1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Nissan Primera MOT pass rate and common faults

116 MOT tests in 2024. 60.3% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

92Below average
Passed first time60.3%
Failed or needed repairs39.7%
Typical mileage at test88,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 116 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.8%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.8%
  3. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced6.0%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.3%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.4%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.4%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.4%
  8. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.4%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.4%
    12 marked dangerous
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes20.7%
  2. Body & chassis19.0%
  3. Suspension18.1%
  4. Lights & electrics13.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks8.6%
  6. Tyres7.8%
  7. Seat belts & airbags6.9%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded20.7%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure16.4%
  3. Registration plates: inscription illegible14.7%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened13.8%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.1%

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: 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.

All Primera years1998 Primera →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Nissan Primera?

In 2024, 60.3% of 1997 Nissan Primera cars passed their MOT first time, across 116 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

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

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

Is the 1997 Nissan Primera reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 92, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).