Used car guide

2003 Nissan Kubistar: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Nissan Kubistar first registered in 2003: we looked at the 125 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 125 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

125MOTs of 2003 cars, done in 2023–2025
53%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)
5,200typical miles a year
58%had suspension flagged

Common 2003 Nissan Kubistar MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Nissan Kubistar MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    58% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    44% 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
    42% 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.

  • Brakes
    39% 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 leaks
    19% 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 mirrors
    17% 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 2003 Nissan Kubistar

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 Kubistar?

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 Kubistar compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2008585Suspension 48%
2007541Lights and electrics 51%
2006408Suspension 55%
2005619Suspension 53%
2004548Suspension 58%

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 Kubistar cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score