2018 Nissan Navara: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Nissan Navara?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Nissan Navara than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Coil springs9.2× usual
  Nissan Navara

  10.1% All 2018 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.6%, against 0.8% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints27.5× usual
  Nissan Navara

  5.5% All 2018 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Engine warning light6× usual
  Nissan Navara

  5.4% All 2018 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 0.9% of all 2018 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.

• Engine oil leaks5.5× usual
  Nissan Navara

  5.5% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Number plate lights3.9× usual
  Nissan Navara

  5.4% All 2018 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.5% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 2018 Nissan Navara MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Nissan Navara MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  21% 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
  21% 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
  20% 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
  14% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Known faults on the 2018 Nissan Navara

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.

• Off-road damage

  All engines

  Check the chassis and underside for damage from hard off-road use.

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the chassis and sills.

  Source: Auto Express: used Nissan Navara (Mk3, 2016 on) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 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 coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 9.2× as often on the 2018 Nissan Navara as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 27.5× as often on the 2018 Nissan Navara as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the 2018 Nissan Navara as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?