2018 Nissan Elgrand: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Nissan Elgrand?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Nissan Elgrand than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Headlights11.5× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  11.5% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.9% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Rear fog light37.5× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  7.5% All 2018 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 0.2% of all 2018 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints18.8× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  7.5% All 2018 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.1% of all 2018 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 bearings22.3× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  6.7% All 2018 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.1% of all 2018 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.

• Ball joint dust cover16.5× usual
  Nissan Elgrand

  6.6% All 2018 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.2% of all 2018 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 2018 Nissan Elgrand MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Nissan Elgrand MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  34% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  32% 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.

• Tyres
  29% 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 mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Steering
  6% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 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 headlights? (Flagged at MOT 11.5× as often on the 2018 Nissan Elgrand as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 37.5× as often on the 2018 Nissan Elgrand as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 18.8× as often on the 2018 Nissan Elgrand as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?