Used car guide

2003 Nissan Primastar: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Nissan Primastars, from 382 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 382 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

382MOT tests in 2025
45%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
7,000typical miles a year
2.1×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What stands out

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

  • Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
    Nissan Primastar
    33.5% All 2003 cars
    16.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Steering rack inner joints4.6× usual
    Nissan Primastar
    16.2% All 2003 cars
    3.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Ball joint3× usual
    Nissan Primastar
    19.1% All 2003 cars
    6.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 11.3%, against 2.7% 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.

  • Brake discs2× usual
    Nissan Primastar
    25.4% All 2003 cars
    12.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.8% of all 2003 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.

  • Braking performance2.7× usual
    Nissan Primastar
    19.1% All 2003 cars
    7.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 10.7%, against 3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    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.

By area

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

  • Suspension
    61% 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.

  • Brakes
    57% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    50% 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
    37% 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
    34% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    27% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Looking at a Nissan Primastar?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022660Brakes 23%
2014419Suspension 49%
2013461Suspension 58%
2012466Suspension 50%
2011823Suspension 54%
2010387Suspension 52%
2009646Suspension 54%
2008756Brakes 60%
20071,090Suspension 60%
2006850Suspension 59%
2005804Suspension 58%
2004598Suspension 62%

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