Nissan Primastar

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 13 model years from 18,019 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

67%

Total Tests

18,019

Highest Pass Rate

2009 (69%)

Years Covered

About the Nissan Primastar

The Nissan Primastar was MOT tested 18,019 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 13 model years (2002 to 2014), with an average pass rate of 67%. That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2009 model has the highest pass rate at 69% from 1,470 tests. The 2010 model has the lowest at 65%. With just a 4 point gap, pass rates are similar across these years. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

The Nissan Primastar has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2002) averages 149,766 miles, while the newest (2014) averages 121,231 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Nissan brand average of 81%, the Primastar is 14 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Nissan models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

£1,397

Road Tax

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,427

Per month£202/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2014 details

How reliable is the Nissan Primastar?

vs average of all models-15% (82% avg)

vs Nissan brand average-14% (81% avg)

Best to worst year spread4 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

Nissan Primastar by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	69%	908	121,231 mi
2013	68%	1,048	130,256 mi
2012	66%	983	136,981 mi
2011	67%	1,866	136,762 mi
2010	65%	872	141,695 mi
2009	69%	1,470	141,757 mi
2008	68%	1,765	144,508 mi
2007	68%	2,551	150,502 mi
2006	68%	2,109	151,442 mi
2005	68%	1,914	152,431 mi
2004	68%	1,531	155,712 mi
2003	67%	932	154,552 mi
2002	63%	70	149,766 mi

Questions about the Nissan Primastar

Is the Nissan Primastar reliable?

Across its 13 model years in our data (2002 to 2014), the Nissan Primastar averages a 67% MOT pass rate, from 18,019 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2009 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 69%.

Which year Nissan Primastar has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2009 Nissan Primastar has the highest MOT pass rate at 69%, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 65%, a 4 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.