Used car guide

2003 Nissan D22: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Nissan D22s, from 115 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 115 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

115MOT tests in 2025
58%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
5,500typical miles a year
54%had brakes flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2003 Nissan D22 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    54% 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
    50% 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
    46% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Rust and bodywork
    27% 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.

  • Tyres
    25% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    17% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Looking at a Nissan D22?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2004202Lights and electrics 50%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Nissan D22s registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score