Model reliability

Nissan Primastar reliability

The Nissan Primastar fails its MOT more often than most cars over 10 years old: 52.7% of 9,307 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

6 to 10 years old

49.9% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 1,001 MOT tests of Nissan Primastars this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 11× as oftenSteering linkage components12.4% vs 1.1%

Fails 5× as oftenBrake performance10% vs 1.9%

Fails 6× as oftenPosition lamps9% vs 1.5%Fix about £30

Fails 3× as oftenSuspension arms7.7% vs 2.3%

Advised 9× as oftenRigid brake pipes14.8% vs 1.6%Fix about £120

Advised 7× as oftenAnti-roll bars10.6% vs 1.5%

Advised 3× as oftenCondition of glass7.2% vs 2.1%

Advised 5× as oftenSteering linkage components7.1% vs 1.3%

Over 10 years old

52.7% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 9,307 MOT tests of Nissan Primastars this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 3× as oftenBrake performance14.7% vs 5.8%

Fails 5× as oftenSteering linkage components12.4% vs 2.4%

Fails 2× as oftenSuspension arms11.4% vs 5.1%

Fails 81% more oftenPosition lamps9.6% vs 5.3%Fix about £30

Advised 39% more oftenMechanical brake components23.5% vs 16.9%

Advised 2× as oftenFluid leaks20.3% vs 10.1%

Advised 2× as oftenRigid brake pipes18.1% vs 8.3%Fix about £120

Advised 62% more oftenAnti-roll bars9.7% vs 6%

Safety recalls

7 DVSA recalls for the Nissan Primastar

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2026/02310 Feb 2026Built 2025Primastar X82 Tyre Configuration

For affected vehicles the tyre size has been incorrectly configured in some of the control units. In this condition the calculation of the vehicle speed for display is made using incorrect data. As a result the vehicle displays a calculated vehicle speed that is 2% lower than the actual speed of the vehicle.

Fix: Reconfigure the Body Control Module (BCM) Anti-Lock braking System (ABS) and Front Camera with the correct tyre size.

Recalled models: PRIMASTAR · 373 vehicles

R/2016/18519 Sept 2016Built 2012–2013Steering wheel may break/detach and cause loss of steering

Due to an error in production cracks may form in the steering wheel. This could compromise the strength of the steering wheel and in extreme conditions may detach.

Fix: On affected vehicles inspect the steering wheel and replace where necessary.

Recalled models: PRIMASTAR · 19 vehicles

R/2010/23110 Jan 2011Built 2010Handbrake may fail

Risk that the primary handbrake cable end - piece crimping may not conform so the handbrake cable may become detached.

Fix: Check crimping at cable end. Replace cable if not within tolerance.

Recalled models: PRIMASTAR · 118 vehicles

R/2010/07514 Jul 2010Built 2006Suspension turret may fail

It has been identified that the welds on the left-hand front suspension turret may fail. Should this occur the vehicle could tilt to the left-hand side and directional control could ultimately be affected.

Fix: Recall those affected vehicles for remedial work to be carried out on the suspension turret.

Recalled models: PRIMASTAR · 11 vehicles

R/2009/1029 Nov 2009Built 2002–2008Rear seat belt buckle may detach from seat frame.

The rear seat belt buckle retaining bolt may become loose resulting in buckle becoming detached

Fix: Recall affected vehicles check and refit retorque and lock bolt.

Recalled models: PRIMASTAR · 129 vehicles

R/2008/17011 Dec 2008Built 2006–2008Possible failure of parking brake

It has been identified that the possibility exists that the intermediate handbrake connector may break resulting in the cable potentially separating from the connector. The possibility then exists that parking brake functionality would be lost.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the subject connector replaced.

Recalled models: PRIMASTAR · 7,373 vehicles

R/2008/06224 Sept 2008Built 2006Airbag may not deploy

The incorrect side airbag may deploy in the event of an accident.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the airbag control unit with one containing the correct logic.

Recalled models: PRIMASTAR · 2 vehicles

Show all 7 recalls

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Nissan Primastar before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Nissan Primastar reliability

7 DVSA recalls for the Nissan Primastar

Checking a Nissan Primastar before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.