At a Glance
The Nissan Vanette has 52 identified common problems across 4 generations, with the S21 (1998-2011) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 143K 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 Vanette 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 Vanette 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 Vanette Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
C120
Most common MOT failure: Brake hydraulic component worn
C22
Top issue: Fuel pipe corroded or damaged
S20
Top issue: Brake hydraulic component worn
S21
Top issue: Brake hydraulic component worn
Most Common Nissan Vanette MOT Failures
Every reason Nissan Vanette 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 | 12.55% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 10.99% |
| 3 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.35% |
| 4 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 4.51% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 4.44% |
| 6 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.05% |
| 7 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.48% |
| 8 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.43% |
| 9 | Fog lamp not working | 3.30% |
| 10 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 2.83% |
| 11 | Exhaust system fault | 2.75% |
| 12 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.57% |
| 13 | Spring mounting corroded | 2.16% |
| 14 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 2.02% |
| 15 | Chassis condition | 1.90% |
| 16 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.79% |
| 17 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.76% |
| 18 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.64% |
| 19 | Stop lamp not working | 1.60% |
| 20 | Rear lamp not working | 1.55% |
| 21 | Windscreen washer not working | 1.53% |
| 22 | Front lamp not working | 1.48% |
| 23 | Track rod end worn | 1.28% |
| 24 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.16% |
| 25 | Parking brake condition | 1.14% |
| 26 | Seat belt condition | 0.95% |
| 27 | Indicator fault | 0.84% |
| 28 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.82% |
| 29 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.77% |
| 30 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.74% |
| 31 | Position lamp not working | 0.73% |
| 32 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.64% |
| 33 | Headlamp fault | 0.59% |
| 34 | Steering free play excessive | 0.52% |
| 35 | Steering rack fault | 0.49% |
| 36 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.47% |
| 37 | Drag link end worn | 0.43% |
| 38 | Front suspension fault | 0.34% |
| 39 | Steering arm worn | 0.33% |
| 40 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.30% |
| 41 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.28% |
| 42 | Horn not working | 0.28% |
| 43 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.28% |
| 44 | Steering operation fault | 0.27% |
| 45 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.26% |
| 46 | Rear suspension fault | 0.26% |
| 47 | Electrical switch fault | 0.25% |
| 48 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.25% |
| 49 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.23% |
| 50 | Brake fluid leak | 0.22% |
| 51 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.20% |
| 52 | Brake caliper fault | 0.20% |
| 53 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.20% |
| 54 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.19% |
| 55 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.18% |
| 56 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.18% |
| 57 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.18% |
| 58 | Driveshaft fault | 0.18% |
| 59 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.18% |
| 60 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.17% |
| 61 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.17% |
| 62 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.15% |
| 63 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.15% |
| 64 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.13% |
| 65 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.13% |
| 66 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.13% |
| 67 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.13% |
| 68 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.12% |
| 69 | Towbar fault | 0.11% |
| 70 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.10% |
| 71 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.10% |
| 72 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.10% |
| 73 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.09% |
| 74 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 75 | Steering lock fault | 0.09% |
| 76 | Power steering ram fault | 0.09% |
| 77 | Brake pedal fault | 0.09% |
| 78 | Power steering pump fault | 0.09% |
| 79 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.09% |
| 80 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.08% |
| 81 | Brake lever fault | 0.08% |
| 82 | Steering box fault | 0.08% |
| 83 | Steering coupling worn | 0.07% |
| 84 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.07% |
| 85 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.07% |
| 86 | Steering drive system fault | 0.07% |
| 87 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.07% |
| 88 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.06% |
| 89 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.06% |
| 90 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 91 | Spring saddle corroded | 0.06% |
| 92 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.06% |
| 93 | Steering column fault | 0.06% |
| 94 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.05% |
| 95 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.05% |
| 96 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.05% |
| 97 | Body security fault | 0.05% |
| 98 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.04% |
| 99 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 100 | Loading door damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 101 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 102 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.04% |
| 103 | Engine oil leak | 0.04% |
| 104 | Exhaust leak | 0.04% |
| 105 | Spare wheel fault | 0.04% |
| 106 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.03% |
| 107 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 108 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.03% |
| 109 | Steering shaft fault | 0.03% |
| 110 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.03% |
| 111 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 112 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 114 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.02% |
| 115 | Speedometer fault | 0.02% |
| 116 | ABS fault | 0.02% |
| 117 | Airbag warning light on | 0.02% |
| 118 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 119 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.02% |
| 120 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.02% |
| 121 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 122 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 123 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 124 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 125 | Brake servo fault | 0.02% |
| 126 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 127 | Driver seat fault | 0.01% |
| 128 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.01% |
| 129 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 130 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 131 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 132 | Brake valve fault | 0.01% |
| 133 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 134 | Universal joint worn | 0.01% |
| 135 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 138 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 141 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 145 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 146 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 148 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 149 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 150 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 153 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 154 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 158 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 159 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 160 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 161 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 162 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 163 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 165 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 167 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 170 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 171 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 172 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 174 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 175 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 176 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
Showing all 177 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Nissan Vanette MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Nissan Vanette, 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 Vanette problems?
Based on analysis of 143K Nissan Vanette MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 52 identified common problems across 4 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake hydraulic component worn". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Nissan Vanette generation has the most problems?
The Nissan Vanette S21 (1998-2011) (1998–2011) has the highest number of identified common problems (58). 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 Vanette?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Nissan Vanette owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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