2003 Nissan Elgrand · 1,445 MOT tests
2003 Nissan Elgrand reliability
2003 Nissan Elgrands fail 35% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 18 Elgrand years (1,445 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Nissan Elgrands: 29%)
- 35%
- first-time fail rate (all Nissan Elgrands: 29%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 81,264
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,445
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: tyres, 6.8% of tests fail here (13% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 57% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Nissan Elgrand
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics16.2%
- Suspension15.8%
- Brakes9.9%
- Tyres6.8%
- Body, chassis and structure6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 4.22%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.01%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Rear fog lamp not working 3.39%
A failed rear fog lamp reduces visibility in fog and leaves you less visible to following traffic, so repair it.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 3.18%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.56%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.49%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.6%) · Brake pads wearing thin (11.63%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.93%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.05%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (3.74%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (3.11%)
Other years
Every Nissan Elgrand year
The full picture: Nissan Elgrand reliability. Before you pay for any Nissan Elgrand, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 Nissan Elgrand reliable?
2003 Nissan Elgrands fail 35% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 18 Elgrand years (1,445 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Nissan Elgrand MOT?
Most often brake pads worn below 1.5mm (4.22% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (4.01% of tests), rear fog lamp not working (3.39% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Nissan Elgrand have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Nissan Elgrand shows 81,264 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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