Used car guide

1999 Nissan Elgrand diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Nissan Elgrand first registered in 1999 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 127 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 127 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

127MOTs of 1999 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
57%pass first time (all 1999 cars: 63%)
5,900typical miles a year
50%had suspension flagged

Common 1999 Nissan Elgrand diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Nissan Elgrand diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    50% 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.

  • Brakes
    42% 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 electrics
    40% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    21% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    20% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Nissan Elgrand diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Nissan Elgrand?

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 Elgrand compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
20211,377Brakes 31%
20201,528Brakes 33%
20191,385Brakes 33%
20181,265Suspension 34%
20171,682Suspension 36%
20161,417Lights and electrics 40%
20151,110Suspension 37%
2014705Suspension 32%
2013732Suspension 28%
2012967Suspension 25%
20111,397Suspension 27%
20102,320Brakes 23%
20092,047Brakes 22%
20084,454Brakes 24%
20074,413Suspension 26%
20063,324Suspension 29%
20053,909Brakes 29%
20042,277Brakes 33%
20031,494Suspension 38%
20021,095Brakes 37%
2001182Lights and electrics 41%
2000197Suspension 47%
1998158Suspension 60%
1997122Suspension 57%

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 Elgrand cars first registered in 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score