Model reliability

Nissan Primera reliability

The Nissan Primera fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 42.8% of 4,372 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Over 10 years old

42.8% failed their MOT

About average

From 4,372 MOT tests of Nissan Primeras this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 41% more oftenBrake performance8.2% vs 5.8%

Fails 43% more oftenHeadlamp aim7.7% vs 5.4%Fix about £30

Fails 47% more oftenExhaust emissions7.5% vs 5.1%Fix about £150

Fails 85% more oftenHeadlamps7.2% vs 3.9%Fix about £30

Advised 59% more oftenFluid leaks16.1% vs 10.1%

Advised 33% more oftenTyre condition13.8% vs 10.4%Fix about £90

Advised 3× as oftenHeadlamps12.1% vs 3.7%Fix about £30

Advised 93% more oftenBrake performance8.9% vs 4.6%

Safety recalls

4 DVSA recalls for the Nissan Primera

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/2003/1708 Dec 2003Built 1999–2002Engine may stall

A concern has been identified with the engine angle and position sensors of the engine management system If ignored it could cause the engine to stall and/or make it not possible to restart

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace sensors.

Recalled models: PRIMERA · 111,831 vehicles

R/2002/15126 Nov 2002Possible deflation of front left hand tyre

A conveyor used during vehicle manufacturing may have damaged the front left hand tyre. In extreme cases the damage could lead to possible deflation of the affected tyre.

Fix: Examine tyre for damage and replace where necessary.

Recalled models: PRIMERA · 2,758 vehicles

R/2001/15429 Jan 2002Built 2000–2001Engine may stall

A concern has been identified affecting 1.5 1.6 and 1.8 petrol engine crankshaft and camshaft position sensors (a common part). An internal failure of the component may cause the engine to stall and not restart.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and fit a quality assured replacement crankshaft and camshaft position sensor.

Recalled models: PRIMERA · 40,455 vehicles

R/1995/06312 Oct 1995Built 1990–1994Brake hoses may chafe

Under certain circumstances a front flexible brake hose may split leading to fluid loss and reduced brake performance.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of modified front brake hoses.

Recalled models: PRIMERA · 74,000 vehicles

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

Checking a Nissan Primera 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 Primera reliability

4 DVSA recalls for the Nissan Primera

Checking a Nissan Primera before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.