2009 Nissan Serena: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Nissan Serena?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Nissan Serena than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Track rod ends3× usual
  Nissan Serena

  14.8% All 2009 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 2.4% of all 2009 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.

• Rear fog light7.1× usual
  Nissan Serena

  7.1% All 2009 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 0.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Steering rack inner joints3.3× usual
  Nissan Serena

  7.7% All 2009 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2009 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.

• Steering swivel joints5.5× usual
  Nissan Serena

  6% All 2009 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 2009 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 2009 Nissan Serena MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Nissan Serena MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  31% 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
  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.

• Brakes
  24% 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
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Steering
  9% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Nissan Serena

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

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2009 Nissan Serena as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 7.1× as often on the 2009 Nissan Serena as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2009 Nissan Serena as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?