1997 Nissan Elgrand: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Nissan Elgrand first registered in 1997: we looked at the 122 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 122 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1997 Nissan Elgrand MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1997 Nissan Elgrand MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension57% 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.
- Brakes48% 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 electrics34% 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 bodywork25% 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.
- Tyres23% 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 mirrors16% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Nissan Elgrand
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Nissan Elgrand?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Nissan Elgrand compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2021 | 1,377 | Brakes 31% |
| 2020 | 1,528 | Brakes 33% |
| 2019 | 1,385 | Brakes 33% |
| 2018 | 1,265 | Suspension 34% |
| 2017 | 1,682 | Suspension 36% |
| 2016 | 1,417 | Lights and electrics 40% |
| 2015 | 1,110 | Suspension 37% |
| 2014 | 705 | Suspension 32% |
| 2013 | 732 | Suspension 28% |
| 2012 | 967 | Suspension 25% |
| 2011 | 1,397 | Suspension 27% |
| 2010 | 2,320 | Brakes 23% |
| 2009 | 2,047 | Brakes 22% |
| 2008 | 4,454 | Brakes 24% |
| 2007 | 4,413 | Suspension 26% |
| 2006 | 3,324 | Suspension 29% |
| 2005 | 3,909 | Brakes 29% |
| 2004 | 2,277 | Brakes 33% |
| 2003 | 1,494 | Suspension 38% |
| 2002 | 1,095 | Brakes 37% |
| 2001 | 182 | Lights and electrics 41% |
| 2000 | 197 | Suspension 47% |
| 1999 | 227 | Suspension 47% |
| 1998 | 158 | Suspension 60% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Nissan Elgrand cars first registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score