2003 Nissan Elgrand: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Nissan Elgrand?

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

• Brake pads2.6× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  17.8% All 2003 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 1.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Rear fog light6.1× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  9.8% All 2003 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.6%, against 1.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Link ball joint covers3.3× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  7.6% All 2003 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Wheel bearings2.3× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  8.8% All 2003 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.2× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  7.4% All 2003 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2003 Nissan Elgrand MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  39% 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
  36% 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
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  30% 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
  8% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Nissan Elgrand

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2003 Nissan Elgrand as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 6.1× as often on the 2003 Nissan Elgrand as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2003 Nissan Elgrand as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?