At a Glance
The Nissan Serena has 39 identified common problems across 4 generations, with the C23 (1992-2001) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 98K 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 Serena 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 Serena 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 Serena Generations
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Most Common Nissan Serena MOT Failures
Every reason Nissan Serena 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 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 13.21% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 10.63% |
| 3 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 8.54% |
| 4 | Exhaust system fault | 5.80% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.12% |
| 6 | Stop lamp not working | 4.93% |
| 7 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.86% |
| 8 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.81% |
| 9 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 3.33% |
| 10 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.03% |
| 11 | Tyre condition | 3.02% |
| 12 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.58% |
| 13 | Body corrosion or damage | 2.51% |
| 14 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.36% |
| 15 | Rear lamp not working | 1.68% |
| 16 | Front lamp not working | 1.51% |
| 17 | Parking brake condition | 1.23% |
| 18 | Fog lamp not working | 1.19% |
| 19 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.14% |
| 20 | Track rod end worn | 1.06% |
| 21 | Chassis condition | 0.99% |
| 22 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.95% |
| 23 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.85% |
| 24 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.84% |
| 25 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.83% |
| 26 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.75% |
| 27 | Seat belt condition | 0.66% |
| 28 | Position lamp not working | 0.65% |
| 29 | Steering rack fault | 0.59% |
| 30 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.57% |
| 31 | Headlamp fault | 0.51% |
| 32 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.47% |
| 33 | Driveshaft fault | 0.46% |
| 34 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.43% |
| 35 | Indicator fault | 0.41% |
| 36 | Rear suspension fault | 0.40% |
| 37 | Horn not working | 0.36% |
| 38 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.33% |
| 39 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.31% |
| 40 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.31% |
| 41 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.31% |
| 42 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.30% |
| 43 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.30% |
| 44 | Steering free play excessive | 0.30% |
| 45 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.29% |
| 46 | Brake fluid leak | 0.27% |
| 47 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.26% |
| 48 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.24% |
| 49 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.24% |
| 50 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.18% |
| 51 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.16% |
| 52 | Brake pedal fault | 0.16% |
| 53 | Steering arm worn | 0.15% |
| 54 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.15% |
| 55 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.15% |
| 56 | Front suspension fault | 0.14% |
| 57 | Airbag warning light on | 0.14% |
| 58 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.14% |
| 59 | Brake caliper fault | 0.13% |
| 60 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.12% |
| 61 | Electrical switch fault | 0.12% |
| 62 | Suspension unit fault | 0.11% |
| 63 | Drag link end worn | 0.10% |
| 64 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.09% |
| 65 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.09% |
| 66 | Power steering ram fault | 0.09% |
| 67 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.08% |
| 68 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.08% |
| 69 | Steering operation fault | 0.08% |
| 70 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.07% |
| 71 | Steering lock fault | 0.07% |
| 72 | Body security fault | 0.06% |
| 73 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.06% |
| 74 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 75 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.06% |
| 76 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 77 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.05% |
| 78 | Towbar fault | 0.05% |
| 79 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.05% |
| 80 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 81 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.05% |
| 82 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.05% |
| 83 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 84 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.05% |
| 85 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.05% |
| 86 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.04% |
| 87 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.04% |
| 88 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.04% |
| 89 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.04% |
| 90 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.04% |
| 91 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 92 | Steering column fault | 0.03% |
| 93 | Steering coupling worn | 0.03% |
| 94 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 95 | Power steering pump fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | ABS fault | 0.03% |
| 97 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 98 | Brake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 99 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 100 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Spring saddle corroded | 0.02% |
| 102 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.02% |
| 103 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 105 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Steering shaft fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 109 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.01% |
| 110 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 113 | CV joint worn | 0.01% |
| 114 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 117 | Engine oil leak | <0.01% |
| 118 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 120 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 123 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 128 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 130 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 131 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 132 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 135 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 136 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 138 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 141 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 142 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 143 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 147 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 148 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 149 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 156 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 158 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 161 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 162 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 165 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 166 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
Showing all 167 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Nissan Serena MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Nissan Serena, 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 Serena problems?
Based on analysis of 98K Nissan Serena MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 39 identified common problems across 4 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Suspension component mounting corroded". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Nissan Serena generation has the most problems?
The Nissan Serena C23 (1992-2001) (1992–2001) has the highest number of identified common problems (51). 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 Serena?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Nissan Serena owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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