1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Nissan Micra MOT pass rate and common faults

652 MOT tests in 2024. 53.5% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

82Well below average
Passed first time53.5%
Failed or needed repairs46.5%
Typical mileage at test70,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 652 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength13.7%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.4%
  3. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced5.4%
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.8%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.0%
  6. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced4.0%
  7. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.9%
  8. Stop lamp: not working2.9%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.9%
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics31.7%
  2. Brakes23.2%
  3. Suspension20.4%
  4. Body & chassis18.3%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.0%
  6. Seat belts & airbags6.7%
  7. Tyres4.4%
  8. Emissions & leaks4.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded13.5%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.7%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.5%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened11.0%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible9.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. 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 1997 Nissan Micra?

In 2024, 53.5% of 1997 Nissan Micra cars passed their MOT first time, across 652 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Nissan Micra?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Nissan Micra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 82, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).