1998 Nissan Primera: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1998 Nissan Primeras, from 158 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 158 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1998 Nissan Primeras than on all cars registered in 1998.
- Exhaust system2.3× usualNissan Primera19.6% All 1998 cars8.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 2.3% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
By area
The share of 1998 Nissan Primera MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes38% 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.
- Suspension35% 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 electrics28% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres28% 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 leaks21% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions20% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 372 | Lights and electrics 51% |
| 2005 | 530 | Lights and electrics 45% |
| 2004 | 362 | Lights and electrics 47% |
| 2003 | 303 | Lights and electrics 50% |
| 2002 | 212 | Brakes 47% |
| 2001 | 142 | Brakes 36% |
| 1999 | 161 | Suspension 48% |
| 1997 | 104 | Brakes 41% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1998 Nissan Primeras registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score