What is the Nissan Qashqai MOT pass rate at 5–10 years?

In the 2016–2021 registration band, the Qashqai shows an 86.1% MOT pass rate across about 1.37 million recorded DVSA tests in this dataset.

Why do so many Qashqai MOT notes mention tyres?

Tyres worn close to the legal limit are the highest-volume owner-maintenance item for this model in our extract. That usually reflects usage and replacement timing rather than a unique Qashqai-only design fault.

Can I rely on this instead of an HPI or inspection?

No. This is model-level MOT research. Still run finance/write-off checks and a physical inspection on the specific vehicle.

Model research report · 2016–2021

Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai MOT pass rate for cars first registered 2016–2021 is 86.1% across 1.4 million official UK DVSA tests. This report then covers more than 1.85 million recorded defect notes for Nissan Qashqai models in that registration band. It shows common faults, MOT pass rates and maintenance trends to help you research the model before you buy.

Unlike a registration check, this report analyses how thousands of similar Nissan Qashqai models have performed at MOT over time — not just one vehicle.

86.1%
MOT pass rateshare of recorded tests that passed: 1.4M
MOT tests analysed1,366,931 official DVSA records: 1.8M
defect notes recorded1,848,705 · advisory to dangerous: 2016–21
registration yearssnapshot 23 July 2026

A fleet outcome for Nissan Qashqai models registered 2016–2021 — not a reliability score, and not a verdict on one car. Always check the specific vehicle.

Key findings

What the MOT record says about the Nissan Qashqai

86.1% MOT pass rate across 1.4 million tests.
64% of recorded defect notes relate to owner maintenance.
Tyres account for the largest volume of recorded MOT issues.
Engine management (MIL) warnings are the most common recurring systemic issue.
Headlamp alignment appears throughout the vehicle's life, from low to higher mileages.

Failure breakdown

How Nissan Qashqai MOT failures break down

Share of recorded defect notes by category in this age band — not MOT tests and not number of vehicles.

Owner maintenance1,191,388 notes
64.4%
Wear & tear360,684 notes
19.5%
Systemic37,476 notes
2%
Other259,157 notes
14%

Advisory

1,457,520

79% of notes

Minor

129,469

7% of notes

Major

171,182

9% of notes

Dangerous

90,534

5% of notes

Most common owner-maintenance faults

DVSA wording grouped as owner maintenance for this model and age band.

1
Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
314,227 notes5.2.3 (e)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Tread is close to (or at) the legal minimum, or wear is concentrated on an edge. That often points to alignment, pressure or suspension issues as well as simple age.
Why it happens
Under-inflation, poor alignment, aggressive driving or simply delayed replacement push tread below a safe/legal profile.
Buyer tip
Measure tread across the full width, check tyre age (DOT date) and look for uneven inner-edge wear.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
2
Headlamp aim too low
19,393 notes4.1.2 (a)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
This MOT defect usually indicates incorrect headlamp alignment following adjustment, suspension movement or repair work.
Why it happens
Aim drifts after suspension work, bumper repairs, bulb changes or simply from road vibration over time.
Buyer tip
Check beam alignment during inspection and ask whether the lamps were aimed after any recent suspension or bodywork.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
3
Windscreen washer not working
18,491 notes3.5 (a)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Washer jets are not delivering fluid. Testers need a clear screen; empty reservoirs, blocked jets or failed pumps are common.
Why it happens
Empty bottles, frozen/blocked jets, split pipes or a failed pump stop fluid reaching the screen.
Buyer tip
Top up fluid, test the jets on the driveway, and check for cracked bottles or split pipes in the engine bay.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
4
Shock absorbers has light misting of oil
13,287 notes5.3.2 (b)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
5
Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative
5,655 notes5.2.3 (h)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
The tyre pressure monitoring system is reporting a fault or is clearly not working, so you may not get a dashboard warning of under-inflation.
Why it happens
Flat battery sensors after tyre changes, damaged valves or control-module faults are common.
Buyer tip
Confirm whether sensors need replacing after recent tyre or wheel work, and check pressures manually anyway.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
6
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault
2,025 notes1.6 (b)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
The ABS system is reporting a fault or its wiring is damaged. You may lose anti-lock control in an emergency stop.
Why it happens
Wheel-speed sensors, damaged wiring or module faults set ABS warnings.
Buyer tip
Scan for ABS codes, check wheel-speed sensor wiring, and do not ignore a lit ABS lamp.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
7
Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed
1,560 notes7.1.2 (b)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Seat-belt webbing is frayed or lightly damaged, which can weaken the belt in a crash.
Why it happens
Abrasion at guides, trapped belts or age fray the webbing fibres.
Buyer tip
Pull each belt fully out and inspect for cuts, fraying and weak retraction.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
8
Electronic stability control warning lamp not working
1,547 notes7.12 (e)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Electronic stability control is reporting a fault or related wiring damage. Stability aids may be unavailable.
Why it happens
Sensor, wiring or module faults disable ESC and light the dashboard warning.
Buyer tip
Check for ESC/ASR lamps on ignition and ask for a scan if any warning stays on.
Severity
Usually maintenance related

Most common wear & tear faults

DVSA wording grouped as wear and tear for this model and age band.

1
Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak
158 notes8.2.1.1 (b)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
2
Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush
98 notes5.3.2 (c)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually wear related
3
Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak
58 notes8.2.2.1 (b)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
4
Brake pedal wearing smooth worn on edge
50 notes1.1.2 (c)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
The brake pedal rubber is worn smooth, reducing grip for your foot in the wet.
Why it happens
The pedal rubber wears through with daily use and is often left until an MOT flags it.
Buyer tip
A new pedal rubber is inexpensive — treat smooth pedals as a quick owner-maintenance fix.
Severity
Usually wear related
5
Emissions unable to be completed exhaust leak
33 notes8.2.1.2 (d)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
6
Brake performance unable to be tested wheel bearing
24 notes1.2.1 (g)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Service brake performance could not be fully verified, or a brake is binding/fluctuating. That often points to worn discs, seized calipers or hub issues.
Why it happens
Seized caliper slides, worn discs or contaminated friction material upset brake balance.
Buyer tip
Insist on a road test and a proper brake inspection; unresolved binding can destroy pads and hubs.
Severity
Usually wear related
7
Exhaust mounting defective rubbers worn.
21 notes6.1.2 (a)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
An exhaust mount is worn or the system is insecure/leaking. That can worsen noise, fumes and later emissions failures.
Why it happens
Rubber hangers perish and joints loosen with heat cycles and corrosion.
Buyer tip
Look under the car for hanging sections, cracked rubbers and sooty leak marks at joints.
Severity
Usually wear related
8
Service brake excessively fluctuating brakes worn
15 notes1.2.1 (e)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Service brake performance could not be fully verified, or a brake is binding/fluctuating. That often points to worn discs, seized calipers or hub issues.
Why it happens
Seized caliper slides, worn discs or contaminated friction material upset brake balance.
Buyer tip
Insist on a road test and a proper brake inspection; unresolved binding can destroy pads and hubs.
Severity
Usually wear related

Most common systemic faults

DVSA wording grouped as systemic patterns for this model and age band.

1
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
6,158 notes8.2.1.2 (h)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
2
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
5,947 notes8.2.2.2 (g)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
3
Brake pipe excessively damaged
276 notes1.1.11 (c)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
A brake pipe is damaged or heavily corroded. Pipe failure can cause sudden loss of braking effort.
Why it happens
Road salt, stone chips and age corrode metal pipes, especially along the underbody.
Buyer tip
Inspect metal pipes along the underbody and near calipers; corroded pipes should be replaced before you rely on the car.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
4
Anti-lock braking system wiring excessively damaged
217 notes1.6 (d)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
The ABS system is reporting a fault or its wiring is damaged. You may lose anti-lock control in an emergency stop.
Why it happens
Wheel-speed sensors, damaged wiring or module faults set ABS warnings.
Buyer tip
Scan for ABS codes, check wheel-speed sensor wiring, and do not ignore a lit ABS lamp.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
5
Registration plate inscription illegible cracked
171 notes0.1 (b)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
The number plate is cracked, deteriorated or hard to read. Plates must remain legible and securely fitted.
Why it happens
Age, stone chips, poor replacements or mounts that flex crack or fade plates.
Buyer tip
Budget for legal replacement plates; check fixing and any bike-rack or tow-bar obstruction.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
6
Exhaust mounting defective crack
86 notes6.1.2 (a)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
An exhaust mount is worn or the system is insecure/leaking. That can worsen noise, fumes and later emissions failures.
Why it happens
Rubber hangers perish and joints loosen with heat cycles and corrosion.
Buyer tip
Look under the car for hanging sections, cracked rubbers and sooty leak marks at joints.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
7
Emissions not tested Engine noisy
45 notes8.2.1.2 (d)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
8
Rear Electronic stability control wiring excessively damaged
30 notes7.12 (b)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Electronic stability control is reporting a fault or related wiring damage. Stability aids may be unavailable.
Why it happens
Sensor, wiring or module faults disable ESC and light the dashboard warning.
Buyer tip
Check for ESC/ASR lamps on ignition and ask for a scan if any warning stays on.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern

Nissan Qashqai research summary

Based on over 1.4 million official UK MOT tests, Nissan Qashqai models registered between 2016 and 2021 achieve a strong 86.1% MOT pass rate.

The majority of recorded MOT defects relate to routine owner maintenance, with tyres, lighting and washer systems accounting for most common faults seen on used examples in this age band.

Recurring systemic faults occur far less frequently, although engine management warning lamp (MIL) defects appear consistently across the dataset.

Overall, the data suggests that this generation of Nissan Qashqai is more likely to fail MOT due to maintenance items than widespread design faults, making service history and routine upkeep particularly important when buying used. Shoppers comparing a used Nissan Qashqai should treat this research summary as model-level context before inspecting any individual car.

What this report cannot tell you

This report describes model-level MOT trends, not the condition of any individual vehicle.

Two identical Nissan Qashqai models can have very different maintenance histories.

Use it to understand common patterns before inspecting a specific car — then check that car’s own MOT history.

Year by year

Recent category counts

Defect-note totals by calendar year in the serving extract (not MOT tests, not vehicles, not a prediction).

Year	Owner maintenance	Wear & tear	Systemic	Other
2021	111,513	20,712	2,440	23,082
2022	165,339	35,935	3,726	31,476
2023	205,757	54,245	5,435	37,572
2024	246,880	80,903	7,820	47,534
2025	262,565	107,362	10,898	58,873
2026	105,095	47,223	4,851	25,177

All counts are defect notes.

How we classify MOT faults

We group recorded DVSA defect wording into four research categories to help identify whether issues are more likely to reflect routine maintenance, expected wear, recurring model patterns or miscellaneous inspection outcomes.

Owner maintenance: Defects often linked to day-to-day upkeep — tyres, lamps, washers and other items a careful owner can usually prevent or fix promptly.
Wear & tear: Age- and mileage-related deterioration that accumulates with normal use, even when a car has been looked after.
Systemic: Recurring wording and patterns across the model fleet that may point to design, component or known-model tendencies rather than one careless owner.
Other: Inspection outcomes that do not sit cleanly in the three groups above, including mixed or less classifiable defect notes.

Dataset: 1,366,931 official UK DVSA MOT tests · 1,848,705 defect notes · 2016–2021 registrations · United Kingdom · snapshot 23 July 2026 · aggregated model-level MOT analysis.

Buying a used Nissan Qashqai: practical MOT checks

1Check tyre brand, age and inner-edge wear — Qashqai MOT notes are heavily tyre-led in this age band.
2Listen for suspension knocks and inspect dampers if the car has covered motorway miles.
3Verify any engine management light history and recent diagnostic work.
4Compare Qashqai against other family SUVs on MOT outcomes before you fall for cabin space alone.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Nissan Qashqai MOT pass rate at 5–10 years?: In the 2016–2021 registration band, the Qashqai shows an 86.1% MOT pass rate across about 1.37 million recorded DVSA tests in this dataset.
Why do so many Qashqai MOT notes mention tyres?: Tyres worn close to the legal limit are the highest-volume owner-maintenance item for this model in our extract. That usually reflects usage and replacement timing rather than a unique Qashqai-only design fault.
Can I rely on this instead of an HPI or inspection?: No. This is model-level MOT research. Still run finance/write-off checks and a physical inspection on the specific vehicle.

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What the MOT record says about the Nissan Qashqai

How Nissan Qashqai MOT failures break down

Most common owner-maintenance faults

Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge

Headlamp aim too low

Windscreen washer not working

Shock absorbers has light misting of oil

Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault

Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed

Electronic stability control warning lamp not working

Most common wear & tear faults

Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak

Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush

Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak

Brake pedal wearing smooth worn on edge

Emissions unable to be completed exhaust leak

Brake performance unable to be tested wheel bearing

Exhaust mounting defective rubbers worn.

Service brake excessively fluctuating brakes worn

Most common systemic faults

Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction

Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction

Brake pipe excessively damaged

Anti-lock braking system wiring excessively damaged

Registration plate inscription illegible cracked

Exhaust mounting defective crack

Emissions not tested Engine noisy

Rear Electronic stability control wiring excessively damaged