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Nissan Primastar Common Problems, Faults & Repair Costs (2026)

Based on official DVSA MOT test data. View the most common MOT failure categories, pass rates, and estimated repair costs for the Nissan Primastar (2002–2014).

MOT Pass Rate

72.5%9.5% below national avg (82%)

Reliability rating: Average — based on approx. 8,000 tests

Dangerous Defects

2.50%

Moderate risk

Retest Rate

17.8%

of failed tests need a retest

Top MOT Failure Categories

1

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

Est. repair: £40–£200

17.5%
2

Suspension

Est. repair: £120–£450

18.0%
3

Brakes

Est. repair: £100–£350

15.5%
4

Tyres

Est. repair: £50–£120 per tyre

12.5%
5

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

Est. repair: £40–£200

10.5%

Where Faults Occur

30.0%

Front

31.0%

Rear

23.0%

Offside

Mileage Benchmarks

At 3 years

38,000 mi

At 5 years

65,000 mi

At 10 years

130,000 mi

Significantly higher or lower mileage than these benchmarks may indicate unusual usage patterns. Check the full MOT history for mileage consistency.

Is a Nissan Primastar a Good Buy?

The Nissan Primastar shows average reliability in MOT data. With a 72.5% pass rate, it sits 9.5% below the national average of 82%.

Budget for potential repairs in lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment and suspension. An independent pre-purchase inspection is recommended, especially for older examples. Always check the full MOT history for recurring issues.

Nissan Primastar MOT Check & History

View detailed MOT pass rates by year, mileage benchmarks, and full test history data for the Nissan Primastar.

View Nissan Primastar MOT Data

Check a Specific Nissan Primastar

Enter a registration number to view the full MOT history for any Nissan Primastar.

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Other Nissan Models

Nissan Qashqai

80.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Nissan Juke

79.5%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Nissan Micra

77.2%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Nissan Note

78.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Nissan X-Trail

79.2%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Nissan Leaf

88.5%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

View all Nissan models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common MOT faults on a Nissan Primastar?
The top MOT failure on the Nissan Primastar is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, accounting for approximately 17.5% of all failures. Other common issues include suspension and brakes.
What is the Nissan Primastar MOT pass rate?
The Nissan Primastar has an estimated MOT pass rate of 72.5%, which is 9.5% below the national average of 82%. This rates the Nissan Primastar as "Average" for MOT reliability.
Is the Nissan Primastar reliable?
Based on DVSA MOT data, the Nissan Primastar has a average reliability record with a 72.5% pass rate. It has a dangerous defect rate of 2.50% and a retest rate of 17.8%.
How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Primastar MOT failures?
Typical repair costs for Nissan Primastar MOT failures range from £30–£200 for lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues to £120–£450 for suspension problems. Prices are estimates based on typical UK independent garage rates.
What mileage should a Nissan Primastar have?
Based on MOT test data, the average Nissan Primastar covers approximately 38,000 mi by 3 years, 65,000 mi by 5 years, and 130,000 mi by 10 years. Significantly higher or lower mileage may warrant closer inspection.
Should I buy a used Nissan Primastar?
The Nissan Primastar requires careful inspection based on MOT data. Check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before purchasing, paying particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues and mileage consistency.
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