2020 Nissan Elgrand: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2020 Nissan Elgrand?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2020 Nissan Elgrand than on all cars registered in 2020.

• Brake pads2.5× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  18.8% All 2020 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.4% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Rear fog light44.5× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  8.9% All 2020 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 0.1% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Headlights15.6× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  7.8% All 2020 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.5% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Ball joint dust cover73× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  7.3% All 2020 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.1% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Brake discs2× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  14.5% All 2020 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.4% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

Common 2020 Nissan Elgrand MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2020 Nissan Elgrand MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  33% 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.

• Suspension
  30% 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.

• Tyres
  30% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  26% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Steering
  5% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2020 Nissan Elgrand

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

1. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2020 Nissan Elgrand as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 44.5× as often on the 2020 Nissan Elgrand as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 15.6× as often on the 2020 Nissan Elgrand as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?