Family hatchback · 1997–2020 cars
Nissan Pulsar reliability
The Nissan Pulsar fails 23.9% of first MOT tests, 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 71,127 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Nissan Pulsar before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 23.9%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 18% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 71,127
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 7,500
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Nissan Pulsar ages
Each point is the share of Nissan Pulsars of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Nissan Pulsar | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 10.6% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 11.9% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 16% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 20.8% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 25.9% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 31.2% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 34.9% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 40.8% | 31.8% |
By year
The best and worst Nissan Pulsar years
2018 cars come out best and 2014 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Pulsar | 6,783 | 13.2% | 4% fewer fails | 30,004 |
| 2017 Pulsar | 13,739 | 17.4% | 5% more fails | 39,203 |
| 2016 Pulsar | 20,725 | 22.8% | 15% more fails | 48,125 |
| 2015 Pulsar | 25,192 | 29.3% | 27% more fails | 56,613 |
| 2014 Pulsar | 4,467 | 34.6% | 34% more fails | 63,501 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Nissan Pulsar
Its weak spot is steering: 223% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Suspension9.2%103% above avg
- Tyres6.3%12% above avg
- Brakes6.2%55% above avg
- Lights and electrics4.7%20% below avg
- Steering2.8%223% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2%43% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.6%6% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.6%58% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.4%5% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.91% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 2
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.16% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 3
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.71% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 4
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.61% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 5
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 2.17% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 6
Position lamp not working 1.08% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 7
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.95% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 8
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.87% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Nissan Pulsar's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit15.14%
- Brake pads wearing thin11.89%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking6.77%
- Brake disc pitted or scored5.9%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear4.7%
- Child seat limits belt inspection2.87%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Nissan Pulsar
- 1
Suspension ball joint excessively worn
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 2
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 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
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must 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 Pulsar covers about 7,500 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
- Petrol69.4%
- Diesel30.6%
- LPG0%
Most common colours
Blue, White, Grey, Red, Black
Average engine size: 1.3 litres.
Compare
How the Nissan Pulsar compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza | 25% | 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Skoda Rapid | 23.9% | about average for its age |
| Volvo C30 | 40% | 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Alfa Romeo Giulietta | 30.4% | 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volvo S40 | 42.7% | 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Kia Soul | 28.5% | 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Nissan Pulsar | 23.9% | 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every family hatchback ranked in the family hatchback reliability index, or all Nissan models.
Questions
Nissan Pulsar questions, answered
Is the Nissan Pulsar reliable?
On MOT results, the Nissan Pulsar is below average: it fails 23.9% of first MOT tests, 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 50 of 65 family hatchback models in our index.
What fails most on a Nissan Pulsar MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Nissan Pulsar are suspension ball joint excessively worn (3.91% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (3.16% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (2.71% of tests). By area, suspension fails 9.2% of its tests.
Which Nissan Pulsar year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2018 cars do best (4% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2014 cars do worst (34% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Nissan Pulsar do a year?
A typical Nissan Pulsar covers about 7,500 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 Pulsar 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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