2003 Nissan Skyline: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Nissan Skyline first registered in 2003: we looked at the 291 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 291 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 Skyline MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2003 Nissan Skyline MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension28% 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.
- Brakes21% 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.
- Tyres15% 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.
- Lights and electrics15% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions10% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Oil and fluid leaks7% 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 2003 Nissan Skyline
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 Skyline?
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 Skyline compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2019 | 112 | Tyres 21% |
| 2018 | 107 | Suspension 18% |
| 2017 | 169 | Suspension 12% |
| 2016 | 258 | Suspension 19% |
| 2015 | 375 | Suspension 13% |
| 2014 | 134 | Suspension 16% |
| 2009 | 140 | Suspension 19% |
| 2008 | 290 | Suspension 17% |
| 2007 | 293 | Suspension 19% |
| 2006 | 310 | Suspension 17% |
| 2005 | 468 | Suspension 19% |
| 2004 | 293 | Brakes 17% |
| 2001 | 124 | Suspension 15% |
| 2000 | 290 | Suspension 16% |
| 1999 | 393 | Suspension 13% |
| 1998 | 354 | Suspension 12% |
| 1997 | 173 | Suspension 16% |
| 1996 | 233 | Suspension 18% |
| 1995 | 246 | Suspension 15% |
| 1994 | 151 | Suspension 25% |
| 1993 | 158 | Suspension 25% |
| 1992 | 132 | Lights and electrics 17% |
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 Skyline cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score