2002 Nissan Almera: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2002 Nissan Almeras, from 1,267 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2002 Nissan Almeras than on all cars registered in 2002.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.2× usualNissan Almera15.1% All 2002 cars7%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 3.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Braking performance1.9× usualNissan Almera14.4% All 2002 cars7.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 3.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Track rod ends2.1× usualNissan Almera12.1% All 2002 cars5.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Individual direction indicators2.5× usualNissan Almera8.1% All 2002 cars3.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.4% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Battery3.2× usualNissan Almera4.2% All 2002 cars1.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£200 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.
Drive shaft (CV) joints: 1.6% here, against 6.9% of all 2002 cars. Suspension arm bushes and joints: 3.1% here, against 8.3% of all 2002 cars.
By area
The share of 2002 Nissan Almera MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension44% 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.
- Brakes42% 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.
- Lights and electrics39% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres37% 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 bodywork16% 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 leaks16% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1,017 | Brakes 48% |
| 2005 | 3,618 | Lights and electrics 46% |
| 2004 | 2,828 | Brakes 43% |
| 2003 | 1,461 | Brakes 38% |
| 2001 | 511 | Brakes 37% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2002 Nissan Almeras registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score