2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Nissan Micra MOT pass rate and common faults

8,786 MOT tests in 2024. 51.6% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

90Well below average
Passed first time51.6%
Failed or needed repairs48.4%
Typical mileage at test75,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 8,786 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect7.3%
  2. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play5.3%
  3. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps5.2%
  4. Position lamp: not working4.4%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.0%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.6%
  7. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.4%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.1%
  9. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.1%
  10. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics50.5%
  2. Suspension25.2%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.7%
  4. Brakes10.0%
  5. Body & chassis8.5%
  6. Emissions & leaks8.2%
  7. Tyres7.4%
  8. Steering7.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.0%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.4%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn12.5%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.9%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.8%

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: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. 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 Micra?

In 2024, 51.6% of 2003 Nissan Micra cars passed their MOT first time, across 8,786 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play; registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Nissan Micra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 90, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).