2014 Nissan Primastar: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Nissan Primastar?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Nissan Primastar than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Rigid brake pipes5.9× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  18.3% All 2014 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 0.4% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Track rod ends4.8× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  18.8% All 2014 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.1%, against 2% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Sidelights3.7× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  9.2% All 2014 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 2.2% of all 2014 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.

• Ball joint2.9× usual
  Nissan Primastar

  10.3% All 2014 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2% of all 2014 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 2014 Nissan Primastar MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Nissan Primastar MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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
  43% 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
  34% 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
  28% 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
  15% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 Nissan Primastar

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 5.9× as often on the 2014 Nissan Primastar as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2014 Nissan Primastar as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2014 Nissan Primastar as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?