Used car guide

2021 Nissan Elgrand: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 Nissan Elgrands, from 408 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 408 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

408MOT tests in 2025
64%pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%)
20,400typical miles a year
3.1×the usual rate for brake pads

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2021 Nissan Elgrands than on all cars registered in 2021.

  • Brake pads3.1× usual
    Nissan Elgrand
    20.8% All 2021 cars
    6.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 1.2% of all 2021 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.

  • Brake discs2.3× usual
    Nissan Elgrand
    16.4% All 2021 cars
    7.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

  • Headlights22× usual
    Nissan Elgrand
    8.8% All 2021 cars
    0.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.4% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

  • Ball joint dust cover78× usual
    Nissan Elgrand
    7.8% All 2021 cars
    0.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.1% of all 2021 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 covers74× usual
    Nissan Elgrand
    7.4% All 2021 cars
    0.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 0.1% of all 2021 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.

By area

The share of 2021 Nissan Elgrand MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    35% 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
    32% 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
    30% 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
    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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    8% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Steering
    6% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Looking at a Nissan Elgrand?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
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%
1999106Suspension 49%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2021 Nissan Elgrands registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score