2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Nissan Primera MOT pass rate and common faults

391 MOT tests in 2024. 53.7% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time53.7%
Failed or needed repairs46.3%
Typical mileage at test92,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 391 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Stop lamp: not working8.2%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.6%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.6%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.1%
  5. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.1%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.1%
    14 marked dangerous
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.1%
  8. Position lamp: not working3.1%
  9. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics48.3%
  2. Brakes23.8%
  3. Emissions & leaks18.7%
  4. Suspension17.4%
  5. Body & chassis11.3%
  6. Tyres8.2%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.9%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine17.9%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure16.1%
  4. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn13.8%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.3%

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: stop lamp: not working. 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 Primera?

In 2024, 53.7% of 2003 Nissan Primera cars passed their MOT first time, across 391 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were stop lamp: not working; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Nissan Primera reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 94, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).