1997 Nissan Micra · 1,534 MOT tests
1997 Nissan Micra reliability
1997 Nissan Micras fail 44.2% of first MOT tests, 34% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 25 Micra years (1,534 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Nissan Micras: 36.3%)
- 44.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Nissan Micras: 36.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 34% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 68,964
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,534
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1997 against the years either side
- 1996 cars: 38% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does better)
- 1998 cars: 39% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 7.2% of tests fail here (157% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 68% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1997 Nissan Micra
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics17.5%
- Suspension15.4%
- Body, chassis and structure13.6%
- Brakes12.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.7%
- Seat belts and airbags7.2%
- Tyres5.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 12.45%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 6.84%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 6.52%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Service brakes uneven across an axle 4.76%
One wheel is braking much less than its pair, so the car may pull to one side and stop poorly.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 4.11%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 3.91%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Common advisories
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (13.82%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.89%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (10.89%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (10.69%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (8.93%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (7.56%)
Other years
Every Nissan Micra year
The full picture: Nissan Micra reliability. Before you pay for any Nissan Micra, 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 1997 Nissan Micra reliable?
1997 Nissan Micras fail 44.2% of first MOT tests, 34% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 25 Micra years (1,534 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1997 Nissan Micra MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (12.45% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (6.84% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (6.52% of tests).
How many miles should a 1997 Nissan Micra have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1997 Nissan Micra shows 68,964 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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