2007 Nissan Primastar: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2007 Nissan Primastars, from 1,090 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 2007 Nissan Primastars than on all cars registered in 2007.
- Rigid brake pipes2.8× usualNissan Primastar31% All 2007 cars11.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 1.8% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt 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.
- Track rod ends3.4× usualNissan Primastar19.9% All 2007 cars5.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 11.1%, against 2.5% of all 2007 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.
- Engine oil leaks1.9× usualNissan Primastar26.1% All 2007 cars13.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.3% of all 2007 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.
- Ball joint2.7× usualNissan Primastar17.2% All 2007 cars6.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 10%, against 3% of all 2007 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.
- Steering rack inner joints2.9× usualNissan Primastar9.8% All 2007 cars3.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2007 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.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 2.5% here, against 10.9% of all 2007 cars.
By area
The share of 2007 Nissan Primastar MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension60% 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.
- Brakes55% 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 electrics46% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- 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 leaks28% 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 mirrors18% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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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% |
| 2006 | 850 | Suspension 59% |
| 2005 | 804 | Suspension 58% |
| 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 2007 Nissan Primastars registered in 2007. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score