Nissan Micra MOT pass rate: 71.5% (234,974 tests, 2025)
How the Micra compares
Nissan Micra
71.5%UK average (all Class 4 vehicles)
77.5% across 33.1 million testsNissan average (all models)
73.3%What fails most on the Nissan Micra
Across failed and rectified tests in 2025, these vehicle systems produced the most defects on the Micra:
| # | System | Defects recorded | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 53,625 | 28.8% |
| 2 | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 52,544 | 28.2% |
| 3 | Brakes | 23,047 | 12.4% |
| 4 | Tyres | 17,803 | 9.6% |
| 5 | Visibility | 14,374 | 7.7% |
| 6 | Body, chassis, structure | 11,955 | 6.4% |
Pre-MOT checklist for Micra owners
Based on the failure profile above, ten minutes with a torch before your test removes the most likely fail items:
- Bounce each corner and listen for clonks over speed bumps — suspension is this model’s (and the UK’s) top failure system
- Walk round with all lights on: one blown bulb is the most avoidable fail there is
- Feel for a spongy pedal or pulling to one side; check pad wear through the wheel spokes if visible
- Check tread with the 20p test and inspect sidewalls for cracking — tyres close to the limit are the country’s most common advisory
- Replace smeared wiper blades and top up washer fluid — both are test items
A stored fault code with the engine light on is an automatic Major defect. Scan and clear resolved faults before booking.
- Topdon OBD2 scannersTopdon diagnostic scanners with full-system readouts
- XTOOL diagnostic toolsXTOOL code readers for petrol and diesel cars
- Autel UK testersAutel professional-grade diagnostic testers
Micra pass rate by registration year
Lower age-adjusted outliers to inspect carefully: 2001, 2017, 2018. Strongest age-adjusted years: 2008, 2009. Full ranking and method: Nissan Micra years to avoid.
| Registration year | Tests | Pass rate | Vs same-age | Median mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 12,273 | 61.4% | -5.2 pts | 63,208 | |
| 2002 | 21,220 | 62.3% | -3.4 pts | 62,931 | |
| 2003 | 27,818 | 62.4% | -2.6 pts | 75,382 | |
| 2004 | 30,520 | 63.2% | -1.1 pts | 79,610 | |
| 2005 | 43,936 | 63.1% | -1.4 pts | 82,044 | |
| 2006 | 50,605 | 66.5% | +2.1 pts | 82,604 | |
| 2007 | 38,270 | 67.1% | +2.0 pts | 77,089 | |
| 2008 | 41,649 | 69.2% | +4.1 pts | 75,836 | |
| 2009 | 45,808 | 70.1% | +3.7 pts | 71,062 | |
| 2010 | 45,997 | 70.4% | +3.0 pts | 68,840 | |
| 2011 | 37,148 | 72.1% | +2.9 pts | 60,876 | |
| 2012 | 33,913 | 72.3% | +1.1 pts | 56,211 | |
| 2013 | 33,858 | 74.1% | +0.8 pts | 50,130 | |
| 2014 | 41,557 | 77.6% | +1.7 pts | 43,626 | |
| 2015 | 38,294 | 80.8% | +2.1 pts | 39,629 | |
| 2016 | 31,618 | 82.0% | +0.7 pts | 32,448 | |
| 2017 | 37,424 | 74.7% | -9.4 pts | 37,202 | |
| 2018 | 29,421 | 79.0% | -7.4 pts | 33,876 | |
| 2019 | 25,295 | 86.6% | -1.8 pts | 25,618 | |
| 2020 | 15,629 | 89.8% | -0.1 pts | 19,601 | |
| 2021 | 12,789 | 92.8% | +2.4 pts | 17,708 | |
| 2022 | 5,560 | 93.3% | +2.1 pts | 15,670 |
Check a specific Micra before you buy
Pass rates describe the model; they can’t tell you about the one car you’re looking at. Run its plate through our free MOT history check to see its personal record of failures, advisories and mileage readings.
Other Nissan models
FAQs
What is the MOT pass rate for a Nissan Micra?
In 2025, 71.5% of 234,974 first MOT tests on the Nissan Micra were passes (UK average: 77.5%). Data: DVSA anonymised MOT results.
What does the Micra fail its MOT on most?
The biggest defect group is suspension (28.8% of its recorded defects), followed by lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment.
Is the Nissan Micra reliable?
MOT pass rate is one lens on durability: at 71.5% it performs below the national average at a median age of 14 years and 57,945 miles. Always check the individual car's history too.
Source: DVSA Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2025 extract (Class 4 initial tests only; retests excluded). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Figures rounded to one decimal place.