2003 Nissan Primastar · 1,866 MOT tests
2003 Nissan Primastar reliability
2003 Nissan Primastars fail 54.4% of first MOT tests, 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 12 Primastar years (1,866 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Nissan Primastars: 52.6%)
- 54.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Nissan Primastars: 52.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 18% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 148,469
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,866
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 12.6% of tests fail here (124% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 59% 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 Primastar
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics31.6%
- Suspension27.7%
- Brakes25%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors16.2%
- Body, chassis and structure13.3%
- Steering12.6%
- Tyres7.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 9.54%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 8.41%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 7.02%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Position lamp not working 6.59%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 5.57%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 5.47%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (24.33%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (17.68%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.04%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (13.99%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.99%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (12.11%)
Other years
Every Nissan Primastar year
The full picture: Nissan Primastar reliability. Before you pay for any Nissan Primastar, 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 Primastar reliable?
2003 Nissan Primastars fail 54.4% of first MOT tests, 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 12 Primastar years (1,866 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Nissan Primastar MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (9.54% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (8.41% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (7.02% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Nissan Primastar have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Nissan Primastar shows 148,469 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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