Used car guide

2003 Nissan Terrano: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Nissan Terranos, from 209 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 209 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

209MOT tests in 2025
60%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
5,100typical miles a year
5.2×the usual rate for chassis rust or damage

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Nissan Terranos than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Chassis rust or damage5.2× usual
    Nissan Terrano
    20.6% All 2003 cars
    4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Wheel bearings4.5× usual
    Nissan Terrano
    17.2% All 2003 cars
    3.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 1.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints3× usual
    Nissan Terrano
    19.6% All 2003 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 10.5%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

By area

The share of 2003 Nissan Terrano MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    45% 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
    43% 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
    37% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Rust and bodywork
    33% 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.

  • Tyres
    25% 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.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    20% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2005200Suspension 44%
2004308Suspension 51%
2002154Lights and electrics 50%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Nissan Terranos registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score