2015 Nissan NV400: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Nissan NV400?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Nissan NV400 than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Rigid brake pipes6.5× usual
  Nissan NV400

  13.7% All 2015 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 0.3% of all 2015 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.

• Number plate lights2.6× usual
  Nissan NV400

  9.1% All 2015 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.1% of all 2015 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 2015 Nissan NV400 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Nissan NV400 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  37% 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
  25% 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
  19% 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
  18% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  7% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2015 Nissan NV400

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 6.5× as often on the 2015 Nissan NV400 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2015 Nissan NV400 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?