2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Nissan Serena MOT pass rate and common faults

130 MOT tests in 2024. 73.9% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

130Well above average
Passed first time73.9%
Failed or needed repairs26.1%
Typical mileage at test87,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 130 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.4%
    11 marked dangerous
  2. Position lamp: not working4.6%
  3. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid3.8%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.3%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.3%
  6. Rear fog lamp: does not emit a steady red light2.3%
  7. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.3%
  8. Rear fog lamp: not working2.3%
  9. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault1.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics16.2%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.9%
  3. Brakes6.2%
  4. Suspension6.2%
  5. Steering4.6%
  6. Tyres3.1%
  7. Seat belts & airbags1.5%
  8. Emissions & leaks1.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick16.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.9%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn13.1%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak10.0%
  5. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)7.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Serena years2009 Serena →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Nissan Serena?

In 2024, 73.9% of 2008 Nissan Serena cars passed their MOT first time, across 130 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Nissan Serena?

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; position lamp: not working; washers: provides insufficient washer liquid. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2008 Nissan Serena reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 130, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).