Model reliability

Nissan Terrano reliability

The Nissan Terrano fails its MOT more often than most cars over 10 years old: 46.3% of 2,034 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Over 10 years old

46.3% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 2,034 MOT tests of Nissan Terranos this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 2× as oftenAnti-roll bars10.4% vs 4.2%

Fails 3× as oftenTransmission7.9% vs 2.6%

Fails 36% more oftenPosition lamps7.2% vs 5.3%Fix about £30

Fails 5× as oftenComponent mounting prescribed areas7.1% vs 1.4%

Advised 3× as oftenRigid brake pipes22% vs 8.3%Fix about £120

Advised 10× as oftenWheel bearings17% vs 1.7%

Advised 35% more oftenFluid leaks13.6% vs 10.1%

Advised 2× as oftenAnti-roll bars13.3% vs 6%

Safety recalls

6 DVSA recalls for the Nissan Terrano

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/2018/10017 Aug 2018Built 2004–2006A non-dessicated passenger airbag inflator was used during previous recall to replace this component

In 2013 Nissan announced a Recall campaign to replace Takata SPI front passenger airbag inflators. A non-dessicated passenger airbag inflator was used for the replacement. Although there have been no known incidents associated with inflators of this type Nissan has decided to replace all inflators previously repaired with a non-dessicated inflator to a new dessicated version.

Fix: Replace the front passenger airbag inflator with a new dessicated type.

Recalled models: TERRANO · 27,623 vehicles

R/2017/27911 Dec 2017Built 2004–2006Replace airbag inflators checked but not replaced under previous recall r/2015/093

The air bag inflators on affected vehicles were previously checked and deemed to be serviceable. As a precautionary measure the manufacturer has decided to replace them with new assemblies.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly.

Recalled models: TERRANO · 39,318 vehicles

R/2015/09316 Nov 2015Built 2004–2006Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly

The manufacturer has identified that a potential air leak at the passenger airbag inflators which may allow moisture to enter the airbag inflator causing the propellant in the inflator units to deteriorate. Deterioration of the propellant may lead to abnormal deployment of the passenger airbag. In an extreme situation this may result in separation of the airbag housing during deployment causing injury to occupants.

Fix: Inspect air bag assembly and where required replace air bag inflator

Recalled models: TERRANO · 99,525 vehicles

R/2013/05022 Apr 2013Built 2003–2006Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly

The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash. This could result in increased risk of injury to the occupant and the possibility of a fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to inspect and where necessary replace the airbag inflator module.

Recalled models: TERRANO · 59,008 vehicles

R/2002/03927 May 2002Built 2001–2002Brake pipe may leak

An interference can occur between the steering column and the brake pipe which supplies fluid to the rear brakes which may lead to brake pipe leakage.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and reposition brake pipe.

Recalled models: TERRANO · 842 vehicles

R/2000/02819 Jul 2000Built 1995–1997The brake system lsv pilot tube may chafe on the vehicle floorpan

The brake system LSV pilot tube may chafe on the vehicle floorpan. Over time the wall thickness may reduce and allow fluid leakage resulting in reduced brake efficiency.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and check LSV pilot tubes for chafing and either reposition or replace pipes.

Recalled models: TERRANO · 4,905 vehicles

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

Checking a Nissan Terrano 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 Terrano reliability

6 DVSA recalls for the Nissan Terrano

Checking a Nissan Terrano before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.