2005 Nissan Primastar: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Nissan Primastars, from 804 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2005 Nissan Primastars than on all cars registered in 2005.
- Ball joint3× usualNissan Primastar19.5% All 2005 cars6.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 12.9%, against 3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Engine oil leaks1.9× usualNissan Primastar27.5% All 2005 cars14.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
- Track rod ends2.9× usualNissan Primastar17.4% All 2005 cars6.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 9.6%, against 2.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Steering rack inner joints2.9× usualNissan Primastar11.2% All 2005 cars3.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Shock absorbers2.1× usualNissan Primastar14.3% All 2005 cars6.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 4.1% here, against 10.7% of all 2005 cars. Exhaust system: 3.2% here, against 9.4% of all 2005 cars.
By area
The share of 2005 Nissan Primastar MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension58% 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 electrics51% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes46% 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.
- Tyres30% 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 leaks29% 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 mirrors19% 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?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
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% |
| 2004 | 598 | Suspension 62% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Nissan Primastars registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score