2003 Nissan Micra diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Nissan Micra diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Nissan Micra diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Headlight aim2.1× usual
  Nissan Micra

  14.4% All 2003 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 14.4%, against 6.8% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

Common 2003 Nissan Micra diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  48% 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
  47% 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
  35% 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
  32% 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
  14% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  11% 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.

Known faults on the 2003 Nissan Micra diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Turbo failure (diesel)

  1.5 dCi diesel

  Some diesels have had serious turbo problems.

  At the viewing: Listen for whistling and watch for smoke or lost power.

  Source: What Car?: used Nissan Micra (2002-2010) buying guide

• Flat batteries and immobiliser faults

  All engines

  Batteries going flat, immobiliser and software problems, and keyless entry faults are common.

  At the viewing: Make sure it starts first time and the key works properly.

  Source: What Car?: used Nissan Micra (2002-2010) buying guide

• Leaking tailgate

  All engines

  The rear hatch can leak.

  At the viewing: Look for damp in the boot.

  Source: What Car?: used Nissan Micra (2002-2010) buying guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Nissan Micra diesel

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

1. Has the turbo been replaced?
2. Any recent work on the headlight aim? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2003 Nissan Micra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?