2018 Nissan NV300: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Nissan NV300?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Nissan NV300 than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Track rod ends8.1× usual
  Nissan NV300

  9.7% All 2018 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 0.6% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Shock absorbers4.2× usual
  Nissan NV300

  9.7% All 2018 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.3% of all 2018 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.

• Ball joint7.2× usual
  Nissan NV300

  7.2% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.4% of all 2018 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints15.2× usual
  Nissan NV300

  6.1% All 2018 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 0.1% of all 2018 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.

• Number plate lights4.6× usual
  Nissan NV300

  6.4% All 2018 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, 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 NV300 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Nissan NV300 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  30% 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.

• Tyres
  24% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  21% 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
  8% 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
  4% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Nissan NV300

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

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 8.1× as often on the 2018 Nissan NV300 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2018 Nissan NV300 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 7.2× as often on the 2018 Nissan NV300 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?