Used car guide

2004 Nissan Primastar: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2004 Nissan Primastars, from 598 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

598MOT tests in 2025

48%pass first time (all 2004 cars: 58%)

7,500typical miles a year

2.1×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2004 Nissan Primastars than on all cars registered in 2004.

Engine oil leaks2.1× usual

Nissan Primastar
33.4% All 2004 cars
15.8%

Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.4% of all 2004 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.
Ball joint3× usual

Nissan Primastar
19.7% All 2004 cars
6.6%

Failed outright at MOT: 11.7%, against 3% of all 2004 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.
Track rod ends2.6× usual

Nissan Primastar
17.1% All 2004 cars
6.6%

Failed outright at MOT: 9.5%, against 2.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Brake discs1.8× usual

Nissan Primastar
23.2% All 2004 cars
13.2%

Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.9% of all 2004 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.
Steering rack inner joints3.2× usual

Nissan Primastar
12.2% All 2004 cars
3.8%

Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2004 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.

Better than most

Suspension arm bushes and joints: 3.8% here, against 9.5% of all 2004 cars.

By area

The share of 2004 Nissan Primastar MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

Suspension

62% 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

50% 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

47% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

35% 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.
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

22% 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

Year	MOT tests	Most flagged
2022	660	Brakes 23%
2011	823	Suspension 54%
2009	646	Suspension 54%
2008	756	Brakes 60%
2007	1,090	Suspension 60%
2006	850	Suspension 59%
2005	804	Suspension 58%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2004 Nissan Primastars registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score