Nissan Primastar MOT pass rate and common problems
56.2% of 12,801 Nissan Primastar MOT tests pass.
The Primastar passes 56.2% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Nissan models (74.9%).
The Nissan Primastar passes 56.2% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Nissan Primastar?
This is the average across every Nissan Primastar 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 eases gradually with age, from 59.6% at 6–10 years to 56.6% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (13) | 13 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | 59.6% | 322 | 120,848 miles |
| 10–15 years | 54.8% | 4,021 | 135,895 miles |
| 15+ years | 56.6% | 8,445 | 150,774 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Nissan Primastar
The most common reason the Nissan Primastar fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 79.1% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 79.1% | Not working |
| Brakes | 72.1% | Efficiency below requirements |
| Suspension | 68.7% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Steering | 25.2% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Visibility | 20.0% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 19.3% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Tyres | 13.3% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.7% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 7.2% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.5% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Nissan Primastar: what to check
These checks follow the Nissan Primastar’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 Primastar comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 59.6% to 54.8%. 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: 73.8% down to 64.0%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 79.1% of failed Nissan Primastar MOTs.
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. Brakes
Recorded in 72.1% of failed Nissan Primastar MOTs.
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.
3. Suspension
Recorded in 68.7% of failed Nissan Primastar MOTs. 37.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 16.5% at 6–10 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.
4. Steering
Recorded in 25.2% of failed Nissan Primastar MOTs.
The steering should feel precise, without knocks or play, and the car should run straight. Turn to full lock both ways and listen for clunks.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 20.0% of failed Nissan Primastar MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
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 Elgrand — 77.1% pass rate
- Nissan Almera — 63.3% pass rate
- Nissan Pixo — 72.7% pass rate
- Nissan 350z — 80.5% pass rate
- Nissan Pathfinder — 63.1% pass rate
- Nissan E-NV200 — 81.0% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Nissan Primastar?
- 56.2% of Nissan Primastar MOT tests pass, based on 12,801 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Nissan Primastar?
- The most common reason the Nissan Primastar fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 79.1% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Nissan Primastar?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Nissan Primastar are lights and electrics; brakes; suspension.
- What should I check when buying a used Nissan Primastar?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; brakes; suspension; steering; windscreen and wipers. 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 Primastar'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.