Common problems by part
Nissan Primera body and structure problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 2,403 MOT tests · Updated
At 19 years, 7.2 in 100 MOT tests of the Nissan Primera failed on body and structure, against 9.0 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 2,403 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 173 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 6 ages from 17 to 22 years, 11,060 MOT tests
- Most common fail: Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases, 2.8 per 100 MOT tests
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
7.2 fails per 100 MOT tests at 19 years, against 9.0 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 19 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A body and structure fail stops the car passing until it is fixed; the most common one is rated major by DVSA.
What to check
Look under the sills, jacking points and rear subframe for rot, bubbling or fresh underseal over a repair, and check every door, bonnet and boot shuts properly.
Nissan Primera body and structure fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1,848 | 7.0 | 8.3 |
| 18 | 2,243 | 7.9 | 8.7 |
| 19* | 2,403 | 7.2 | 9.0 |
| 20* | 2,087 | 8.6 | 9.2 |
| 21* | 1,471 | 9.9 | 9.3 |
| 22* | 1,008 | 8.4 | 9.4 |
All first-use years of the Nissan Primera pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years. * Only survivors are still tested at this age.
What fails in the body and structure at 19 years
Fails
- Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases: 2.8 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 2.1. Exhaust system has a major leak of exhaust gases MOT fail
Advisories (not fails)
- Exhaust system: has a minor leak of exhaust gases: 6.3 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 5.3. Exhaust system has a minor leak of exhaust gases MOT advisory
Buying a Nissan Primera? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
How to check on a test drive
Look under the sills, jacking points and rear subframe for rot, bubbling or fresh underseal over a repair, and check every door, bonnet and boot shuts properly.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Exhaust system: has a minor leak of exhaust gases.
Check one Nissan Primera, not the average
The figures here describe Nissan Primera cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Nissan Primera's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Nissan Primera problems
- Nissan Primera suspension problems
- Nissan Primera brakes problems
- Nissan Primera lights and electrics problems
- Nissan Primera steering problems
- Nissan Primera exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
- Nissan Primera seat belts and airbags problems
- Nissan Primera windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
- Nissan Primera tyres problems
Body and structure on rival models
- Vauxhall Vectra body and structure problems: 9.1 per 100 MOT tests at 19 years, against 7.2 for the Nissan Primera (8,377 MOT tests)
- Lexus IS body and structure problems: 3.4 per 100 MOT tests at 19 years, against 7.2 for the Nissan Primera (7,290 MOT tests)
- Jaguar S-Type body and structure problems: 3.8 per 100 MOT tests at 19 years, against 7.2 for the Nissan Primera (7,057 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Nissan Primera have more body and structure problems than other cars?
7.2 in 100 MOT tests at 19 years, against 9.0 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 2,403 MOT tests).
How common are Nissan Primera body and structure problems?
7.2 in 100 MOT tests at 19 years failed on body and structure, against 9.0 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 2,403 MOT tests).
What is the most common Nissan Primera body and structure fail?
2.8 in 100 MOT tests at 19 years: Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases (67 MOT tests with it).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 11,060 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare