2011 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · SL11 ABF

The most recent MOT history for this 2011 Nissan Qashqai reveals a concerning pattern of instability just before passing. The vehicle failed twice in quick succession in May 2023 and June 2025, yet both times passed the subsequent retest without recorded defects. This suggests either a tester’s oversight in the failure instances or a pattern of intermittent issues that only surface under specific conditions—likely related to suspension alignment, brake binding, or minor emissions irregularities that fluctuate with temperature or load. The June 2025 pass, just five days after failure, implies the owner addressed a critical but non-structural fault swiftly, though the lack of defect details leaves ambiguity about what was actually repaired. Mileage progression for this vehicle aligns closely with average usage for its age, averaging around 6,800 miles annually. The gaps between tests are consistent, with roughly 12–15 months between each MOT, and no unusual spikes or prolonged inactivity. The 1,680-mile jump between the 2023 failure and pass, and the 675-mile gap between the 2025 failure and pass, suggest the car was driven regularly but not excessively. However, the repeated failures at nearly identical mileages (97,234 and 103,225 miles) hint at a recurring issue tied to a specific component or wear threshold rather than a sudden failure mode. Given the lack of defect specifics in the MOT records, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear subframe and bushes, as these are common failure points in Qashqai models around this mileage. The repeated failures may indicate binding rear calipers, worn suspension bushes, or misaligned wheels—conditions that often go unnoticed until a test. Additionally, the brake system warrants scrutiny, as binding brakes are a frequent cause of MOT failures that aren’t always logged in detail. Structural corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches and sills, should also be checked, as this is a critical but often overlooked risk in a vehicle of this age. The absence of advisories in the passes is reassuring, but the history suggests proactive checks are essential.