2011 Nissan Micra: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Nissan Micra?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Nissan Micra than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usual
  Nissan Micra

  22.7% All 2011 cars

  9.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Braking performance2.2× usual
  Nissan Micra

  11.7% All 2011 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 2.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Nissan Micra

  15.5% All 2011 cars

  9.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 4% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Headlights1.7× usual
  Nissan Micra

  8.5% All 2011 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 3.1% of all 2011 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.

• Wipers2× usual
  Nissan Micra

  6.4% All 2011 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2011 Nissan Micra MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Nissan Micra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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.

• Tyres
  31% 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.

• Brakes
  28% 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
  27% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  7% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

Known faults on the 2011 Nissan Micra

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Engine management recall

  All engines

  All 2010 to 2015 Micras were recalled for an engine management fault that could cause brief unintended acceleration. Some cars built July 2015 to January 2016 had an ignition coil that could stall the engine.

  At the viewing: Ask a Nissan dealer to check the reg for outstanding recalls.

  Source: What Car?: used Nissan Micra 2010-2016 advice

• CVT automatic needs fluid changes

  CVT automatic

  CVT gearbox problems usually come from missed fluid changes, due every three years.

  At the viewing: Look for the gearbox fluid change in the history.

  Source: What Car?: used Nissan Micra 2010-2016 advice

• Slipping clutch

  Manual gearbox

  Check the clutch has a clear biting point and doesn't slip.

  At the viewing: Accelerate in a high gear from low speed: revs rising without speed means slip.

  If it needs doing: Clutch replacement, about £250–£600. ClickMechanic

  Source: What Car?: used Nissan Micra 2010-2016 advice

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Nissan Micra

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

1. Has all the recall work been done?
2. When was the gearbox fluid changed?
3. Has the clutch been replaced?
4. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2011 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2011 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)
6. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2011 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)