Used car guide

2002 Nissan Primera: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2002 Nissan Primeras, from 212 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 212 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

212MOT tests in 2025
57%pass first time (all 2002 cars: 60%)
3,600typical miles a year
47%had brakes flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2002 Nissan Primera MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    47% 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
    42% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Suspension
    40% 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.

  • Tyres
    27% 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 leaks
    21% 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 bodywork
    14% 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.

Looking at a Nissan Primera?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2006372Lights and electrics 51%
2005530Lights and electrics 45%
2004362Lights and electrics 47%
2003303Lights and electrics 50%
2001142Brakes 36%
1999161Suspension 48%
1998158Brakes 38%
1997104Brakes 41%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2002 Nissan Primeras registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score