2004 Nissan Micra MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 51.8% of Nissan Micras first used in 2004 passed their MOT first time, against 57.8% for all cars first used in 2004. Across 30,836 Micra first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, suspension and visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen).
This page analyses first MOT tests for Nissan Micras first used in 2004 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2004 Nissan Micra MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, Micras first used in 2004 against all cars first used in 2004 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the Micra figure was 6.0 points lower.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2004 Micra | All cars first used 2004 | Micra first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 51.1% | 53.9% | 16,167 |
| 2022 | 51.0% | 55.2% | 13,929 |
| 2023 | 52.0% | 56.0% | 12,016 |
| 2024 | 51.8% | 56.4% | 10,346 |
| 2025 | 51.8% | 57.8% | 8,474 |
Common 2004 Nissan Micra MOT failures
Share of the 14,842 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect | 20.7% | 3,067 |
| Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps | 16.6% | 2,470 |
| Position lamp: not working | 15.3% | 2,268 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 11.8% | 1,746 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 9.2% | 1,365 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
Enter the car's registration to run the check.
Free · opens our free car check — no sign-in needed.
Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a Micra in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2004 Nissan Micra before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Wipers and windscreen. Worth checking that the wipers clear the screen cleanly, that the washers work, and that there are no chips or cracks in the driver’s view.
Common 2004 Nissan Micra MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2004 Micras, as a share of all 30,836 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 17.9% | 5,528 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 13.2% | 4,072 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 11.8% | 3,636 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 11.1% | 3,423 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 10.0% | 3,082 |
Questions about the 2004 Nissan Micra MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2004 Nissan Micra?
In 2025, 51.8% of Micras first used in 2004 passed their MOT first time, against 57.8% for all cars first used in 2004. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2004 Micra most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 68.0% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (40.1%) and visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen) (18.8%). The single most common item was “Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect” (20.7%).
How often does a 2004 Nissan Micra fail its MOT?
In 2025, 48.2% of first tests on Micras first used in 2004 did not pass first time: 36.9% failed, and a further 11.3% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 14,842 of 30,836 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2004 Nissan Micra MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 17.9% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (13.2%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (11.8%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (11.1%) and “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (10.0%).
Is a 2004 Nissan Micra reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 51.1% in 2021 to 51.8% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2004
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2004 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2004 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2004 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2004 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2004 Volkswagen Polo MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2004 Micra?
The numbers above cover every Micra first used in 2004 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
Enter the car's registration to run the check.
Free · no sign-in needed.