2009 Nissan Serena — MOT failures & pass rate

Across 1,004 MOT tests analysed for the 2009 Nissan Serena, the most common recorded failure areas were lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes. Its pass rate of 83.5% was above the average for cars of a similar age (75.5%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 19.1% in the 120-150k group versus 12.2% in the 30-60k group.

Pass rate

1,004

MOT tests analysed

16.5%

Fail rate

better than

vs cars of similar age

14.3

Avg age at test (yrs)

How it compares

Fail rate for this model-year against the segment and national averages for cars of a similar age.

Top failure categories

Most common MOT failure areas — 2009 Nissan Serena
#	Category	% of tests affected	Tests
1	Lighting & signalling	12.3%	123
2	Suspension	4.5%	45
3	Brakes	3.5%	35
4	Visibility	3.5%	35
5	Tyres	3.5%	35
6	Steering	2.4%	24

Percentage of tests with at least one failure recorded in each category.

Most common specific failures

The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.

Most frequently recorded failure items — 2009 Nissan Serena
#	Failure item	Times recorded
1	Rear fog lamp	62
2	Headlamp aim	38
3	Track rod end	34
4	Brake pads	33
5	Tread depth	23
6	Position lamp	20

Top advisory categories

Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.

Most common MOT advisories — 2009 Nissan Serena
#	Category	% of tests with advisory	Tests
1	Tyres	19.3%	194
2	Brakes	19.1%	192
3	Suspension	16.9%	170
4	Steering	11.3%	113
5	Other defects	9.5%	95
6	Lighting & signalling	8.1%	81

Failure rate by mileage

Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.

MOT fail rate by recorded mileage band.

Fail rate by recorded mileage — 2009 Serena
Mileage band	Tests	Fail rate
30-60k	230	12.2%
60-90k	476	15.8%
90-120k	223	21.5%
120-150k	42	19.1%

Failure rate by age

How this model-year's MOT fail rate climbs as the cars get older.

Trend over time

Fail rate by dataset year — 2009 Serena
Dataset year	Tests	Fail rate
2021	122	13.9%
2022	171	14.6%
2023	223	15.3%
2024	243	16.9%
2025	245	20.0%

What to check before buying a 2009 Serena

Before buying a 2009 Nissan Serena, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Lighting & signalling accounted for 12.3% of tests for this year.

Lighting & signalling (12.3% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
Suspension (4.5% 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 (3.5% 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 2009 Nissan Serenas pass their MOT?

83.5% of the 1,004 2009 Nissan Serena MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 16.5% fail rate.

What is the most common MOT failure on a 2009 Nissan Serena?

Lighting & signalling, recorded in 12.3% of tests, followed by suspension (4.5%).

Does the 2009 Serena get worse with mileage?

Its MOT fail rate rises from 12.2% in the 30-60k band to 19.1% in the 120-150k band.

Methodology & source. Based on 1,004 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.