2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Nissan X-Trail MOT pass rate and common faults

1,105 MOT tests in 2024. 52.7% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

92Well below average
Passed first time52.7%
Failed or needed repairs47.3%
Typical mileage at test120,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,105 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength8.0%
  2. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn6.7%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play5.2%
  4. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.1%
  5. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.5%
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.3%
  7. Position lamp: not working4.3%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.0%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.8%
  10. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.4%
    54 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension34.2%
  2. Brakes26.2%
  3. Lights & electrics25.4%
  4. Body & chassis16.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks11.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.9%
  7. Steering6.9%
  8. Tyres3.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened19.8%
  2. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened17.3%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.7%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.8%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded14.8%

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: 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 2003 Nissan X-Trail?

In 2024, 52.7% of 2003 Nissan X-Trail cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,105 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Nissan X-Trail?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2003 Nissan X-Trail 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).