Used car guide · 2010–2017

Nissan Micra K13: best and worst years, and what goes wrong

How every year of the Nissan Micra K13 did at its MOT in 2025 compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 100,251 MOT tests.

2011best year: 62% pass first time, 1 points above all 2011 cars
2013weakest year: 64% pass first time, 2 points below all 2013 cars
Braking performancethe weak spot that shows up in 6 different years

Year by year

First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Nissan Micra K13, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.

40%70%100%2010: 59% pass first time (all 2010 cars: 59%) 59% 2010*2011: 62% pass first time (all 2011 cars: 61%) 62% 20112012: 62% pass first time (all 2012 cars: 63%) 62% 20122013: 64% pass first time (all 2013 cars: 66%) 64% 20132014: 69% pass first time (all 2014 cars: 69%) 69% 20142015: 72% pass first time (all 2015 cars: 72%) 72% 20152016: 73% pass first time (all 2016 cars: 75%) 73% 20162017: 67% pass first time (all 2017 cars: 78%) 67% 2017*
This model, first-time pass rate All cars registered that year · * changeover year: some cars are the previous or next generation
YearPass first timeAll cars that yearStands outMOT tests
2010*59%59% +0Individual direction indicators 2.9× usual14,920
201162%61% +1Suspension arm bushes and joints 2.2× usual12,317
201262%63% -1Suspension arm bushes and joints 2.3× usual11,309
201364%66% -2Coil springs 2.8× usual11,401
201469%69% +0Suspension arm bushes and joints 3× usual14,031
201572%72% +0Suspension arm bushes and joints 3.4× usual12,941
201673%75% -2Suspension arm bushes and joints 4× usual10,681
2017*67%78% -11Suspension arm bushes and joints 4.6× usual12,651

Weak spots across the Nissan Micra K13

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.

  • Braking performanceup to 5.8× usual

    Stands out in 6 years: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011.

    Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

  • Suspension arm bushes and jointsup to 4× usual

    Stands out in 6 years: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Coil springsup to 3.6× usual

    Stands out in 6 years: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

  • Rigid brake pipesup to 3.2× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2016, 2015, 2014.

    Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

  • Wipersup to 2.5× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2016, 2015, 2012.

    Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

  • Headlightsup to 2.3× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2014, 2013, 2011.

    Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

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

Known faults

From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.

  • Engine management recall

    All 2010 to 2015 Micras were recalled for an engine management fault that could cause brief unintended acceleration. Some cars built July 2015 to January 2016 had an ignition coil that could stall the engine.

    Check: Ask a Nissan dealer to check the reg for outstanding recalls.

    Source: What Car?: used Nissan Micra 2010-2016 advice

  • CVT automatic needs fluid changes

    CVT gearbox problems usually come from missed fluid changes, due every three years.

    Check: Look for the gearbox fluid change in the history.

    Source: What Car?: used Nissan Micra 2010-2016 advice

  • Slipping clutch

    Check the clutch has a clear biting point and doesn't slip.

    Check: Accelerate in a high gear from low speed: revs rising without speed means slip.

    If it needs doing: Clutch replacement, about £250–£600. ClickMechanic

    Source: What Car?: used Nissan Micra 2010-2016 advice

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score

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