2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Nissan Micra MOT pass rate and common faults

9,887 MOT tests in 2024. 51.8% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

92Well below average
Passed first time51.8%
Failed or needed repairs48.2%
Typical mileage at test80,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 9,887 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect8.5%
  2. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps6.2%
  3. Position lamp: not working4.9%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.6%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play4.6%
  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 dirt3.5%
  8. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.2%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
    451 marked dangerous
  10. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics56.5%
  2. Suspension24.2%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.2%
  4. Emissions & leaks8.3%
  5. Brakes7.4%
  6. Tyres7.4%
  7. Body & chassis7.2%
  8. Steering5.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.8%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn13.7%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.0%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.1%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.0%

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: 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 2004 Nissan Micra?

In 2024, 51.8% of 2004 Nissan Micra cars passed their MOT first time, across 9,887 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Nissan Micra?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Nissan Micra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 92, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).