2004 Nissan Terrano: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2004 Nissan Terranos, from 308 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 308 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 2004 Nissan Terranos than on all cars registered in 2004.
- Chassis rust or damage5.8× usualNissan Terrano23.1% All 2004 cars4%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1.2% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Wheel bearings4.4× usualNissan Terrano16.9% All 2004 cars3.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints2.6× usualNissan Terrano17.9% All 2004 cars6.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 9.7%, against 2.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Corroded fuel pipes13× usualNissan Terrano10.4% All 2004 cars0.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.3× usualNissan Terrano15.3% All 2004 cars6.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 3% of all 2004 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.
By area
The share of 2004 Nissan Terrano MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension51% 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.
- Brakes44% 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 electrics37% 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 bodywork36% 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.
- Tyres22% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors19% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 200 | Suspension 44% |
| 2003 | 209 | Suspension 45% |
| 2002 | 154 | Lights and electrics 50% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2004 Nissan Terranos registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score