqai, with advisories accumulating around the front and rear coil springs, the offside rear shock absorber, and persistent play in the steering rack inner joints and track rod end across three consecutive tests. The most recent MOT on 2026-03-02 was a pass, but only with a renewed advisory for slight wear in the steering inner rack joints, following on from 2025-03-18 when a near-side track rod end ball joint was flagged for slight play alongside a damaged dust cover, and both offside coil springs and the offside rear shock absorber were recorded as corroded. The 2024 test had also noted play in the steering rack inner joints, indicating these advisories are not isolated one-offs but an evolving wear pattern concentrated in the steering and suspension geometry. The single recorded failure on 2021-03-16 for an offside front wiper not clearing the windscreen effectively is a minor component issue rather than a structural or mechanical concern and does not detract from the broader chassis-focused advisory trend. Recorded mileage of 107,492 miles over roughly eleven years equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 9,772 miles, which is consistent with typical mixed private use rather than the lower accumulation seen on cars used purely for short urban journeys or the higher figures associated with motorway commuting. The mileage progression across the seven recorded tests shows steady year-on-year increases of between roughly seven and thirteen thousand miles, with no gaps in testing or unusually static odometer readings that would suggest extended periods off the road. This continuous usage pattern means the suspension, braking, and drivetrain components have been worked regularly rather than suffering the corrosion and seized-bushing issues that can afflict vehicles left standing, but it also means wear items have accumulated normally for the mileage, which is reflected in the steering and suspension advisories now appearing. For a prospective buyer, the steering and suspension items flagged warrant close physical inspection before purchase. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed bumps, potholes, and rough tarmac, which would indicate that the worn rack inner joints or track rod end ball joint have progressed beyond slight play into a more obvious failure stage. With the engine running and the vehicle stationary, turn the steering from lock to lock and feel for any notching, ratcheting, or uneven resistance through the rack, while also checking for uneven tyre wear across the front pair, as this is a classic secondary symptom of the steering geometry wear being recorded. Pay particular attention to the offside front and rear coil springs and the offside rear shock absorber; visually inspect the spring coils for any surface pitting, flaking, or signs of cracking that has advanced beyond the recorded corrosion, and bounce each corner of the car firmly to confirm the shock absorber continues to damp the body movement effectively without the vehicle continuing to oscillate after release. Beyond the flagged components, carry out a thorough underside examination on a ramp or over a pit if possible, as the corrosion advisories on the rear suspension suggest surface oxidation is present and there is a reasonable chance other unprotected underbody components such as brake pipes, the rear subframe mounting points, and anti-roll bar linkages may show early corrosion that has not yet reached advisory threshold. Check the brake pedal for a firm, even feel without excessive travel or judder under hard application, as 107,000 miles of regular use means the front brake discs and pads will be approaching or past their second or third replacement, and uneven wear on the discs can produce visible scoring or a lip on the outer edge. Finally, inspect the offside front wiper blade contact pattern across the full swept arc, as the previous failure for ineffective clearing could recur if the wiper linkage has worn, and confirm all washer jets, front and rear wipers, and the horn function correctly as part of the standard pre-purchase checks appropriate to the recorded failure history.