Van · 2016–2021 cars
Nissan NV300 reliability
The Nissan NV300 fails 27.3% of first MOT tests, 43% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 5,211 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Nissan NV300 before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 27.3%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 43% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 5,211
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 13,800
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Nissan NV300 ages
Each point is the share of Nissan NV300s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Nissan NV300 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 22.7% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 27.3% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 26.7% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 31.9% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 34.4% | 22.1% |
By year
The best and worst Nissan NV300 years
2018 cars come out best and 2017 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 273 | 16.1% | 3% more fails | 43,381 |
| 2020 | 638 | 24.1% | 44% more fails | 52,640 |
| 2019 | 983 | 24.6% | 43% more fails | 53,212 |
| 2018 NV300 | 1,375 | 27.1% | 44% more fails | 62,651 |
| 2017 NV300 | 1,786 | 31.7% | 49% more fails | 72,259 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Nissan NV300
Its weak spot is steering: 752% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Suspension10.9%265% above avg
- Lights and electrics9.2%57% above avg
- Brakes5.4%44% above avg
- Tyres4.8%18% below avg
- Steering4.6%752% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.4%175% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.2%13% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.9%0% above avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.5%15% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 3.17% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 2
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 2.94% of tests
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
- 3
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.74% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 4
Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint worn 2.69% of tests
A worn linkage ball joint can rattle, affect handling and eventually fail, so it should be replaced.
- 5
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.65% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 6
Diesel engine warning light faulty 2.34% of tests
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
- 7
Stop lamp not working 2.15% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 8
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.52% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Nissan NV300's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit11.15%
- Brake pads wearing thin9.67%
- Brake disc pitted or scored7.23%
- Shock absorber light oil misting4.76%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking3.67%
- Linkage ball joint slight play3.07%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Nissan NV300
- 1
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 2
Shock absorber serious fluid leak
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
- 3
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 4
Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint worn
A worn linkage ball joint can rattle, affect handling and eventually fail, so it should be replaced.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Nissan NV300 covers about 13,800 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Diesel100%
Most common colours
White, Grey, Black, Blue, Red
Average engine size: 1.7 litres.
Compare
How the Nissan NV300 compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Iveco Daily | 36.2% | about average for its age |
| Volkswagen LT | 46% | 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| LDV Maxus | 45.8% | 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Suzuki Carry | 44% | 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Vauxhall Corsa Van | 46.9% | 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Nissan NV300 | 27.3% | 43% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Nissan e-NV200 | 26.3% | 103% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every van ranked in the van reliability index, or all Nissan models.
Questions
Nissan NV300 questions, answered
Is the Nissan NV300 reliable?
On MOT results, the Nissan NV300 is well below average: it fails 27.3% of first MOT tests, 43% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 36 of 40 van models in our index.
What fails most on a Nissan NV300 MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Nissan NV300 are track rod end ball joint excessively worn (3.17% of tests), shock absorber serious fluid leak (2.94% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (2.74% of tests). By area, suspension fails 10.9% of its tests.
Which Nissan NV300 year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2018 cars do best (44% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2017 cars do worst (49% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Nissan NV300 do a year?
A typical Nissan NV300 covers about 13,800 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Nissan NV300 before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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