1998 Nissan Terrano: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Nissan Terrano first registered in 1998: we looked at the 112 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 112 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1998 Nissan Terrano MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1998 Nissan Terrano MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension44% 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.
- Lights and electrics36% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes35% 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.
- Rust and bodywork30% 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.
- Tyres21% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions18% 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Nissan Terrano
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 Terrano?
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 Terrano compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 178 | Brakes 47% |
| 2005 | 796 | Suspension 46% |
| 2004 | 1,218 | Suspension 50% |
| 2003 | 829 | Suspension 47% |
| 2002 | 609 | Suspension 49% |
| 2001 | 244 | Lights and electrics 43% |
| 2000 | 192 | Suspension 41% |
| 1999 | 188 | Suspension 52% |
| 1997 | – | Too few tests |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
| 1994 | – | Too few tests |
| 1993 | – | 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 Terrano cars first registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score