Used car guide

2012 Nissan Serena: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Nissan Serenas, from 260 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 260 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

260MOT tests in 2025
70%pass first time (all 2012 cars: 63%)
6,000typical miles a year
2.7×the usual rate for track rod ends

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Nissan Serenas than on all cars registered in 2012.

  • Track rod ends2.7× usual
    Nissan Serena
    13.1% All 2012 cars
    4.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 2.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

By area

The share of 2012 Nissan Serena MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    28% 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.

  • Suspension
    27% 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.

  • Brakes
    25% 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
    25% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    8% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    2% 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.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2019151Suspension 23%
2018135Tyres 21%
2017150Brakes 21%
2016118Tyres 18%
2015161Suspension 14%
2014292Suspension 15%
2013442Lights and electrics 19%
2011193Suspension 28%
2010278Lights and electrics 35%
2009198Suspension 39%
2008162Suspension 40%
2007107Suspension 51%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Nissan Serenas registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score