2017 Nissan Micra: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Nissan Micra?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Nissan Micra than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints6.1× usual
  Nissan Micra

  22.4% All 2017 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 0.7% of all 2017 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.

• Coil springs6.5× usual
  Nissan Micra

  13.6% All 2017 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.2%, against 1.5% of all 2017 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.

• Braking performance2.7× usual
  Nissan Micra

  4.6% All 2017 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.5% of all 2017 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.

• Wipers2× usual
  Nissan Micra

  5.3% All 2017 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.7% of all 2017 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints4× usual
  Nissan Micra

  2.8% All 2017 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.2% of all 2017 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.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2017 Nissan Micra MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Nissan Micra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  36% 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
  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.

• Brakes
  18% 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
  8% 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
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  3% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2017 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.

• Blocked DPF on low-mileage diesels

  1.5 dCi diesel

  The 1.5 dCi diesel's particulate filter needs regular longer runs to clean itself. Cars used mainly for short trips can block it.

  At the viewing: Look for a DPF warning light and ask how the car has been used.

  If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic

  Source: Auto Express: used Nissan Micra Mk5

• Four recalls to check

  All engines

  This Micra has been recalled for the ignition barrel, wheel hubs, airbags and VIN labels.

  At the viewing: Give the VIN to a Nissan dealer and ask them to confirm all recall work is done.

  Source: Auto Express: used Nissan Micra Mk5

• Misty lights

  All engines

  The lights are vented, so a little misting is normal, but heavy moisture sitting inside the lens isn't.

  At the viewing: Look inside the front and rear lights for pooled water.

  Source: Auto Express: used Nissan Micra Mk5

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Nissan Micra

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

1. Has it done regular motorway runs, and has the DPF ever been cleaned?
2. Has all the recall work been done?
3. Have any lights been replaced?
4. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 6.1× as often on the 2017 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 6.5× as often on the 2017 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)
6. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2017 Nissan Micra as on other cars the same age.)