2009 Nissan Micra petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Nissan Micra petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Nissan Micra petrol than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Individual direction indicators3.3× usual
  Nissan Micra

  9.6% All 2009 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.3% of all 2009 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.6× usual
  Nissan Micra

  16.5% All 2009 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Wipers1.7× usual
  Nissan Micra

  6.2% All 2009 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2009 Nissan Micra petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Nissan Micra petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  37% 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
  34% 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
  32% 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
  20% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  9% 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.

Known faults on the 2009 Nissan Micra petrol

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.

• 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 2009 Nissan Micra petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the individual direction indicators? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2009 Nissan Micra petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2009 Nissan Micra petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2009 Nissan Micra petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?