2018 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · OY18 KZD

The Nissan Qashqai’s roadworthiness has deteriorated sharply over the past year, with the latest March 2026 test revealing two critical failures within ten days. The March 3 failure—just 23 miles before the subsequent pass—exposed a fractured offside rear coil spring alongside severely perishing rear tyres, both of which remained unresolved in the March 13 pass. This suggests either deferred repairs or a pattern of neglect, as the same tyres had been flagged for cracking since at least March 2025. The wiper issues, while minor, indicate chronic inattention to basic consumables, with smearing wipers noted as far back as the 2025 test. The most concerning development is the coil spring failure, which risks uneven load distribution and premature wear on associated components if left unaddressed. The vehicle’s low annual mileage—averaging around 5,300 miles—points to either infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity, which may explain why some wear items (like tyres and brakes) have been allowed to degrade beyond safe limits. The mileage gaps between tests are irregular: the 2024 pass at 34,148 miles was clean, but by February 2025 (39,043 miles), the car had already accumulated nearly 5,000 miles in a year while failing on thin brake pads and an ineffective parking brake. This abrupt shift from a defect-free MOT to multiple failures suggests either a change in ownership or a deliberate avoidance of maintenance. The most recent 3,500-mile jump between March 2025 and March 2026—despite the failures—implies the vehicle has been driven regularly, yet critical issues were not rectified. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the rear suspension, particularly the offside coil spring, as its failure poses a structural integrity risk. The rear tyres, now cracking severely on both sides, require urgent replacement to avoid blowout hazards. Brake system components—including pads and the parking brake—demonstrate a worrying trend, with thin pads and inefficiency noted in early 2025 persisting until the latest test. The front tyres, while not yet flagged, should be checked for similar perishing given the rear’s condition. Finally, the wiper system’s repeated failures, though non-critical, reflect a broader issue of deferred maintenance that may extend to other wear items like belts or fluids. Without evidence of recent repairs, the Qashqai presents a higher-than-average risk of hidden mechanical degradation.