Nissan Common MOT Problems (2026)
Nissan models ranked by MOT fail rate, with typical issues to check for cars of each age and type. Based on 2,987,011 MOT tests (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Average Nissan MOT pass rate: 81%
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See the specific issues found on your car, plus health score and running cost estimates.
81%
Avg pass rate
19%
Avg fail rate
87
Models tested
Nissan Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021)
| # | Model | Fail Rate | Typical Issues (estimate) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nissan Almera | 29% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 2 | Nissan Pathfinder | 28% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Turbo issues | |
| 3 | Nissan Terrano | 28% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Turbo issues | |
| 4 | Nissan Primera | 27% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 5 | Nissan D22 | 27% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Turbo issues |
Most Reliable Nissan Models
Lowest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021). Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger.
All Nissan Models by Fail Rate
Every Nissan model and year with 300+ MOT tests (cars registered up to 2021), sorted by fail rate (highest first). Fuel type is shown as a guide.
| Model | Year | Pass Rate | Fail Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almera | 1997 | 64% | 36% | |
| Tiida | 2009 | 65% | 35% | |
| Qashqai | 2009 | 65% | 34% | |
| Qashqai | 2008 | 65% | 34% | |
| Qashqai | 2007 | 66% | 33% | |
| X-Trail | 2004 | 66% | 33% | |
| X-Trail | 2002 | 67% | 33% | |
| Almera | 1999 | 66% | 33% | |
| Qashqai | 2010 | 67% | 32% | |
| X-Trail | 2006 | 67% | 32% | |
| X-Trail | 2003 | 67% | 32% | |
| Micra | 1996 | 67% | 32% | |
| Terrano | 2005 | 67% | 32% | |
| Qashqai | 2011 | 69% | 31% | |
| Micra | 2001 | 69% | 31% | |
| X-Trail | 2007 | 69% | 31% | |
| X-Trail | 2005 | 68% | 31% | |
| Micra | 2000 | 68% | 31% | |
| X-Trail | 2009 | 69% | 31% | |
| Tiida | 2010 | 67% | 31% | |
| Micra | 1999 | 70% | 30% | |
| X-Trail | 2008 | 68% | 30% | |
| Micra | 1998 | 69% | 30% | |
| X-Trail | 2010 | 70% | 30% | |
| Micra | 1997 | 70% | 30% | |
| Pathfinder | 2009 | 69% | 30% | |
| Terrano | 2004 | 69% | 30% | |
| Primera | 2002 | 69% | 30% | |
| Micra | 1990 | 70% | 30% | |
| Qashqai | 2012 | 70% | 29% | |
| Micra | 2003 | 70% | 29% | |
| Note | 2006 | 70% | 29% | |
| Micra | 2002 | 70% | 29% | |
| Almera | 2005 | 70% | 29% | |
| X-Trail | 2011 | 70% | 29% | |
| Almera | 2003 | 71% | 29% | |
| Almera | 2002 | 70% | 29% | |
| Pathfinder | 2007 | 67% | 29% | |
| Pathfinder | 2006 | 68% | 29% | |
| Primera | 2005 | 70% | 29% | |
| Micra | 1995 | 70% | 29% | |
| Pathfinder | 2008 | 69% | 29% | |
| Primera | 2006 | 71% | 29% | |
| Almera | 2000 | 71% | 29% | |
| D22 | 2004 | 69% | 29% | |
| Murano | 2006 | 70% | 29% | |
| Juke | 2011 | 72% | 28% | |
| Micra | 2005 | 72% | 28% | |
| Note | 2007 | 72% | 28% | |
| Micra | 2004 | 71% | 28% |
Showing top 50 of 275 model/year combinations. View all Nissan models
Nissan MOT FAQ
What are the most common MOT problems on Nissan cars?
The most common MOT problems on Nissan cars vary by model and age, but typically include lighting defects, suspension wear, brake wear and tyre condition, which are the most common reasons for failure across all makes in DVSA's published MOT statistics. Older Nissan diesels are more prone to exhaust and emissions failures. Of the Nissan models with at least 1,000 tests, the Nissan Almera has the highest average fail rate at 29%.
Which Nissan model is the most reliable?
In our data, the Nissan GT-R has the best MOT record of the Nissan models with at least 1,000 tests: 95% of its 5,819 MOT tests ended in a pass and 3% in a fail. Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare models of a similar age.
What is the average MOT pass rate for Nissan?
The average MOT pass rate for Nissan is 81%, based on 2,987,011 MOT tests across 87 models (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That means roughly 19% of MOT tests on Nissan cars ended in a fail.
Nissan Model Problem Guides
Typical issues to check, rough repair costs and year-by-year MOT pass rates for each Nissan model
Check a Specific Nissan
Enter any reg plate to see the individual MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.