1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Nissan Micra MOT pass rate and common faults

501 MOT tests in 2024. 53.1% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

80Well below average
Passed first time53.1%
Failed or needed repairs46.9%
Typical mileage at test64,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 501 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength9.6%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.8%
  3. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced6.8%
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle5.8%
  5. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.4%
  6. Washers: not working3.0%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.0%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.8%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.8%
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
    27 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics24.6%
  2. Brakes21.8%
  3. Body & chassis19.2%
  4. Suspension18.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.2%
  6. Seat belts & airbags8.0%
  7. Emissions & leaks6.0%
  8. Tyres5.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.8%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.2%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.2%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible11.0%
  5. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn7.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. 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 1996 Nissan Micra?

In 2024, 53.1% of 1996 Nissan Micra cars passed their MOT first time, across 501 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Nissan Micra?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1996 Nissan Micra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 80, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).