2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Diesel · FN16 LDO

With two failures recorded across its recent test history but neither carrying any defect entries against the vehicle, this Qashqai presents an unusual mechanical profile that warrants careful scrutiny at the point of purchase. The most recent test on 2026-03-11 resulted in a failure, yet the DVSA record shows no advisories or specific component reasons listed, which typically suggests the failure was administrative or related to a category not captured in the defect log, such as tyre condition, emissions thresholds, or lighting items rectified at the time. The previous three tests all returned clean passes with no defects recorded, indicating that the underlying mechanical condition of the vehicle has otherwise been sound and consistent. The pattern therefore points to a car that is fundamentally roadworthy but where a physical pre-purchase inspection is essential to rule out the issues that may have caused the unrecorded March 2026 failure. Accumulated mileage of 154,769 miles across roughly ten years equates to an annual average of around 15,500 miles, which sits comfortably above the typical UK driver figure of 8,000 to 10,000 miles per year. This higher-than-average usage rate means the consumable and wear-item components on this Qashqai will have endured substantially more stress than on a lower-mileage equivalent. Brake pads, discs, tyres, coil springs, suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and the clutch mechanism are all likely to be approaching or past their service intervals, and drivetrain items such as CV joints, wheel bearings, and the dual-clutch or automatic transmission oil may be due for renewal. There are no significant testing gaps in the MOT record, which suggests the vehicle has remained in continuous use rather than suffering any long periods off the road that might have allowed brakes to seize, tyres to flat-spot, or fluids to degrade. From a buyer inspection standpoint, particular attention should be paid to the suspension geometry, given the high mileage. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps or potholes, which would indicate worn lower control arm bushes, drop links, or top mount bearings. The steering should be checked for any play, vibration through the rim, or pulling to one side under braking, which could point to worn track rod ends or a binding brake caliper. On a test drive, pay close attention to brake pedal feel, specifically any sponginess, judder, or excessive travel, as the brake discs and pads are likely to be nearing replacement and uneven wear on the discs could result in a subsequent MOT failure. A thorough under-bonnet examination is also recommended. With this level of mileage, oil seepage from the cam chain area, valve cover gasket, and front crankshaft seal is common on the 1.2 DIG-T and 1.5 dCi units often fitted to this generation of Qashqai, so look for any residue or staining on the engine block. Inspect the coolant and brake fluid colour and clarity, as neglected fluids can lead to corrosion within the cooling system and compromised braking performance. The tyres should be examined for even wear across the tread, as inner-edge wear often suggests camber issues from tired rear suspension bushings. Finally, verify that the March 2026 failure was addressed by requesting the corresponding repair invoices, since the absence of defect detail in the MOT entry makes it impossible to confirm from the test history alone that the underlying issue has been fully rectified.