2016 Nissan NV400: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Nissan NV400?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Nissan NV400 than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Number plate lights4.8× usual
  Nissan NV400

  13% All 2016 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 0.8% of all 2016 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.

• Rigid brake pipes5.7× usual
  Nissan NV400

  8.6% All 2016 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.2% of all 2016 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.

• Headlight aim4× usual
  Nissan NV400

  8.4% All 2016 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 2.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

• Braking performance3.6× usual
  Nissan NV400

  8.2% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 0.8% of all 2016 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.

Common 2016 Nissan NV400 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Nissan NV400 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  35% 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
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  25% 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
  15% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Suspension
  13% 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.

• 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 2016 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 number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2016 Nissan NV400 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the 2016 Nissan NV400 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlight aim? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2016 Nissan NV400 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?