Used car guide

2001 Nissan Elgrand: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Nissan Elgrand first registered in 2001: we looked at the 182 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 182 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

182MOTs of 2001 cars, done in 2023–2025
59%pass first time (all 2001 cars: 60%)
3,600typical miles a year
41%had lights and electrics flagged

Common 2001 Nissan Elgrand MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Nissan Elgrand MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Lights and electrics
    41% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Suspension
    36% 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
    36% 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.

  • Tyres
    25% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    8% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    8% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Nissan Elgrand

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%
2000197Suspension 47%
1999227Suspension 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 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score