2023 Nissan Qashqai — MOT failures & pass rate
2,027 MOT tests on the 2023 Nissan Qashqai are in this dataset, and 94.9% of them passed. Mid-size SUVs of a similar age fail at 5.6%, so the 2023 Qashqai sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in tyres, lighting & signalling and visibility.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — tyres (2.7%) and lighting & signalling (1.7%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp aim, wipers and tread depth — headlamp aim alone was recorded 47 times.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 14.3% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 2.7% | 55 |
| 2 | Lighting & signalling | 1.7% | 34 |
| 3 | Visibility | 1.3% | 26 |
| 4 | Brakes | 1.1% | 22 |
| 5 | Seat belts & restraints | 0.4% | 9 |
| 6 | Suspension | 0.4% | 7 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp aim | 47 |
| 2 | Wipers | 30 |
| 3 | Tread depth | 18 |
| 4 | Brake pads | 15 |
| 5 | Washers | 7 |
| 6 | Shock absorbers | 5 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 14.3% | 290 |
| 2 | Other defects | 6.5% | 131 |
| 3 | Brakes | 5.6% | 113 |
| 4 | Visibility | 3.1% | 62 |
| 5 | Suspension | 0.4% | 9 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 0.4% | 8 |
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 | 1,538 | 4.4% |
| 30-60k | 460 | 6.5% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 44 | 0.0% |
| 2025 | 1,979 | 5.3% |
What to check before buying a 2023 Qashqai
On a 2023 Qashqai, tyres is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 2.7% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Tyres (2.7% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
- Lighting & signalling (1.7% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Visibility (1.3% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
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 2023 Nissan Qashqais pass their MOT?
94.9% of the 2,027 2023 Nissan Qashqai MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 5.1% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2023 Nissan Qashqai?
Tyres, recorded in 2.7% of tests, followed by lighting & signalling (1.7%).
Does the 2023 Qashqai get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 4.4% in the 0-30k band to 6.5% in the 30-60k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 2,027 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.