Nissan Primera

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 16 model years from 6,903 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

72%

Total Tests

6,903

Highest Pass Rate

1998 (75%)

Years Covered

About the Nissan Primera

The Nissan Primera was MOT tested 6,903 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 16 model years (1991 to 2006), with an average pass rate of 72%. That's 10 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 petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 75% from 661 tests. The 2000 model has the lowest at 63%. The 12 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

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

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1991) averages 84,924 miles, while the newest (2006) averages 93,864 miles.

Compared to the Nissan brand average of 81%, the Primera is 9 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Nissan models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1769cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/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 2006 details

How reliable is the Nissan Primera?

vs average of all models-10% (82% avg)

vs Nissan brand average-9% (81% avg)

Best to worst year spread12 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

Nissan Primera by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2006	71%	876	93,864 mi
2005	70%	1,346	96,366 mi
2004	73%	884	101,219 mi
2003	71%	778	97,457 mi
2002	69%	573	93,604 mi
2001	71%	266	86,445 mi
2000	63%	153	91,010 mi
1999	72%	614	94,917 mi
1998	75%	661	98,694 mi
1997	74%	413	95,198 mi
1996	74%	119	102,610 mi
1995	78%	54	86,506 mi
1994	76%	34	71,893 mi
1993	59%	56	98,848 mi
1992	70%	40	86,859 mi
1991	78%	36	84,924 mi

Questions about the Nissan Primera

Is the Nissan Primera reliable?

Across its 16 model years in our data (1991 to 2006), the Nissan Primera averages a 72% MOT pass rate, from 6,903 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1998 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 75%.

Which year Nissan Primera has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Nissan Primera has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 63%, a 12 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.