2017 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · FD67 OWB

A chronic pattern of brake-related concerns defines the MOT history of this 2017 Nissan Qashqai, peaking in a serious failure during 2023 that warrants close scrutiny from any prospective buyer. On 17 August 2023 the vehicle was presented for test and categorised as failed with a Dangerous defect recorded for brake fluid not being visible to the inspector, alongside Major defects for an electronic braking system warning, service brake efficiency below the required threshold, an imbalance across the rear axle, and an insufficient windscreen washer supply. The car returned the very next day, 18 August 2023, and passed with no advisories, indicating that the braking issues were addressed promptly, but the cluster of related defects is a clear mechanical signal. The most recent assessment on 17 August 2026 returned a pass, yet it carried two advisories: exhaust corrosion and a worn offside front suspension arm pin or bush not yet resulting in excessive movement. With the 2023 episode in mind, the post-repair record shows three consecutive passes with no recorded defects, though the reappearance of suspension wear on the latest test suggests ongoing attention to the front axle is required. The recorded odometer stands at 56,651 miles across roughly nine years, producing an average annual accumulation of approximately 6,295 miles. This figure is broadly consistent with typical private use of the model and does not raise immediate concerns regarding either excessive motorway wear or extended periods of standing that would risk premature deterioration of components such as the braking system or underbody seals. Mileage progression between tests appears steady, with no gaps in annual testing and no abrupt jumps that would suggest clock irregularities or unusual usage patterns. The vehicle has been presented for inspection consistently from 2020 onwards, meaning the braking and suspension components have been examined annually since the 2023 rectification, providing a reasonable basis on which to judge their current state. Given the 2023 brake failure, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough evaluation of the entire braking system before purchase. The Dangerous brake fluid visibility issue combined with the low service brake efficiency and rear axle imbalance suggests that the master cylinder reservoir, fluid level sensor, or a leak somewhere in the hydraulic circuit may have been the underlying concern. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding from the rear calipers, particularly when first applying the brakes from cold, and feel for a soft or spongy pedal that does not firm up after a few applications. Check that the electronic stability control and ABS warning lamps extinguish promptly after ignition and that the handbrake holds the vehicle on a moderate incline without excessive travel. Inspect the brake fluid reservoir through the bonnet for any staining around the cap or seepage down the bulkhead, and examine the rear brake discs and pads for even wear, as imbalance across an axle often points to a seized caliper slide or a sticking handbrake mechanism. The recent advisories point to two further areas requiring hands-on inspection. The offside front arm pin or bush wear noted in August 2026 is consistent with the suspension design of this generation of Qashqai, where the front lower arm bushes are known to deteriorate and can produce knocking or clonking noises over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or when turning sharply at low speed. Carry out a test drive over varied surfaces and pay particular attention to any vertical or lateral clunking from the front end, vague steering response, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle. The exhaust corrosion advisory suggests the system should be physically inspected from underneath for perforation, particularly around the box sections, mounting rubbers, and joint flanges, as corroded exhausts on a nine-year-old vehicle can fail MOT emissions or noise requirements if deterioration progresses. Additionally, verify that the windscreen washer system is fully functional and that the fluid level is topped up, given the prior failure in that area, and confirm that the nearside front tyre and its offside counterpart are not showing inner or outer edge wear consistent with the 2021 advisories, which can recur if suspension geometry has shifted.