2021 Nissan Micra: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Nissan Micra?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Nissan Micra than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Tyre condition1.9× usual
  Nissan Micra

  19.9% All 2021 cars

  10.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 3.6% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints11.1× usual
  Nissan Micra

  10% All 2021 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.1% of all 2021 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.

• Wheels4.3× usual
  Nissan Micra

  2.6% All 2021 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Shock absorbers2.3× usual
  Nissan Micra

  3.2% All 2021 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Common 2021 Nissan Micra MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Nissan Micra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  27% 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.

• Suspension
  13% 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
  7% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  6% 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
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2021 Nissan Micra

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.

• Blocked DPF on low-mileage diesels

  1.5 dCi diesel

  The 1.5 dCi diesel's particulate filter needs regular longer runs to clean itself. Cars used mainly for short trips can block it.

  At the viewing: Look for a DPF warning light and ask how the car has been used.

  If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic

  Source: Auto Express: used Nissan Micra Mk5

• Four recalls to check

  All engines

  This Micra has been recalled for the ignition barrel, wheel hubs, airbags and VIN labels.

  At the viewing: Give the VIN to a Nissan dealer and ask them to confirm all recall work is done.

  Source: Auto Express: used Nissan Micra Mk5

• Misty lights

  All engines

  The lights are vented, so a little misting is normal, but heavy moisture sitting inside the lens isn't.

  At the viewing: Look inside the front and rear lights for pooled water.

  Source: Auto Express: used Nissan Micra Mk5

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Nissan Micra

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

1. Has it done regular motorway runs, and has the DPF ever been cleaned?
2. Has all the recall work been done?
3. Have any lights been replaced?
4. Any recent work on the tyre condition? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2021 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 11.1× as often on the 2021 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)
6. Any recent work on the wheels? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2021 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)