2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Nissan Almera MOT pass rate and common faults

1,953 MOT tests in 2024. 57.3% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

100About average
Passed first time57.3%
Failed or needed repairs42.8%
Typical mileage at test85,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,953 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.3%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.1%
  3. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.7%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.6%
  5. Stop lamp: not working3.1%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
    90 marked dangerous
  7. Position lamp: not working3.0%
  8. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.6%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.6%
  10. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.4%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics32.0%
  2. Brakes16.9%
  3. Suspension12.2%
  4. Emissions & leaks11.1%
  5. Body & chassis10.8%
  6. Tyres9.3%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.4%
  8. Steering3.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.6%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.9%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.0%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.0%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible9.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Nissan Almera?

In 2024, 57.3% of 2003 Nissan Almera cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,953 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Nissan Almera?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; service brake performance: excessively binding. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Nissan Almera reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 100, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).