At a Glance
The Nissan Sunny has 38 identified common problems across 4 generations, with the N14 (1991-1995) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 256K 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 Sunny 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 Sunny 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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Help other Nissan Sunny owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Nissan Sunny Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
B11
Most common MOT failure: Suspension component mounting corroded
B12
Top issue: Suspension component mounting corroded
N13
N14
Top issue: Suspension component mounting corroded
Most Common Nissan Sunny MOT Failures
Every reason Nissan Sunny 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 | 14.48% |
| 2 | Exhaust system fault | 8.44% |
| 3 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 7.27% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.28% |
| 5 | Suspension mounting corroded | 4.63% |
| 6 | Driveshaft fault | 4.46% |
| 7 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.26% |
| 8 | Tyre condition | 4.04% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.73% |
| 10 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.67% |
| 11 | Front lamp not working | 3.54% |
| 12 | Stop lamp not working | 3.31% |
| 13 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.94% |
| 14 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.92% |
| 15 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.39% |
| 16 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.32% |
| 17 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.97% |
| 18 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.96% |
| 19 | Chassis condition | 1.60% |
| 20 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.39% |
| 21 | Fog lamp not working | 1.27% |
| 22 | Indicator fault | 1.24% |
| 23 | Steering rack fault | 1.01% |
| 24 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.74% |
| 25 | Track rod end worn | 0.71% |
| 26 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.71% |
| 27 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.59% |
| 28 | Rear lamp not working | 0.55% |
| 29 | Parking brake condition | 0.51% |
| 30 | Seat belt condition | 0.50% |
| 31 | Rear suspension fault | 0.47% |
| 32 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.46% |
| 33 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.46% |
| 34 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.44% |
| 35 | Front suspension fault | 0.39% |
| 36 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.34% |
| 37 | Brake fluid leak | 0.26% |
| 38 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.26% |
| 39 | Horn not working | 0.25% |
| 40 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.25% |
| 41 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.22% |
| 42 | Position lamp not working | 0.22% |
| 43 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.18% |
| 44 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.18% |
| 45 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.16% |
| 46 | CV joint worn | 0.14% |
| 47 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.13% |
| 48 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.13% |
| 49 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.12% |
| 50 | Brake pedal fault | 0.12% |
| 51 | Electrical switch fault | 0.12% |
| 52 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.12% |
| 53 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.11% |
| 54 | Headlamp fault | 0.11% |
| 55 | Brake caliper fault | 0.11% |
| 56 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.10% |
| 57 | Steering lock fault | 0.10% |
| 58 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.09% |
| 59 | Body security fault | 0.07% |
| 60 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.07% |
| 61 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 62 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.06% |
| 63 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.06% |
| 64 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.06% |
| 65 | Suspension unit fault | 0.05% |
| 66 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 67 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 68 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 69 | Steering operation fault | 0.05% |
| 70 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.05% |
| 71 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 72 | Steering free play excessive | 0.04% |
| 73 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.04% |
| 74 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.03% |
| 75 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.03% |
| 76 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.03% |
| 77 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 78 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 79 | ABS fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Steering column fault | 0.03% |
| 81 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 82 | Power steering ram fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 84 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.02% |
| 85 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 86 | Suspension coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 87 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 88 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 90 | Brake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 91 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 92 | Power steering pump fault | 0.01% |
| 93 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 94 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 95 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.01% |
| 96 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.01% |
| 99 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 100 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 101 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 102 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 103 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 104 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 106 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | <0.01% |
| 107 | Engine oil leak | <0.01% |
| 108 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 112 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 117 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 124 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 125 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 126 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 129 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 133 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 134 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 138 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Airbag warning light on | <0.01% |
| 140 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 141 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 144 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 146 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 148 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 150 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 153 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 154 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 156 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 158 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 159 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 160 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 161 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
Showing all 162 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Nissan Sunny MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Nissan Sunny, 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 Sunny problems?
Based on analysis of 256K Nissan Sunny MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 38 identified common problems across 4 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Suspension component mounting corroded". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Nissan Sunny generation has the most problems?
The Nissan Sunny N14 (1991-1995) (1991–1995) has the highest number of identified common problems (45). 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 Sunny?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Nissan Sunny owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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