2021 Nissan Qashqai hybrid: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Nissan Qashqai hybrid?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Nissan Qashqai hybrid than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Brake pads1.8× usual
  Nissan Qashqai

  11.3% All 2021 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.1% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

Common 2021 Nissan Qashqai hybrid MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Nissan Qashqai hybrid MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  22% 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.

• Brakes
  13% 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 mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Lights and electrics
  3% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  2% 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 hybrid

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.

  Source: Car Mechanics: buying a Nissan Qashqai J11

• 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.

  Source: Car Mechanics: buying a Nissan Qashqai J11

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Nissan Qashqai hybrid

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Does it use much oil between services?
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2021 Nissan Qashqai hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?