2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Nissan Elgrand MOT pass rate and common faults

361 MOT tests in 2024. 63.4% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time63.4%
Failed or needed repairs36.6%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 361 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.5%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.5%
    36 marked dangerous
  3. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.3%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.7%
  5. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn4.4%
  6. Rear fog lamp: not working4.4%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.6%
    20 marked dangerous
  8. Rear fog lamp: does not emit a steady red light3.3%
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.3%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.8%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Suspension28.3%
  2. Lights & electrics25.8%
  3. Brakes19.9%
  4. Tyres8.0%
  5. Body & chassis6.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks5.8%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.0%
  8. Steering3.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.2%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.8%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick14.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.9%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Nissan Elgrand?

In 2024, 63.4% of 2003 Nissan Elgrand cars passed their MOT first time, across 361 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Nissan Elgrand?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2003 Nissan Elgrand reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 111, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).