2003 Nissan Primera diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Nissan Primera first registered in 2003 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 101 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 101 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2003 Nissan Primera diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2003 Nissan Primera diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes44% 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 electrics42% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres38% 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.
- Suspension37% 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 leaks21% 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.
- Rust and bodywork10% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Nissan Primera diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Nissan Primera?
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 Primera compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1,509 | Lights and electrics 47% |
| 2005 | 2,113 | Lights and electrics 48% |
| 2004 | 1,508 | Lights and electrics 47% |
| 2002 | 954 | Lights and electrics 44% |
| 2001 | 515 | Brakes 36% |
| 2000 | 221 | Brakes 44% |
| 1999 | 584 | Brakes 39% |
| 1998 | 606 | Brakes 36% |
| 1997 | 387 | Suspension 41% |
| 1996 | 128 | Brakes 45% |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
| 1994 | – | Too few tests |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
| 1992 | – | Too few tests |
| 1991 | – | Too few tests |
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 Primera cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score