2021 Nissan Nv300 — MOT failures & pass rate
1,623 MOT tests on the 2021 Nissan Nv300 are in this dataset, and 85.6% of them passed. That is 5.7 percentage points worse than all cars of a similar age, which fail at 8.7%. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (6.0%) and suspension (4.6%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are brake pads, shock absorbers and malfunction indicator lamp — brake pads alone was recorded 71 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 7.6% in the 0-30k band and 18.9% in the 120-150k band, a 11.4-point spread — more than double.
Brakes is the most common advisory, noted on 21.2% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 6.0% | 98 |
| 2 | Suspension | 4.6% | 74 |
| 3 | Brakes | 4.4% | 71 |
| 4 | Tyres | 4.3% | 70 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 2.9% | 47 |
| 6 | Visibility | 2.3% | 37 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brake pads | 71 |
| 2 | Shock absorbers | 51 |
| 3 | Malfunction indicator lamp | 46 |
| 4 | Headlamp aim | 41 |
| 5 | Daytime running lamps | 22 |
| 6 | Tread depth | 20 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 21.2% | 344 |
| 2 | Tyres | 18.3% | 297 |
| 3 | Suspension | 8.9% | 145 |
| 4 | Visibility | 7.3% | 118 |
| 5 | Other defects | 5.5% | 90 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 4.6% | 74 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 397 | 7.6% |
| 30-60k | 698 | 13.6% |
| 60-90k | 345 | 22.0% |
| 90-120k | 128 | 15.6% |
| 120-150k | 37 | 18.9% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 783 | 13.0% |
| 2025 | 817 | 15.9% |
What to check before buying a 2021 Nv300
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: lighting & signalling accounted for 6.0% of tests. Start there.
- Lighting & signalling (6.0% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (4.6% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Brakes (4.4% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2021 Nissan Nv300s pass their MOT?
85.6% of the 1,623 2021 Nissan Nv300 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 14.4% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2021 Nissan Nv300?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 6.0% of tests, followed by suspension (4.6%).
Does the 2021 Nv300 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 7.6% in the 0-30k band to 18.9% in the 120-150k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 1,623 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.