2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Nissan Primera MOT pass rate and common faults

312 MOT tests in 2024. 49.7% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

86Well below average
Passed first time49.7%
Failed or needed repairs50.3%
Typical mileage at test89,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 312 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.1%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.8%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.2%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.8%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.5%
  6. Stop lamp: not working3.5%
  7. Position lamp: not working3.2%
  8. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.2%
    12 marked dangerous
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.9%
  10. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn2.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics42.9%
  2. Brakes25.6%
  3. Suspension21.2%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.0%
  5. Tyres8.3%
  6. Emissions & leaks8.3%
  7. Body & chassis8.0%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.6%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure16.0%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.7%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.4%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded13.1%

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: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. 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 2002 Nissan Primera?

In 2024, 49.7% of 2002 Nissan Primera cars passed their MOT first time, across 312 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Nissan Primera?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Nissan Primera reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 86, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).