Nissan Primastar MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 10,217 MOT tests on the Nissan Primastar carried out in 2023. 53% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 5 in 10 Primastars passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2003 to 2014. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2006 models did best (49% passed, −7.5 points against the average for 17-year-old cars), while 2013 models fared worst (47%, −21.1 points). Tested cars had covered 141,979 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 28.0% of tests (well above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 16.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 10,217
- First-time pass rate
- 47%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −24.3 points
- Average mileage at test
- 141,979
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Primastar?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Primastar 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 457 | 52% | 72% | −19.8 points | 114,167 |
| 2013 | 526 | 47% | 68% | −21.1 points | 120,908 |
| 2012 | 516 | 47% | 66% | −18.7 points | 130,619 |
| 2011 | 1,004 | 45% | 63% | −17.8 points | 133,539 |
| 2010 | 475 | 45% | 60% | −15.6 points | 135,099 |
| 2009 | 851 | 46% | 59% | −12.8 points | 137,425 |
| 2008 | 1,024 | 49% | 57% | −8.7 points | 144,218 |
| 2007 | 1,504 | 48% | 57% | −9.1 points | 148,149 |
| 2006 | 1,264 | 49% | 56% | −7.5 points | 150,506 |
| 2005 | 1,127 | 45% | 56% | −11.1 points | 146,732 |
| 2004 | 869 | 48% | 56% | −7.9 points | 155,799 |
| 2003 | 548 | 44% | 57% | −12.5 points | 153,292 |
Why the Nissan Primastar fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Primastar | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 28.0% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 25.4% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 22.2% | 6.8% |
| Steering | 13.5% | 1.8% |
| Visibility | 11.1% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 9.2% | 3.5% |
| Tyres | 7.0% | 6.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.8% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 4.0% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.8% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working16.1%
- 2ball joint excessively worn12.7%
- 3ball joint has excessive play10.8%
- 4efficiency below requirements7.7%
- 5inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps5.2%
- 6excessively corroded4.7%
- 7ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.6%
- 8does not clear the windscreen effectively4.5%
- 9constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.4%
- 10inoperative on one side4.2%
Common Primastar MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Primastar, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 17.8% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 17.8% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 16.4% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 16.1% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 10.7% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 9.4% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.4% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 8.4% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.7% |
| ball joint has excessive play | Steering | 6.8% |
Tips to help your Primastar pass
Based on where Primastars most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 28.0% of Primastar 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 · 22.2% of Primastar 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.
Steering · 13.5% of Primastar tests
Feel for play in the steering
Clunks or play in the steering wheel, uneven tyre wear or a split steering rack gaiter are all reasons to book an inspection before the test.
Compare with other models
Is the Primastar ULEZ compliant? See the Nissan Primastar ULEZ check, or view all Nissan models.
Other Nissan models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 10,217 first MOT tests of the Nissan Primastar 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 10,217 first MOT tests of the Nissan Primastar.
What is the Nissan Primastar MOT failure rate?
In our data, 53% of 10,217 first MOT attempts on the Nissan Primastar ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Nissan Primastar fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (28.0% of tests), suspension (25.4% of tests), brakes (22.2% of tests).
Which Primastar year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2006 cars performed best: 49% passed first time, −7.5 points against the average for 17-year-old cars. The weakest was 2013, at 47% (−21.1 points).
How many miles had a typical Nissan Primastar covered at its MOT?
The average was 141,979 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2014 cars averaged 114,167 miles and 2003 cars 153,292.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Nissan Primastar?
"excessively corroded" was recorded on 17.8% of tests, in the brakes area. 22.2% of Primastars failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Primastar's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 10,217 Primastars in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 44% to 52% 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 Primastar's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.