Used car guide · 2007–2014

Nissan Qashqai Mk1 (J10): best and worst years, and what goes wrong

How every year of the Nissan Qashqai Mk1 (J10) did at its MOT in 2025 compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 216,176 MOT tests.

2008best year: 44% pass first time, 13 points below all 2008 cars
2009weakest year: 44% pass first time, 14 points below all 2009 cars
Track rod endsthe weak spot that shows up in 6 different years

Year by year

First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Nissan Qashqai Mk1 (J10), against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.

30%65%100%2008: 44% pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%) 44% 20082009: 44% pass first time (all 2009 cars: 58%) 44% 20092010: 46% pass first time (all 2010 cars: 59%) 46% 20102011: 48% pass first time (all 2011 cars: 61%) 48% 20112012: 50% pass first time (all 2012 cars: 63%) 50% 20122013: 53% pass first time (all 2013 cars: 66%) 53% 20132014: 65% pass first time (all 2014 cars: 69%) 65% 2014*
This model, first-time pass rate All cars registered that year · * changeover year: some cars are the previous or next generation
YearPass first timeAll cars that yearStands outMOT tests
200844%57% -13Track rod ends 5.5× usual11,014
200944%58% -14Track rod ends 5.6× usual19,568
201046%59% -13Track rod ends 5.4× usual27,883
201148%61% -13Track rod ends 5.6× usual30,934
201250%63% -13Track rod ends 5.4× usual38,724
201353%66% -13Track rod ends 6× usual44,378
2014*65%69% -4Ball joint dust cover 5.8× usual43,675

Weak spots across the Nissan Qashqai Mk1 (J10)

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.

  • Track rod endsup to 6× usual

    Stands out in 6 years: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Drive shaft (CV) jointsup to 4.7× usual

    Stands out in 6 years: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

  • Ball jointup to 3× usual

    Stands out in 6 years: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Brake padsup to 2.1× usual

    Stands out in 6 years: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.

    Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

  • Suspension armup to 4.4× usual

    Stands out in 4 years: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Known faults

From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.

  • Steering recalls

    This Qashqai was recalled five times over steering, including power steering that could fail on cars built August 2010 to August 2011.

    Check: Ask a Nissan dealer to check the VIN.

    Source: Auto Express: used Nissan Qashqai Mk1 review

  • Cambelt on the 1.5 dCi

    The 1.5 dCi diesel has a cambelt due every 6 years or 100,000 miles.

    Check: Look for the cambelt receipt.

    If it needs doing: Timing belt (cambelt) change, about £300–£700 (often with the water pump). ClickMechanic

    Source: Auto Express: used Nissan Qashqai Mk1 review

  • Ignition barrel failure

    The ignition barrel can fail so the key won't come out or the engine won't switch off. It's about £500 to fix.

    Check: Turn the key through every position and take it out.

    Source: Auto Express: used Nissan Qashqai Mk1 review

  • Worn rear shocks

    Rattles from the rear suspension and worn rear shock absorbers are common.

    Check: Listen over bumps and look for oily shock absorbers behind the rear wheels.

    If it needs doing: Shock absorbers (pair), about £200–£300. ClickMechanic

    Source: Auto Express: used Nissan Qashqai Mk1 review

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score

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