Part of the Nissan Qashqai Mk2 (J11) (2014–2021) guide: best and worst years compared.
2021 Nissan Qashqai diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Nissan Qashqai first registered in 2021 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 216 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 216 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2021 Nissan Qashqai diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Nissan Qashqai diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres23% 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.
- Seats and seatbelts6% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension2% 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 on the 2021 Nissan Qashqai diesel
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.
- 1.5 dCi diesel
Turbo and particulate filter (1.5 dCi)
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.
If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic
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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Nissan Qashqai diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Nissan Qashqai?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Nissan Qashqai compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 1,963 | Tyres 17% |
| 2022 | 44,556 | Tyres 21% |
| 2020 | 98,633 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 148,211 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 139,650 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 176,794 | Tyres 32% |
| 2016 | 173,164 | Tyres 32% |
| 2015 | 166,644 | Tyres 32% |
| 2014 | 132,431 | Suspension 41% |
| 2013 | 134,741 | Suspension 52% |
| 2012 | 119,401 | Suspension 56% |
| 2011 | 97,537 | Suspension 60% |
| 2010 | 89,993 | Suspension 61% |
| 2009 | 66,064 | Suspension 66% |
| 2008 | 38,220 | Suspension 65% |
| 2007 | 28,136 | Suspension 65% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Nissan Qashqai cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score