Used car guide

1999 Nissan Elgrand: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1999 Nissan Elgrands, from 106 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 106 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

106MOT tests in 2025
53%pass first time (all 1999 cars: 65%)
4,900typical miles a year
49%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 1999 Nissan Elgrand MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    49% 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
    40% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Brakes
    38% 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.

  • Tyres
    29% 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
    20% 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
    19% 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 Elgrand?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2021408Brakes 35%
2020466Suspension 34%
2019412Suspension 35%
2018376Suspension 35%
2017479Suspension 38%
2016408Suspension 41%
2015314Suspension 37%
2014243Suspension 28%
2013271Suspension 26%
2012378Suspension 28%
2011489Suspension 31%
2010844Suspension 24%
2009807Brakes 22%
20081,657Brakes 27%
20071,609Suspension 28%
20061,211Suspension 30%
20051,432Suspension 32%
2004836Suspension 35%
2003562Suspension 40%
2002430Suspension 37%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1999 Nissan Elgrands registered in 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score