2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.5L Diesel · FX16 OND

The 2026‑07‑22 MOT at 40,246 miles failed, rendering the 2016 Nissan Qashqai presently unroadworthy. The failure concerned the near‑side front suspension arm ball joint dust cover, the off‑side front suspension arm ball joint dust cover, the off‑side front anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover and the near‑side front track rod end ball joint dust cover, all of which no longer prevent dirt ingress (5.3.4 (b) (ii) and 2.1.3 (g) (ii)). Since the previous test on 2025‑07‑09 at 38,770 miles passed without defect, the recent failures indicate a clear worsening trend in suspension component condition rather than isolated wear. The vehicle’s 40,246‑mile odometer reading equates to roughly 4,025 miles per year over its 10‑year lifespan, a figure that is low for its age and suggests periods of limited use or standing. Mileage accumulation is irregular: after a clean pass at 30,279 miles in July 2021, the car recorded 56,693 miles by July 2024 – an increase of 26,414 miles in three years – before dropping to 38,770 miles in July 2025 and then to 40,246 miles in July 2026, showing a pattern of rapid mileage gain followed by slower usage. The record is otherwise clean, with no major structural rust advisories noted in the earlier tests. A buyer should therefore inspect the front suspension assembly closely, checking for play or looseness in the ball joints, anti‑roll bar linkage and track rod end, and verify that dust covers have been replaced or that the components themselves show no excessive wear. Brake system condition must be examined, as the repeated tyre wear and previous advisories on tyre tread imply potential mis‑alignment or suspension issues that can affect brake disc and caliper wear. Finally, the chassis and structural areas around the suspension mounting points should be inspected for corrosion, and any previous advisories on wiper performance or tyre perishing should be confirmed as resolved.