2006 Nissan Primastar: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Nissan Primastar?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Nissan Primastar than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  26.6% All 2006 cars

  12.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.3% of all 2006 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.

• Ball joint3.1× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  20% All 2006 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.8%, against 3.1% of all 2006 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.

• Track rod ends3.2× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  17.7% All 2006 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.4%, against 2.4% of all 2006 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.

• Steering rack inner joints3.1× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  11.6% All 2006 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

Common 2006 Nissan Primastar MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Nissan Primastar MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  57% 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.

• Brakes
  48% 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
  44% 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
  29% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  28% 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
  20% 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 2006 Nissan Primastar

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2006 Nissan Primastar as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2006 Nissan Primastar as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2006 Nissan Primastar as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?