2018 Nissan Serena: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 Nissan Serenas, from 135 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 135 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2018 Nissan Serena MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres21% 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.
- Brakes17% 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 electrics16% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension13% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% 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 leaks4% 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
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 151 | Suspension 23% |
| 2017 | 150 | Brakes 21% |
| 2016 | 118 | Tyres 18% |
| 2015 | 161 | Suspension 14% |
| 2014 | 292 | Suspension 15% |
| 2013 | 442 | Lights and electrics 19% |
| 2012 | 260 | Tyres 28% |
| 2011 | 193 | Suspension 28% |
| 2010 | 278 | Lights and electrics 35% |
| 2009 | 198 | Suspension 39% |
| 2008 | 162 | Suspension 40% |
| 2007 | 107 | Suspension 51% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2018 Nissan Serenas registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score