Used car guide

2012 Nissan NV400: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Nissan NV400 first registered in 2012: we looked at the 102 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 102 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

102MOTs of 2012 cars, done in 2023–2025
60%pass first time (all 2012 cars: 64%)
11,600typical miles a year
44%had brakes flagged

Common 2012 Nissan NV400 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Nissan NV400 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    44% 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
    36% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Suspension
    33% 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
    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.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    20% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    13% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Nissan NV400

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Nissan NV400?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Nissan NV400 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2019112Lights and electrics 34%
2018170Brakes 29%
2017201Brakes 25%
2016453Brakes 35%
2015342Brakes 37%
2014166Brakes 51%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Nissan NV400 cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score