At a Glance
The Nissan Note has 12 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the E11 (2006-2013) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 1.9M 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 our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Nissan Note common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Nissan Note generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Most Common Nissan Note MOT Failures
Every reason Nissan Note 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 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 14.82% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 12.93% |
| 3 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.69% |
| 4 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.59% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 6.57% |
| 6 | Position lamp not working | 6.33% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 4.95% |
| 8 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 4.05% |
| 9 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.46% |
| 10 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.66% |
| 11 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.43% |
| 12 | Front lamp not working | 2.22% |
| 13 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.04% |
| 14 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.83% |
| 15 | Exhaust system fault | 1.60% |
| 16 | Wheel bearing worn | 1.54% |
| 17 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.48% |
| 18 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.12% |
| 19 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.01% |
| 20 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.90% |
| 21 | Airbag warning light on | 0.81% |
| 22 | Headlamp fault | 0.77% |
| 23 | Driveshaft fault | 0.74% |
| 24 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.73% |
| 25 | Horn not working | 0.64% |
| 26 | Indicator fault | 0.60% |
| 27 | Rear suspension fault | 0.57% |
| 28 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.51% |
| 29 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.48% |
| 30 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.44% |
| 31 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.42% |
| 32 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.41% |
| 33 | Rear lamp not working | 0.38% |
| 34 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.33% |
| 35 | Brake lever fault | 0.32% |
| 36 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.29% |
| 37 | Seat belt condition | 0.28% |
| 38 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.25% |
| 39 | Fog lamp not working | 0.25% |
| 40 | Parking brake condition | 0.25% |
| 41 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.23% |
| 42 | ABS fault | 0.23% |
| 43 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.19% |
| 44 | Track rod end worn | 0.18% |
| 45 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.16% |
| 46 | Engine oil leak | 0.15% |
| 47 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.14% |
| 48 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.11% |
| 49 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.10% |
| 50 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.09% |
| 51 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.08% |
| 52 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 53 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.08% |
| 54 | Steering rack fault | 0.08% |
| 55 | Front suspension fault | 0.08% |
| 56 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.07% |
| 57 | Chassis condition | 0.06% |
| 58 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 59 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.06% |
| 60 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.06% |
| 61 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 62 | Brake pedal fault | 0.05% |
| 63 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 64 | Brake caliper fault | 0.05% |
| 65 | Driver door fault | 0.05% |
| 66 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.04% |
| 67 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 68 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.04% |
| 69 | Brake fluid leak | 0.03% |
| 70 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 71 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 72 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 73 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 74 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 75 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.02% |
| 76 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 77 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 78 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 79 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 80 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.02% |
| 81 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 82 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 83 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 84 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.01% |
| 85 | Propshaft fault | 0.01% |
| 86 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 87 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 88 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 89 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 90 | Steering lock fault | <0.01% |
| 91 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 92 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 93 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 94 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 95 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 96 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 97 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 98 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 99 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 100 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 101 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 102 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 103 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 104 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 105 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 106 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 107 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 108 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 110 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 111 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 113 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 114 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 117 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 121 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 122 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 126 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 130 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 140 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 141 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 144 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 145 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 147 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 148 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 150 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 151 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 152 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 159 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 160 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 161 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 162 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 164 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 165 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 166 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 167 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 171 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 172 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 177 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 177 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Nissan Note MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Nissan Note, 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 Note problems?
Based on analysis of 1.9M Nissan Note MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 12 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Coil spring broken or corroded". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Nissan Note generation has the most problems?
The Nissan Note E11 (2006-2013) (2006–2013) has the highest number of identified common problems (14). Click the generation card above for the 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 Note?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Nissan Note owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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