Used car guide

2001 Nissan Almera: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2001 Nissan Almeras, from 511 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

511MOT tests in 2025
56%pass first time (all 2001 cars: 61%)
3,200typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2001 Nissan Almeras than on all cars registered in 2001.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings2× usual
    Nissan Almera
    15.3% All 2001 cars
    7.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 4.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Track rod ends2.2× usual
    Nissan Almera
    10.8% All 2001 cars
    5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Chassis rust or damage2× usual
    Nissan Almera
    9.8% All 2001 cars
    4.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

By area

The share of 2001 Nissan Almera MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    37% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    37% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    36% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    33% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Rust and bodywork
    21% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    15% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a Nissan Almera?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20061,017Brakes 48%
20053,618Lights and electrics 46%
20042,828Brakes 43%
20031,461Brakes 38%
20021,267Suspension 44%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2001 Nissan Almeras registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score