2009 Nissan Qashqai — MOT failures & pass rate
165,645 MOT tests on the 2009 Nissan Qashqai are in this dataset, and 66.3% of them passed. Mid-size SUVs of a similar age fail 26.3% of the time, so this is 7.5pp worse than the group it competes with. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and steering.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (20.6%) and suspension (20.5%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are track rod end, ball joint and position lamp — track rod end alone was recorded 25,437 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 17.9% in the 0-30k band and 35.8% in the 150k+ band, a 17.9-point spread.
Split by fuel, diesel examples fail 2.9pp more often than petrol ones (35.3% vs 32.4%) — worth weighing if you have a choice.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: suspension was flagged on 39.0% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 20.6% | 34,110 |
| 2 | Suspension | 20.5% | 33,920 |
| 3 | Steering | 12.6% | 20,813 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 10.9% | 18,124 |
| 5 | Brakes | 9.0% | 14,989 |
| 6 | Visibility | 5.2% | 8,667 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Track rod end | 25,437 |
| 2 | Ball joint | 20,182 |
| 3 | Position lamp | 19,648 |
| 4 | Joints | 17,331 |
| 5 | Pins and bushes | 11,666 |
| 6 | Stop lamp | 9,205 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 39.0% | 64,633 |
| 2 | Brakes | 31.2% | 51,639 |
| 3 | Tyres | 28.3% | 46,935 |
| 4 | Other defects | 13.9% | 22,951 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 13.4% | 22,184 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 13.1% | 21,619 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 575 | 17.9% |
| 30-60k | 7,452 | 22.8% |
| 60-90k | 35,551 | 31.0% |
| 90-120k | 61,991 | 34.7% |
| 120-150k | 42,381 | 35.9% |
| 150k+ | 17,648 | 35.8% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 89,050 | 32.4% |
| Diesel | 76,593 | 35.3% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 36,636 | 32.5% |
| 2022 | 36,242 | 33.8% |
| 2023 | 34,327 | 34.1% |
| 2024 | 31,433 | 34.7% |
| 2025 | 27,007 | 33.8% |
What to check before buying a 2009 Qashqai
On a 2009 Qashqai, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 20.6% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (20.6% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (20.5% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Steering (12.6% of tests): Play, leaks or worn track rod ends — affects handling and is a safety item. Typical repair: £150–£500.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2009 Nissan Qashqais pass their MOT?
66.3% of the 165,645 2009 Nissan Qashqai MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 33.8% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2009 Nissan Qashqai?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 20.6% of tests, followed by suspension (20.5%).
Does the 2009 Qashqai get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 17.9% in the 0-30k band to 35.8% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 165,645 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.