2004 Nissan Navara: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Nissan Navara?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Nissan Navara than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Chassis rust or damage6.3× usual
  Nissan Navara

  22.7% All 2004 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 1.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Wheel bearings5.7× usual
  Nissan Navara

  21.7% All 2004 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Nissan Navara

  30% All 2004 cars

  17.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Braking performance2.3× usual
  Nissan Navara

  16.8% All 2004 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.3%, against 3.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Ball joint2.3× usual
  Nissan Navara

  15.7% All 2004 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 3.2% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2004 Nissan Navara MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Nissan Navara MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  49% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  49% 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.

• Suspension
  45% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  28% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Tyres
  22% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Nissan Navara

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

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 6.3× as often on the 2004 Nissan Navara as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the 2004 Nissan Navara as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2004 Nissan Navara as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?