1990 Nissan Bluebird: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Nissan Bluebird first registered in 1990: we looked at the 175 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 175 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 1990 Nissan Bluebird?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1990 Nissan Bluebird than on all cars registered in 1990.
- Rigid brake pipes2.2× usualNissan Bluebird22.9% All 1990 cars10.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.4% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
Common 1990 Nissan Bluebird MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1990 Nissan Bluebird MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension35% 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.
- Brakes33% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks29% 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.
- Lights and electrics26% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions18% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors14% 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 1990 Nissan Bluebird
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1990 Nissan Bluebird as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Nissan Bluebird?
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 Bluebird compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | – | Too few tests |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | 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 Bluebird cars first registered in 1990. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score