1999 Nissan Primera: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1999 Nissan Primeras, from 161 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 161 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 1999 Nissan Primeras than on all cars registered in 1999.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.8× usualNissan Primera23% All 1999 cars8.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 14.3%, against 4.3% of all 1999 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.
- Braking performance2.7× usualNissan Primera19.3% All 1999 cars7.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 3.4% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
By area
The share of 1999 Nissan Primera MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension48% 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.
- Brakes42% 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 electrics34% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres26% 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 leaks20% 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.
- Rust and bodywork18% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
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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% |
| 1998 | 158 | Brakes 38% |
| 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 1999 Nissan Primeras registered in 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score