Nissan Elgrand MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 12,788 MOT tests on the Nissan Elgrand carried out in 2023. 32% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Elgrands passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2002 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2006 models did best (73% passed, +16.3 points against the average for 17-year-old cars), while 2021 models fared worst (67%, −23.8 points). Tested cars had covered 88,962 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 15.5% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 7.6% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 12,788
- First-time pass rate
- 68%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −3.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 88,962
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Elgrand?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Elgrand MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 562 | 67% | 91% | −23.8 points | 80,796 |
| 2020 | 629 | 68% | 88% | −19.9 points | 85,670 |
| 2019 | 570 | 68% | 86% | −18.5 points | 90,011 |
| 2018 | 528 | 61% | 84% | −23.4 points | 94,691 |
| 2017 | 730 | 59% | 82% | −22.8 points | 103,606 |
| 2016 | 614 | 57% | 79% | −21.3 points | 109,498 |
| 2015 | 487 | 62% | 75% | −13.9 points | 115,548 |
| 2014 | 261 | 65% | 72% | −6.6 points | 117,179 |
| 2013 | 224 | 67% | 68% | −1.7 points | 108,746 |
| 2012 | 307 | 78% | 66% | +12.6 points | 88,840 |
| 2011 | 449 | 75% | 63% | +12.3 points | 92,493 |
| 2010 | 733 | 76% | 60% | +15.5 points | 84,511 |
| 2009 | 587 | 73% | 59% | +14.3 points | 81,217 |
| 2008 | 1,315 | 72% | 57% | +15.1 points | 81,879 |
| 2007 | 1,299 | 72% | 57% | +14.8 points | 84,146 |
| 2006 | 971 | 73% | 56% | +16.3 points | 77,163 |
| 2005 | 1,122 | 69% | 56% | +12.8 points | 80,505 |
| 2004 | 623 | 67% | 56% | +10.9 points | 81,567 |
| 2003 | 378 | 60% | 57% | +2.9 points | 89,832 |
| 2002 | 241 | 62% | 58% | +4.7 points | 89,860 |
Why the Nissan Elgrand fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Elgrand | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 15.5% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 12.2% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 8.4% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 6.0% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 4.9% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 4.2% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.4% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 1.9% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.1% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.6% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working7.6%
- 2ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.6%
- 3less than 1.5 mm thick3.2%
- 4ball joint excessively worn3.0%
- 5does not emit a steady red light2.5%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
- 7constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.5%
- 8does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
- 9has ply or cords exposed2.3%
- 10pin or bush excessively worn2.1%
Common Elgrand MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Elgrand, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 14.9% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 12.3% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 8.4% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 6.7% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 5.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 4.9% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.1% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 2.7% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 2.6% |
| has excessive play | Suspension | 2.5% |
Tips to help your Elgrand pass
Based on where Elgrands most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 15.5% of Elgrand tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 8.4% of Elgrand tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Elgrand ULEZ compliant? See the Nissan Elgrand ULEZ check, or view all Nissan models.
Other Nissan models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 12,788 first MOT tests of the Nissan Elgrand carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 12,788 first MOT tests of the Nissan Elgrand.
What is the Nissan Elgrand MOT failure rate?
In our data, 32% of 12,788 first MOT attempts on the Nissan Elgrand ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Nissan Elgrand fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (15.5% of tests), suspension (12.2% of tests), brakes (8.4% of tests).
Which Elgrand year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2006 cars performed best: 73% passed first time, +16.3 points against the average for 17-year-old cars. The weakest was 2021, at 67% (−23.8 points).
How many miles had a typical Nissan Elgrand covered at its MOT?
The average was 88,962 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 80,796 miles and 2002 cars 89,860.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Nissan Elgrand?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 14.9% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.0% of Elgrands failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Elgrand's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 12,788 Elgrands in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 57% to 78% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any Elgrand's MOT history
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