Used car guide

2003 Nissan Elgrand: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Nissan Elgrands, from 562 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

562MOT tests in 2025
61%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
4,500typical miles a year
2.3×the usual rate for brake pads

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Nissan Elgrands than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Brake pads2.3× usual
    Nissan Elgrand
    14.9% All 2003 cars
    6.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.5% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

  • Rear fog light5.2× usual
    Nissan Elgrand
    8.9% All 2003 cars
    1.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 1.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

  • Wheel bearings2.4× usual
    Nissan Elgrand
    9.3% All 2003 cars
    3.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints2.5× usual
    Nissan Elgrand
    8% All 2003 cars
    3.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Link ball joint covers2.8× usual
    Nissan Elgrand
    6.6% All 2003 cars
    2.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Better than most

Rigid brake pipes: 4.3% here, against 18.3% of all 2003 cars. Engine oil leaks: 7.8% here, against 16.2% of all 2003 cars.

By area

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

  • Suspension
    40% 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
    38% 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
    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.

  • Tyres
    30% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    9% 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.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    8% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Looking at a Nissan Elgrand?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2010844Brakes 24%
2009807Brakes 22%
20081,657Brakes 27%
20071,609Suspension 28%
20061,211Tyres 30%
20051,432Brakes 32%
2004836Suspension 35%

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