At a Glance
The Nissan Qashqai has 26 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the J10 (2007-2013) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 4.3M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Nissan Qashqai common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Nissan Qashqai generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Nissan Qashqai Generations
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Most Common Nissan Qashqai MOT Failures
Every reason Nissan Qashqai vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 15.27% |
| 2 | Brake pads or linings worn | 8.78% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 8.67% |
| 4 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 6.61% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.21% |
| 6 | Tyre condition | 4.82% |
| 7 | Track rod end worn | 4.23% |
| 8 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.07% |
| 9 | Position lamp not working | 3.41% |
| 10 | Headlamp fault | 3.14% |
| 11 | Ball joint dust cover split | 3.03% |
| 12 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 2.54% |
| 13 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.42% |
| 14 | Stop lamp not working | 2.18% |
| 15 | Driveshaft fault | 1.91% |
| 16 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.78% |
| 17 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.76% |
| 18 | Front lamp not working | 1.76% |
| 19 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.49% |
| 20 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.42% |
| 21 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 1.29% |
| 22 | Indicator fault | 1.18% |
| 23 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 1.16% |
| 24 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.90% |
| 25 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.90% |
| 26 | Airbag warning light on | 0.65% |
| 27 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.50% |
| 28 | Exhaust system fault | 0.45% |
| 29 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.43% |
| 30 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.41% |
| 31 | Horn not working | 0.41% |
| 32 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.36% |
| 33 | Seat belt condition | 0.36% |
| 34 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.36% |
| 35 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.34% |
| 36 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.27% |
| 37 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.25% |
| 38 | ABS fault | 0.23% |
| 39 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.22% |
| 40 | Rear lamp not working | 0.20% |
| 41 | Steering rack fault | 0.20% |
| 42 | Brake lever fault | 0.20% |
| 43 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.17% |
| 44 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.17% |
| 45 | Brake pedal fault | 0.16% |
| 46 | Fog lamp not working | 0.14% |
| 47 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 48 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.12% |
| 49 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.12% |
| 50 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.11% |
| 51 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.11% |
| 52 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.10% |
| 53 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.10% |
| 54 | Brake caliper fault | 0.10% |
| 55 | Front suspension fault | 0.09% |
| 56 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.09% |
| 57 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.09% |
| 58 | Front passenger door fault | 0.09% |
| 59 | Parking brake condition | 0.08% |
| 60 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.07% |
| 61 | Engine oil leak | 0.06% |
| 62 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 63 | Driver door fault | 0.05% |
| 64 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.05% |
| 65 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 66 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.05% |
| 67 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 68 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.04% |
| 69 | Propshaft fault | 0.04% |
| 70 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.04% |
| 71 | Electrical switch fault | 0.04% |
| 72 | Driver airbag fault | 0.04% |
| 73 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.03% |
| 74 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.03% |
| 75 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 76 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 77 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.03% |
| 78 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Drag link end worn | 0.03% |
| 80 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 81 | Brake fluid leak | 0.03% |
| 82 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 83 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 84 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.02% |
| 85 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 86 | Rear suspension fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.01% |
| 88 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 89 | Steering lock fault | 0.01% |
| 90 | Chassis condition | 0.01% |
| 91 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 92 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.01% |
| 93 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 94 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 95 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 96 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 97 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 98 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 99 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 100 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 101 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 104 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 105 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 106 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 107 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 109 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 111 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 113 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 115 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 117 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 118 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 120 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 121 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 124 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 125 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 127 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 130 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 131 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 141 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 142 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 146 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 147 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 149 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 154 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 155 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 156 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 157 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 158 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 159 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 162 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 166 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 167 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 168 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 169 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 173 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 174 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 177 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 178 | Passenger hand grip fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 179 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Nissan Qashqai MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Nissan Qashqai, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Nissan Qashqai problems?
Based on analysis of 4.3M Nissan Qashqai MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 26 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Driveshaft fault". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Nissan Qashqai generation has the most problems?
The Nissan Qashqai J10 (2007-2013) (2007–2013) has the highest number of identified common problems (28). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Nissan Qashqai?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Nissan Qashqai owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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