1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Nissan Primera MOT pass rate and common faults

197 MOT tests in 2024. 66.0% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

102About average
Passed first time66.0%
Failed or needed repairs34.0%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 197 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.6%
  2. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.6%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.6%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.0%
  5. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.5%
  6. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.5%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.5%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.0%
  10. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics18.3%
  2. Brakes16.8%
  3. Body & chassis15.2%
  4. Suspension14.2%
  5. Emissions & leaks13.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.6%
  7. Tyres4.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.7%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.7%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.2%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible11.2%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases10.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. 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.

← 1997 PrimeraAll Primera years1999 Primera →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Nissan Primera?

In 2024, 66.0% of 1998 Nissan Primera cars passed their MOT first time, across 197 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Nissan Primera?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Nissan Primera reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).