Nissan Micra K12: best and worst years, and what goes wrong
How each year of the Nissan Micra K12 did at the MOTs done during 2023–2025, compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 326,633 MOT tests.
Which Nissan Micra K12 years are best and worst at their MOT?
First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Nissan Micra K12, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | Stands out | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 52% | 57% -5 | Headlights 2× usual | 28,063 |
| 2004 | 52% | 57% -5 | Headlights 2× usual | 30,756 |
| 2005 | 51% | 57% -6 | Headlights 1.8× usual | 44,260 |
| 2006 | 55% | 56% -1 | Individual direction indicators 3.1× usual | 50,932 |
| 2007 | 56% | 57% -1 | Suspension arm bushes and joints 1.7× usual | 38,505 |
| 2008 | 59% | 57% +2 | Individual direction indicators 3.4× usual | 41,890 |
| 2009 | 59% | 59% +0 | Individual direction indicators 3.3× usual | 46,013 |
| 2010* | 60% | 60% +0 | Suspension arm bushes and joints 1.6× usual | 46,214 |
Common Nissan Micra K12 MOT failures, year after year
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.
- Individual direction indicatorsup to 3.4× usual
Stands out in 6 years: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt 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 jointsup to 1.8× usual
Stands out in 5 years: 2009, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Wipersup to 1.7× usual
Stands out in 4 years: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006.
Rough price £15–£60 our estimateAt the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.
- Headlightsup to 2× usual
Stands out in 3 years: 2005, 2004, 2003.
Rough price £40–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Headlight aimup to 1.8× usual
Stands out in 3 years: 2005, 2004, 2003.
Rough price £20–£60 our estimateAt the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.
- Side repeatersup to 3.9× usual
Stands out in 2 years: 2004, 2003.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
What usually goes wrong with the Nissan Micra K12?
From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.
Turbo failure (diesel)
Some diesels have had serious turbo problems.
Check: 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
Batteries going flat, immobiliser and software problems, and keyless entry faults are common.
Check: Make sure it starts first time and the key works properly.
Source: What Car?: used Nissan Micra (2002-2010) buying guide
Leaking tailgate
The rear hatch can leak.
Check: Look for damp in the boot.
Source: What Car?: used Nissan Micra (2002-2010) buying guide
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score
Looking at a Nissan Micra?
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