1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Nissan Micra MOT pass rate and common faults

1,239 MOT tests in 2024. 54.1% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

83Well below average
Passed first time54.1%
Failed or needed repairs45.9%
Typical mileage at test69,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,239 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength13.2%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.4%
  3. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced6.5%
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.3%
  5. Stop lamp: not working3.6%
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.3%
  7. Position lamp: not working3.1%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.1%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.4%
  10. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics31.6%
  2. Brakes21.6%
  3. Suspension20.1%
  4. Body & chassis17.3%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.1%
  6. Seat belts & airbags8.4%
  7. Tyres5.4%
  8. Emissions & leaks4.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.1%
  2. Registration plates: inscription illegible13.4%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.2%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.9%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened11.5%

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 1998 Nissan Micra?

In 2024, 54.1% of 1998 Nissan Micra cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,239 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 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 1998 Nissan Micra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 83, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).