2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · SL12 XJO

This Nissan Qashqai has demonstrated a concerning pattern of repeated MOT failures despite passing tests just days later, most recently in January 2026 at 113,210 miles. The back-to-back pass and fail on the same date—with no recorded defects—suggests either a testing anomaly or a vehicle that narrowly avoided serious failings on critical components. The most recent test’s clean pass does not erase the implication of instability, particularly since the same issue (or issues) recurred in January 2025 at 99,054 miles, just 12 days before a pass at 99,055 miles. This inconsistency raises questions about whether the vehicle has undergone inconsistent maintenance or whether critical systems—such as brakes, suspension, or emissions—have been pushed to their limits without proper intervention. The mileage progression of 113,210 miles today indicates an average of roughly 8,086 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. However, the gap between the 2024 pass at 96,156 miles and the 2025 failures at 99,054 miles—just 2,900 miles in under a year—suggests either a period of heavy use or a delay in addressing underlying issues. The lack of intermediate MOTs or service records means there is no transparency on whether routine maintenance (such as brake pad replacements, suspension servicing, or fluid changes) was performed during this interval. Without this context, the buyer cannot assume the vehicle has been consistently cared for. Given the repeated near-failures, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system, particularly the rear calipers and discs, which are commonly linked to binding or uneven wear. The suspension components—front and rear bushes, coil springs, and struts—should be examined for excessive play, corrosion, or deformation, as these are often the cause of instability flagged in MOT tests. Additionally, the exhaust system should be checked for leaks or structural weakness, especially if the vehicle has been driven in wet or corrosive environments. The absence of recorded defects does not guarantee these areas are sound; the repeated close calls imply a need for rigorous scrutiny beyond the MOT’s scope.