2003 Nissan X-Trail · 5,222 MOT tests
2003 Nissan X-Trail reliability
2003 Nissan X-Trails fail 48.4% of first MOT tests, 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 20 X-Trail years (5,222 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Nissan X-Trails: 29.3%)
- 48.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Nissan X-Trails: 29.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 8% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 121,236
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,222
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: 7% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 14.6% of tests fail here (45% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: tyres, 26% 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 X-Trail
Fail rate by area
- Suspension24%
- Lights and electrics19.2%
- Brakes16.4%
- Body, chassis and structure14.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.4%
- Steering6.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 6.97%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 5.99%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 5.8%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Position lamp not working 5.11%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 4.4%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Exhaust has major gas leak 4.33%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (15.99%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (14.84%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.17%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.37%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (12.68%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.54%)
Other years
Every Nissan X-Trail year
The full picture: Nissan X-Trail reliability. Before you pay for any Nissan X-Trail, 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 X-Trail reliable?
2003 Nissan X-Trails fail 48.4% of first MOT tests, 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 20 X-Trail years (5,222 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Nissan X-Trail MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (6.97% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (5.99% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (5.8% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Nissan X-Trail have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Nissan X-Trail shows 121,236 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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