2003 Nissan Terrano · 1,191 MOT tests
2003 Nissan Terrano reliability
2003 Nissan Terranos fail 45% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 3 Terrano years (1,191 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Nissan Terranos: 45.1%)
- 45%
- first-time fail rate (all Nissan Terranos: 45.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 2% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 108,859
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,191
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: about average for its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 7.9% of tests fail here (143% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 43% 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 Terrano
Fail rate by area
- Suspension22.7%
- Body, chassis and structure21.6%
- Lights and electrics18.7%
- Brakes11.3%
- Seat belts and airbags7.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.7%
- Steering5.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 7.22%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 6.21%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Position lamp not working 5.29%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Exhaust has major gas leak 4.28%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.28%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint worn 3.95%
A worn linkage ball joint can rattle, affect handling and eventually fail, so it should be replaced.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (21.58%) · Wheel bearing slight play (16.79%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.6%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (11.59%) · Chassis corroded but still rigid (11.34%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (11.08%)
Other years
Every Nissan Terrano year
The full picture: Nissan Terrano reliability. Before you pay for any Nissan Terrano, 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 Terrano reliable?
2003 Nissan Terranos fail 45% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 3 Terrano years (1,191 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Nissan Terrano MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (7.22% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (6.21% of tests), position lamp not working (5.29% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Nissan Terrano have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Nissan Terrano shows 108,859 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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