Nissan Micra MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 255,896 MOT tests on the Nissan Micra carried out in 2023. 36% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Micras passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1988 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2020 models did best (91% passed, +3.8 points against the average for 3-year-old cars), while 1990 models fared worst (60%, −11.5 points). Tested cars had covered 60,490 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 17.7% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 7.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 255,896
- First-time pass rate
- 64%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −7.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 60,490
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Micra?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Micra 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 | 233 | 93% | 91% | +1.9 points | 18,019 |
| 2020 | 6,361 | 91% | 88% | +3.8 points | 16,772 |
| 2019 | 8,625 | 88% | 86% | +1.6 points | 22,381 |
| 2018 | 10,043 | 81% | 84% | −3.2 points | 30,450 |
| 2017 | 12,732 | 74% | 82% | −7.9 points | 34,736 |
| 2016 | 10,756 | 79% | 79% | +0.3 points | 32,229 |
| 2015 | 12,971 | 76% | 75% | +0.7 points | 39,252 |
| 2014 | 14,108 | 74% | 72% | +2.1 points | 43,917 |
| 2013 | 11,480 | 69% | 68% | +0.3 points | 50,251 |
| 2012 | 11,593 | 65% | 66% | −0.2 points | 56,090 |
| 2011 | 12,750 | 64% | 63% | +1.4 points | 60,260 |
| 2010 | 16,117 | 61% | 60% | +0.3 points | 69,202 |
| 2009 | 16,159 | 61% | 59% | +1.6 points | 72,079 |
| 2008 | 14,823 | 61% | 57% | +3.5 points | 76,190 |
| 2007 | 13,864 | 57% | 57% | +0.5 points | 78,066 |
| 2006 | 18,802 | 55% | 56% | −0.7 points | 83,271 |
| 2005 | 16,838 | 51% | 56% | −4.8 points | 83,500 |
| 2004 | 12,016 | 52% | 56% | −4.0 points | 80,725 |
| 2003 | 11,283 | 52% | 57% | −4.5 points | 77,932 |
| 2002 | 8,415 | 54% | 58% | −3.1 points | 66,675 |
| 2001 | 4,981 | 53% | 59% | −5.6 points | 66,422 |
| 2000 | 3,498 | 51% | 61% | −9.6 points | 67,568 |
| 1999 | 2,781 | 53% | 62% | −9.3 points | 70,022 |
| 1998 | 1,685 | 53% | 64% | −10.8 points | 70,040 |
| 1997 | 838 | 54% | 64% | −10.6 points | 71,145 |
| 1996 | 602 | 54% | 65% | −10.7 points | 69,311 |
| 1995 | 390 | 57% | 66% | −9.8 points | 73,171 |
| 1994 | 295 | 57% | 66% | −9.8 points | 72,658 |
| 1993 | 199 | 62% | 67% | −5.0 points | 73,404 |
| 1992 | 135 | 66% | 68% | −2.1 points | 59,645 |
| 1991 | 140 | 63% | 70% | −7.0 points | 64,606 |
| 1990 | 126 | 60% | 71% | −11.5 points | 64,921 |
| 1989 | 97 | 66% | 72% | −5.7 points | 59,077 |
| 1988 | 74 | 73% | 71% | +2.0 points | 62,572 |
Why the Nissan Micra fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Micra | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 17.7% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 13.6% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 7.0% | 4.8% |
| Brakes | 6.5% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 5.7% | 6.3% |
| Body and structure | 4.2% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.0% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.9% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 1.6% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working7.0%
- 2inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps3.9%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively3.9%
- 4fractured or broken3.5%
- 5ball joint excessively worn3.4%
- 6pin or bush excessively worn3.3%
- 7projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.2%
- 8tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
- 9ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.1%
- 10incorrect colour2.0%
Common Micra MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Micra, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 14.3% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 13.7% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 13.2% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 7.8% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 6.8% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.0% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 4.9% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.8% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 3.6% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 3.6% |
Tips to help your Micra pass
Based on where Micras most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 17.7% of Micra 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.
Visibility · 7.0% of Micra tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Brakes · 6.5% of Micra 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 Micra ULEZ compliant? See the Nissan Micra ULEZ check, or view all Nissan models.
Other Nissan models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 255,896 first MOT tests of the Nissan Micra 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 255,896 first MOT tests of the Nissan Micra.
What is the Nissan Micra MOT failure rate?
In our data, 36% of 255,896 first MOT attempts on the Nissan Micra ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Nissan Micra fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (17.7% of tests), suspension (13.6% of tests), visibility (7.0% of tests).
Which Micra year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2020 cars performed best: 91% passed first time, +3.8 points against the average for 3-year-old cars. The weakest was 1990, at 60% (−11.5 points).
How many miles had a typical Nissan Micra covered at its MOT?
The average was 60,490 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 18,019 miles and 1988 cars 62,572.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Nissan Micra?
"pin or bush excessively worn" was recorded on 14.3% of tests, in the suspension area. 13.6% of Micras failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Micra's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 255,896 Micras in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 51% to 93% 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 Micra's MOT history
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