Nissan Reliability UK 2026

How reliable is a Nissan? Here’s a data-led reliability profile based on first-time MOT pass rates, model-level breakdown, top failure categories, and a buyer’s verdict.

By Bertram Sargla, Founder, MOT CheckupLast updated: 2026-05-16Data sourced from DVSA

Nissan reliability snapshot: first-time MOT pass rate 79.7% (+15.7 pp vs the UK average of 64%). Across 12 Nissan models, the typical dangerous-defect rate is 1.75% and the average retest rate is 13.6%. Nissan clusters around the UK first-time MOT pass average. Reliability varies more by model than brand here — see the model breakdown below before buying.

Nissan first-time MOT pass rate

79.7%

Implied failure rate: 20.3% · UK average pass rate: 64%

vs UK average

+15.7 pp

Dangerous defects

1.75%

Retest rate

13.6%

How Nissan compares to the UK average

The UK national first-time MOT pass rate is 64%, with about 36% of cars failing on the first attempt.Nissan’s pass rate of 79.7% is 15.7 percentage points above that benchmark. That ’s a brand-average figure — individual Nissan models range from the high 60s to above 90%, so model and age matter more than the badge.

Nissan pass rate79.7%

UK average pass rate64%

Most reliable Nissan models

Ranked by first-time MOT pass rate across our reliability dataset. Restricted to models with meaningful sample size.

Nissan Ariya

2022–present · sample ≈3k

91%

Nissan Leaf

2011–present · sample ≈28k

88.5%

Nissan 370Z

2009–2021 · sample ≈4k

82.8%

Most problematic Nissan models

The Nissan models in our dataset with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates. A low pass rate doesn’t mean a bad car — older platforms naturally accumulate wear faster — but it does mean a pre-purchase MOT history check is essential.

Nissan Primastar

2002–2014 · sample ≈8k

72.5%

Nissan Navara

2004–present · sample ≈22k

76.5%

Nissan Micra

1998–present · sample ≈85k

77.2%

Run a free MOT check on a specific Nissan

Brand averages set expectations — a single car’s history is what actually decides whether it’s worth buying.

Free instant MOT history check at /free-mot-check.

Top MOT failure categories for Nissan

Aggregated across 12 Nissan models in our dataset, weighted by sample size.

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

16%

Suspension

14.2%

Brakes

12.2%

Tyres

10.6%

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

Nissan reliability — FAQ

Is Nissan a reliable car brand in the UK?

Nissan's first-time MOT pass rate of 79.7% is above the UK national average of 64%, putting it in the average band of brands for MOT reliability. We track 12 Nissan models in our dataset.

What is the most reliable Nissan model for MOT?

Based on first-time MOT pass rates, the most reliable Nissan models in our dataset are: Nissan Ariya (91%), Nissan Leaf (88.5%), Nissan 370Z (82.8%). Newer EV variants tend to score highest because they avoid emissions-related failures entirely.

Which Nissan models fail their MOT most often?

In our dataset, the Nissan models with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates are: Nissan Primastar (72.5%), Nissan Navara (76.5%), Nissan Micra (77.2%). These tend to be older or higher-mileage models; the same name in a newer year often performs noticeably better.

What are the most common MOT failures on a Nissan?

Aggregated across Nissan models, the most common MOT failure categories are: lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (16%), suspension (14.2%), brakes (12.2%). These align with the national pattern; lighting, suspension, and tyre defects dominate UK MOT failures across most brands.

Check a Nissan’s MOT history

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Source: MOT Checkup analysis of DVSA MOT test data. Brand-average pass rate is sample-size weighted across 12 Nissan models in our dataset. Individual cars vary considerably — always check the specific registration’s MOT history before buying.