Nissan Micra MOT pass rate and common problems
72.1% of 342,212 Nissan Micra MOT tests pass.
At 72.1%, the Micra passes slightly less often than the average across all Nissan models (74.9%).
The Nissan Micra passes 72.1% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Nissan Micra?
This is the average across every Nissan Micra in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Nissan’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the Nissan Micra tested at 0–3 years pass 94.4% of the time, compared with just 64.5% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 94.4% | 8,333 | 16,800 miles |
| 3–6 years | 87.4% | 32,375 | 27,875 miles |
| 6–10 years | 78.9% | 63,644 | 41,627 miles |
| 10–15 years | 72.3% | 87,536 | 64,091 miles |
| 15+ years | 64.5% | 150,324 | 80,122 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Nissan Micra
The most common reason the Nissan Micra fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 70.3% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 70.3% | Not working |
| Suspension | 49.2% | Pin or bush excessively worn |
| Brakes | 24.1% | Excessively binding |
| Visibility | 20.1% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Tyres | 17.4% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Body, chassis, structure | 13.1% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.2% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 5.2% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Steering | 4.2% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.2% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Nissan Micra: what to check
These checks follow the Nissan Micra’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Nissan Micra comes between 3–6 years and 6–10 years old, from 87.4% to 78.9%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 87.9% down to 75.7%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 70.3% of failed Nissan Micra MOTs. 41.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.5% at 0–3 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 49.2% of failed Nissan Micra MOTs. 23.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 1.4% at 0–3 years.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 24.1% of failed Nissan Micra MOTs. 10.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 0.8% at 0–3 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 20.1% of failed Nissan Micra MOTs. 8.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 1.2% at 0–3 years.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
5. Tyres
Recorded in 17.4% of failed Nissan Micra MOTs. 7.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 2.1% at 0–3 years.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Nissan service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Nissan models
- Nissan Qashqai — 75.0% pass rate
- Nissan Juke — 76.4% pass rate
- Nissan Note — 72.6% pass rate
- Nissan X-Trail — 75.5% pass rate
- Nissan Navara — 77.3% pass rate
- Nissan Leaf — 85.2% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Nissan Micra?
- 72.1% of Nissan Micra MOT tests pass, based on 342,212 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Nissan Micra?
- The most common reason the Nissan Micra fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 70.3% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Nissan Micra?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Nissan Micra are lights and electrics; suspension; brakes. 41.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.5% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Nissan Micra?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; brakes; windscreen and wipers; tyres. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Nissan Micra's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Nissan service history guide for how to check and keep one.