At a Glance
Nissan has 234 identified common problems across 93 models, with the Navara being the most affected model and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 24.7M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Nissan common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 24.7M DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Nissan models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Nissan Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Showing top 9 by MOT test volume — search to find any of 93 Nissan models.
Micra
Most common: Suspension
Qashqai
Most common: Brakes
Almera
Most common: Brakes
Juke
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Note
Most common: Suspension
Primera
Most common: Brakes
X-trail
Most common: Brakes
Navara
Most common: Brakes
Sunny
Most common: Suspension
Most Common Nissan MOT Failures
Every reason Nissan vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 9.32% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 8.40% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.88% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.57% |
| 5 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.77% |
| 6 | Tyre condition | 4.56% |
| 7 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.86% |
| 8 | Front lamp not working | 3.73% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.72% |
| 10 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.72% |
| 11 | Stop lamp not working | 3.61% |
| 12 | Exhaust system fault | 3.07% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.52% |
| 14 | Driveshaft fault | 2.52% |
| 15 | Track rod end worn | 2.29% |
| 16 | Position lamp not working | 2.24% |
| 17 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.73% |
| 18 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.71% |
| 19 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.58% |
| 20 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.33% |
| 21 | Headlamp fault | 1.30% |
| 22 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.18% |
| 23 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.04% |
| 24 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.03% |
| 25 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.01% |
| 26 | Indicator fault | 0.87% |
| 27 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.77% |
| 28 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.76% |
| 29 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.70% |
| 30 | Fog lamp not working | 0.69% |
| 31 | Chassis condition | 0.68% |
| 32 | Rear lamp not working | 0.63% |
| 33 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.60% |
| 34 | Airbag warning light on | 0.59% |
| 35 | Seat belt condition | 0.54% |
| 36 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.48% |
| 37 | Parking brake condition | 0.44% |
| 38 | Rear suspension fault | 0.39% |
| 39 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.38% |
| 40 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.37% |
| 41 | Horn not working | 0.36% |
| 42 | Front suspension fault | 0.34% |
| 43 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.34% |
| 44 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.30% |
| 45 | ABS fault | 0.27% |
| 46 | Steering rack fault | 0.26% |
| 47 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.25% |
| 48 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.24% |
| 49 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.22% |
| 50 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.22% |
| 51 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.21% |
| 52 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.19% |
| 53 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.16% |
| 54 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.15% |
| 55 | Brake lever fault | 0.13% |
| 56 | Brake fluid leak | 0.13% |
| 57 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.13% |
| 58 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.11% |
| 59 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.10% |
| 60 | Brake caliper fault | 0.09% |
| 61 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.09% |
| 62 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 63 | Brake pedal fault | 0.08% |
| 64 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.08% |
| 65 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.08% |
| 66 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.07% |
| 67 | Engine oil leak | 0.07% |
| 68 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.07% |
| 69 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.06% |
| 70 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 71 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.06% |
| 72 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.06% |
| 73 | Electrical switch fault | 0.06% |
| 74 | Steering lock fault | 0.05% |
| 75 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.05% |
| 76 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 80 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 81 | Propshaft fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Drag link end worn | 0.03% |
| 83 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 84 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 85 | CV joint worn | 0.03% |
| 86 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Steering arm worn | 0.03% |
| 88 | Driver airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 90 | Driver door fault | 0.03% |
| 91 | Steering free play excessive | 0.03% |
| 92 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 93 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 94 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 98 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.02% |
| 100 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.02% |
| 102 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 104 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 105 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.01% |
| 106 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.01% |
| 111 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 113 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 114 | Steering column fault | 0.01% |
| 115 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.01% |
| 116 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 117 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 119 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 120 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 123 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 126 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 129 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 136 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 137 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 138 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 140 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 141 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 143 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 146 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 147 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 149 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 150 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 151 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 152 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 153 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 157 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 159 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 160 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 162 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 163 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 165 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 166 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 168 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 169 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 170 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 172 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 176 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 179 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 180 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 181 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 182 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 183 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 186 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 187 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 188 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 189 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 190 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 191 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 192 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 193 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 194 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 195 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 196 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 197 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 198 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 199 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 200 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 201 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 202 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 203 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 204 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 205 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 206 | Steering linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 207 | Passenger hand grip fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 207 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Nissan MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Nissan, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Nissan problems?
Based on analysis of 24.7M Nissan MOT tests from DVSA data, Nissan has 234 identified common problems across 93 models. The Nissan Navara has the most recorded problems. Suspension issues are the most common category.
Which Nissan model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Nissan Navara has the highest count with 72 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Nissan models on UK roads. See the models grid for a full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Nissan?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Nissan owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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