2012 Nissan Note: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Nissan Note?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Nissan Note than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  Nissan Note

  20.1% All 2012 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 1.9% of all 2012 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.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Nissan Note

  11.4% All 2012 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 2.9% of all 2012 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.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Nissan Note

  14.5% All 2012 cars

  8.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 3.8% of all 2012 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.

• Brake lights2.5× usual
  Nissan Note

  9% All 2012 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 2.9% of all 2012 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 joints2.5× usual
  Nissan Note

  7.5% All 2012 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.1% of all 2012 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 2012 Nissan Note MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Nissan Note MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  29% 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
  22% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% 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
  5% 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 2012 Nissan Note

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.

• Worn steering rack

  All engines

  Some Notes have needed a new steering rack.

  At the viewing: Feel for resistance or notchiness as you turn the wheel.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Nissan Note buying guide (2006-2013)

• Damp footwells

  All engines

  Air con leaks can make the footwells damp.

  At the viewing: Feel the carpets for damp.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Nissan Note buying guide (2006-2013)

• Cambelt due (diesel)

  Diesel

  The diesel’s cambelt is due every five years or 90,000 miles, about £400.

  At the viewing: Ask for an invoice if it’s due.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Nissan Note buying guide (2006-2013)

• Windscreen cracks and squeaky suspension

  All engines

  Small cracks along the bottom of the windscreen spread quickly, and front squeaks usually mean worn anti-roll bar bushes.

  At the viewing: Look along the bottom of the screen, and listen over bumps.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Nissan Note buying guide (2006-2013)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Nissan Note

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

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2012 Nissan Note as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2012 Nissan Note as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2012 Nissan Note as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?