2005 Nissan Almera diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Nissan Almera first registered in 2005 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 235 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 235 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Nissan Almera diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Nissan Almera diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.
- Braking performance2.4× usualNissan Almera17.4% All 2005 cars7.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 10.2%, against 3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Track rod ends2.5× usualNissan Almera14.5% All 2005 cars5.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 2.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Common 2005 Nissan Almera diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2005 Nissan Almera diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension54% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes51% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics48% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres34% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks21% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors13% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Nissan Almera diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2005 Nissan Almera diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2005 Nissan Almera diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Nissan Almera?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Nissan Almera compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | – | Too few tests |
| 2006 | 3,837 | Brakes 47% |
| 2004 | 10,763 | Brakes 44% |
| 2003 | 5,913 | Brakes 38% |
| 2002 | 5,108 | Suspension 42% |
| 2001 | 2,077 | Suspension 36% |
| 2000 | 830 | Brakes 44% |
| 1999 | 504 | Brakes 44% |
| 1998 | 459 | Brakes 42% |
| 1997 | 254 | Brakes 45% |
| 1996 | 158 | Brakes 47% |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Nissan Almera cars first registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score