2021 Nissan Qashqai: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 Nissan Qashqais, from 15,476 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2021 Nissan Qashqais than on all cars registered in 2021.
- Brake pads2.2× usualNissan Qashqai14.8% All 2021 cars6.8%Rough price £80–£180
At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
- Wipers1.5× usualNissan Qashqai5.8% All 2021 cars3.8%Rough price £15–£60
At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.
By area
The share of 2021 Nissan Qashqai MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres25% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes19% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics4% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Seats and seatbelts4% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension3% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Oil burning (1.2 DIG-T)1.2 DIG-T petrol
Owners report heavy oil use and some piston failures on the 1.2 DIG-T petrol, sometimes needing a new engine.
At the viewing: Check the oil level on the dipstick. A spare bottle of oil in the boot is a warning sign. Listen for a noisy timing chain.
- Turbo and particulate filter (1.5 dCi)1.5 dCi diesel
The 1.5 dCi diesel’s turbo can fail early, and town-driven cars can block the EGR valve and particulate filter.
At the viewing: Listen for a whistle and loss of power, and watch for DPF or EGR warning lights.
- Rear springs breaking
Rear springs commonly snap. The first sign is a knock from the back over bumps.
At the viewing: Listen for a knock from the rear on bumpy roads.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 31,428 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 49,723 | Tyres 31% |
| 2018 | 47,031 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 59,502 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 58,096 | Suspension 36% |
| 2015 | 55,621 | Suspension 40% |
| 2014 | 43,675 | Suspension 48% |
| 2013 | 44,378 | Suspension 57% |
| 2012 | 38,724 | Suspension 59% |
| 2011 | 30,934 | Suspension 63% |
| 2010 | 27,883 | Suspension 64% |
| 2009 | 19,568 | Suspension 67% |
| 2008 | 11,014 | Suspension 66% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2021 Nissan Qashqais registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score