Nissan Micra years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year

235,269 initial MOT tests in 2025 on cars first used 1998–2022 · DVSA data · For guidance only · How we count

Nissan Micra years with MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year: 1998–2007, 2012–2013 and 2016–2020. Above it: 2021–2022. The other 6 years can't be told apart from average.

Below the average for their first-use year1998–2007, 2012–2013 and 2016–2020
Above the average for their first-use year2021–2022
Can't be told apart from average2008–2011 and 2014–2015

The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.

63.4%passed first time

First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 63.2% to 63.6%.

Nissan Micra, all years63.4%
Same-age average, all vehicles66.4%

In 2025, 63.4% of the 235,269 initial MOT tests on Nissan Micra cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 66.4%. That is 3.0 points below the same-age average.

Check a specific Micra

Its own MOT history, free.

Nissan Micra MOT pass rate by year

Year is when the car was first used. Older vehicles fail more often, so each year is compared with all vehicles first used that year.

Year	Testsmedian miles	Passed first time	Against all vehicles that year
2022age 3	5,90915,900	91.0%±0.8	+2.5 ptsall: 88.5%
2021age 4	6,63420,400	89.0%±0.8	+1.8 ptsall: 87.2%
2020age 5	6,18325,400	82.0%±1.0	−4.0 ptsall: 86.0%
2019age 6	8,54132,000	78.5%±0.9	−5.0 ptsall: 83.5%
2018age 7	9,97240,300	69.8%±1.0	−11.1 ptsall: 80.9%
2017age 8	12,63543,000	66.8%±0.9	−11.4 ptsall: 78.2%
2016age 9	10,65636,700	73.4%±0.9	−1.5 ptsall: 74.9%
2015age 10	12,92543,900	71.9%±0.8	0.0 ptsall: 71.9%
2014age 11	13,99747,700	69.0%±0.8	+0.4 ptsall: 68.6%
2013age 12	11,37954,000	63.8%±0.9	−2.0 ptsall: 65.8%
2012age 13	11,29060,300	62.1%±0.9	−1.4 ptsall: 63.5%
2011age 14	12,29265,000	61.5%±0.9	+0.3 ptsall: 61.2%
2010age 15	14,89572,400	59.0%±0.8	−0.3 ptsall: 59.3%
2009age 16	14,67073,800	58.1%±0.9	−0.2 ptsall: 58.3%
2008age 17	13,21478,800	57.7%±0.9	+0.5 ptsall: 57.2%
2007age 18	11,87379,800	55.3%±0.9	−2.1 ptsall: 57.4%
2006age 19	15,25884,500	53.5%±0.8	−3.5 ptsall: 57.0%
2005age 20	12,71883,200	50.4%±0.9	−7.2 ptsall: 57.6%
2004age 21	8,47480,900	51.8%±1.1	−6.0 ptsall: 57.8%
2003age 22	7,57276,000	52.2%±1.2	−6.5 ptsall: 58.7%
2002age 23	5,94164,200	54.0%±1.3	−5.5 ptsall: 59.5%
2001age 24	3,31963,800	54.1%±1.7	−7.0 ptsall: 61.1%
2000age 25	2,16664,700	53.2%±2.2	−9.5 ptsall: 62.7%
1999age 26	1,69067,500	54.0%±2.4	−10.6 ptsall: 64.6%
1998age 27	1,06668,100	54.0%±3.1	−11.6 ptsall: 65.6%

Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.

When a car's mileage doesn't add up

Common Micra problems at the MOT

Share of the 86,117 failed tests with a fault in each area, all years together. A test can count in more than one area, so these add up to more than 100%.

Lights and electrics48.0%
Suspension41.0%
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors19.1%
Brakes17.4%
Tyres16.0%
Body, chassis, structure11.2%

MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.

What to check when viewing a Micra

Based on the areas where Nissan Micra MOT tests fail most often. These are general checks anyone can do, not a mechanical inspection.

Lights and electrics
In 48.0% of failed Micra tests
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Suspension
In 41.0% of failed Micra tests
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors
In 19.1% of failed Micra tests
- Look for chips and cracks in the windscreen, especially in front of the driver.
- Run the wipers and washers. The blades should clear the screen without smearing.
- Check both door mirrors and the rear-view mirror are intact and adjust.
Brakes
In 17.4% of failed Micra tests
- On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.

Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.

Check a Micra's MOT history

Nissan Micra questions

Which Nissan Micra years have lower MOT pass rates?

Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, these model years have below-average MOT pass rates: 1998–2007, 2012–2013 and 2016–2020. Above average: 2021–2022. The rest can't be told apart from average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.

Is the Nissan Micra reliable?

MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 63.4% of initial MOT tests on Nissan Micra cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 66.4%. That is 3.0 points below average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.

What are the most common Nissan Micra problems at the MOT?

The most common failure areas are lights and electrics (in 48.0% of failed tests), suspension (in 41.0% of failed tests) and windscreen, wipers, mirrors (in 19.1% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.

What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old Nissan Micra?

At their 2025 MOT tests, Nissan Micra cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 43,900 miles. Half had more and half had less.

How do I check a specific Micra's MOT history?

Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.

Check a car's MOT history for free

What MOT data can't tell you about any Nissan Micra

Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.

Compare history checks What MOT history doesn't show

Other Nissan models

Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.

All 12 Nissan models Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by age

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Nissan Micra cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count