At a Glance
The Nissan Pulsar has 10 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the C13 (2014-2018) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 138K 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 Pulsar 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 Pulsar 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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Browse Nissan Pulsar Generations
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Most Common Nissan Pulsar MOT Failures
Every reason Nissan Pulsar 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 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 14.72% |
| 2 | Brake pads or linings worn | 11.46% |
| 3 | Tyre condition | 11.38% |
| 4 | Track rod end worn | 5.92% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.33% |
| 6 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 4.22% |
| 7 | Position lamp not working | 3.54% |
| 8 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 3.43% |
| 9 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.39% |
| 10 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 3.24% |
| 11 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.09% |
| 12 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.07% |
| 13 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 2.24% |
| 14 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.93% |
| 15 | Stop lamp not working | 1.88% |
| 16 | Number plate lamp not working | 1.82% |
| 17 | Indicator fault | 1.62% |
| 18 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.34% |
| 19 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.19% |
| 20 | Driveshaft fault | 1.07% |
| 21 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 1.00% |
| 22 | Exhaust system fault | 0.94% |
| 23 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.81% |
| 24 | Fog lamp not working | 0.70% |
| 25 | Headlamp fault | 0.69% |
| 26 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.66% |
| 27 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.65% |
| 28 | Steering rack fault | 0.64% |
| 29 | Front lamp not working | 0.55% |
| 30 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.50% |
| 31 | Brake lever fault | 0.47% |
| 32 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.41% |
| 33 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.41% |
| 34 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.36% |
| 35 | Horn not working | 0.35% |
| 36 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.31% |
| 37 | Seat belt condition | 0.31% |
| 38 | ABS fault | 0.28% |
| 39 | Airbag warning light on | 0.28% |
| 40 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.27% |
| 41 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.27% |
| 42 | Chassis condition | 0.25% |
| 43 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.25% |
| 44 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.23% |
| 45 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.21% |
| 46 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.20% |
| 47 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.16% |
| 48 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.15% |
| 49 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.14% |
| 50 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.14% |
| 51 | Rear lamp not working | 0.14% |
| 52 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.13% |
| 53 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.11% |
| 54 | Engine oil leak | 0.11% |
| 55 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.10% |
| 56 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.10% |
| 57 | Steering lock fault | 0.09% |
| 58 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.09% |
| 59 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.08% |
| 60 | Driver seat fault | 0.08% |
| 61 | Front suspension fault | 0.07% |
| 62 | Brake caliper fault | 0.07% |
| 63 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.06% |
| 64 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.06% |
| 65 | Parking brake condition | 0.06% |
| 66 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 67 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.05% |
| 68 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.05% |
| 69 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.05% |
| 70 | Electrical switch fault | 0.05% |
| 71 | CV joint worn | 0.04% |
| 72 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 73 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 74 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 75 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 76 | Brake fluid leak | 0.03% |
| 77 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.03% |
| 78 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 80 | Brake pedal fault | 0.03% |
| 81 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 82 | Drag link end worn | 0.03% |
| 83 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.02% |
| 85 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 86 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.02% |
| 87 | Rear suspension fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.02% |
| 89 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 90 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 91 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 92 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 93 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 94 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.01% |
| 95 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.01% |
| 96 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.01% |
| 98 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 99 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.01% |
| 101 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Steering operation fault | 0.01% |
| 104 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.01% |
| 106 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 109 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 115 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 120 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 122 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 123 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 124 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 129 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 131 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 133 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 138 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 140 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 143 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 143 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Nissan Pulsar MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Nissan Pulsar, 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 Pulsar problems?
Based on analysis of 138K Nissan Pulsar MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 10 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Ball joint worn". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Nissan Pulsar generation has the most problems?
The Nissan Pulsar C13 (2014-2018) (2014–2018) has the highest number of identified common problems (10). 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 Pulsar?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Nissan Pulsar owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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