2016 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · RJ16 ABZ

The 2016 Nissan Qashqai’s most recent MOT, conducted just eight months ago on 13 September 2025, passed with a single minor obstruction—an aftermarket child seat hindering belt inspection—but no major defects were recorded. However, the preceding test on 10 September 2025 revealed critical failures: rear brake pads at 1.1mm thickness (well below the 1.5mm threshold), a seriously pitted rear brake disc, and a catastrophic fluid leak from the offside rear shock absorber. This abrupt deterioration suggests either deferred maintenance or a sudden failure in suspension or braking components. The trend over the past two years is concerning, with repeated rear suspension and brake issues, despite earlier tests showing only minor wear. The 2024 test flagged thinning rear brake pads and degraded offside shock damping, while the 2023 test was clean—indicating a worsening pattern rather than isolated neglect. The recorded mileage of 59,626 miles over nine years (as of 2026) averages just 6,625 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age and model. The gap between the 2022 test at 48,978 miles and the next in 2023—just 4,604 miles in 15 months—suggests the vehicle was either lightly used or stood unused for extended periods. The subsequent 1,734-mile interval between the 2023 and 2024 tests is similarly modest, followed by a rapid accumulation of 4,215 miles between the 2024 and 2025 failures. While low mileage can reduce wear, it may also mask underlying issues if the vehicle was not regularly driven for proper lubrication and component stress testing. The lack of significant mileage between tests raises questions about whether critical components were adequately exercised to detect early failures. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the rear suspension and braking system, given the repeated failures in this area. The offside rear shock absorber leak in 2025 and its reduced damping effect in 2024 indicate a failing component that could compromise ride stability and handling. The near-side rear shock absorber was not explicitly tested in recent MOTs, but its condition should be verified alongside the offside unit. Brake pads and discs require thorough examination—particularly the rear axles—due to the 2025 failure and the 2024 advisory of thinning pads. Binding or unevenly worn brake calipers, excessive lateral wear on discs, or corrosion at the wheel hubs would signal deeper issues. Suspension bushes and coil springs should also be checked for cracking or deformation, as these often correlate with shock absorber failures. Structural corrosion at the rear subframe or sills, while not yet flagged, is a common concern for this model age and should be inspected, especially if the vehicle has spent time in wet or salted environments.