CARMOTIQ Model Research Report
Nissan NOTE
2016–2021
The Nissan NOTE MOT pass rate for cars first registered 2016–2021 is 87.5% across 104,423 official UK DVSA tests. The Nissan Note first registered 2016–2021 has an 87.5% MOT pass rate, with 21,482 defect notes for tyres worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge — check tread depth and tyre edge wear before you buy. If a used Nissan Note is on your shortlist, UK reviewers tend to praise the tall, boxy cabin, the high roofline and the way it turns a small footprint into proper family space, even if refinement is not the reason you would pick one. What the official UK MOT record adds to that picture is a make-and-model file dominated by tyres and routine upkeep, not a long catalogue of hidden mechanical faults. Start the viewing at the wheels, then look at the brake pipes and the dashboard warning lamps.
Unlike a registration check, this report analyses how thousands of similar Nissan NOTE models have performed at MOT over time—not just one vehicle.
Report Dataset
- Official UK DVSA MOT tests analysed
- 104,423
- Recorded defect notes
- 117,606
- Registration era
- 2016–2021
- Coverage
- United Kingdom
- Snapshot
- 17 August 2026
- Research method
- Aggregated model-level MOT analysis
MOT pass rate
87.5%
of MOT tests passed
MOT tests analysed
104,423
Defect notes recorded
117,606
Key Findings
Nissan NOTE (2016–2021)
- Nissan Note cars first registered 2016–2021 pass 87.5% of 104,423 recorded MOT tests in this extract.
- Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge is the most frequently recorded defect note, appearing 21,482 times.
- Owner-maintenance notes account for 65,834 of 117,606 recorded defects; systemic notes are 5,166.
- Brake pipe excessively damaged is the leading systemic wording, recorded 1,837 times — worth a look underneath on a viewing.
- Reviewers sell the Note as a practical, good-value family hatch and sometimes leave longevity as an open question; in this band the MOT file is dominated by tyres and upkeep rather than a long list of systemic faults.
Nissan NOTE Research Summary
Used Notes get talked about as the practical small family hatch — taller and roomier than the Micra they grew out of, with a high roof, upright seats and, on many examples, a sliding rear bench that actually changes how you use the boot. Listings pitch value, fuel economy and that slightly unglamorous mini-MPV usefulness against a Jazz or a Fabia. Refinement is rarely the selling point, and some used-car write-ups still leave a question mark over how they last, which is the bit an MOT extract can speak to.
Carmotiq analysed 104,423 official DVSA MOT tests of Nissan Notes first registered 2016–2021, covering vehicles in the 5–10 years old (registration era) band we use for consistent make-and-model comparisons. The pass rate: 87.5%. Owner-maintenance wording accounts for 65,834 of 117,606 recorded defect notes, and tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge appears 21,482 times. Systemic notes are 5,166 in total; the most frequent of those is brake pipe excessively damaged (1,837). That's make-and-model evidence from official MOT records, not one registration plate, a private sale or a magazine reliability score.
Anyone weighing up a used Note should treat that pass rate as a decent starting point, then spend proper time on the tyres before they fall for a clean cabin and a sliding bench. Tyre condition is something you can check for yourself: tread depth and, importantly, tyre edge wear — and replacing a set can be a meaningful immediate cost. While you're there, sight along the brake pipes, check the headlamp aim and make sure the engine warning lamp comes on and goes out as it should.
What this doesn't tell you
This report describes model-level MOT trends, not the condition of any individual vehicle.
Two identical Nissan NOTE models can have very different maintenance histories.
Use this report to understand common patterns before inspecting a specific car.
How we classify MOT faults
We group recorded DVSA defect wording into four research categories to help identify whether issues are more likely to reflect routine maintenance, expected wear, recurring model patterns or miscellaneous inspection outcomes.
- Owner maintenance
- Defects often linked to day-to-day upkeep — for example tyres, lamps, washers and other items a careful owner can usually prevent or fix promptly.
- Wear & tear
- Age- and mileage-related deterioration that accumulates with normal use, even when a car has been looked after.
- Systemic
- Recurring wording and patterns that appear across the model fleet and may point to design, component or known-model tendencies rather than one careless owner.
- Other
- Inspection outcomes that do not sit cleanly in the three groups above, including mixed or less classifiable defect notes.
How MOT failures break down
Share of recorded defect notes by category for Nissan NOTE in this age band (not MOT tests and not number of vehicles).
- Owner maintenance
56% · 65,834
defect notes
- Wear & tear
22.2% · 26,162
defect notes
- Systemic
4.4% · 5,166
defect notes
- Other
17.4% · 20,444
defect notes
Severity mix
How those defect notes were graded — advisory, minor, major or dangerous — summed across categories for this model band.
Advisory
96,494
defect notes
Minor
5,715
defect notes
Major
11,359
defect notes
Dangerous
4,038
defect notes
Most Common Owner-Maintenance Faults
DVSA wording grouped as owner maintenance for this model and age band.
Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
- Recorded
- 21,482 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.2.3 (e)
What it means
Tread is close to (or at) the legal minimum, or wear is concentrated on an edge. That often points to alignment, pressure or suspension issues as well as simple age.
Why it happens
Under-inflation, poor alignment, aggressive driving or simply delayed replacement push tread below a safe/legal profile.
Buyer tip
Measure tread across the full width, check tyre age (DOT date) and look for uneven inner-edge wear.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Headlamp aim too low
- Recorded
- 1,594 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 4.1.2 (a)
What it means
This MOT defect usually indicates incorrect headlamp alignment following adjustment, suspension movement or repair work.
Why it happens
Aim drifts after suspension work, bumper repairs, bulb changes or simply from road vibration over time.
Buyer tip
Check beam alignment during inspection and ask whether the lamps were aimed after any recent suspension or bodywork.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Windscreen washer not working
- Recorded
- 860 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 3.5 (a)
What it means
Washer jets are not delivering fluid. Testers need a clear screen; empty reservoirs, blocked jets or failed pumps are common.
Why it happens
Empty bottles, frozen/blocked jets, split pipes or a failed pump stop fluid reaching the screen.
Buyer tip
Top up fluid, test the jets on the driveway, and check for cracked bottles or split pipes in the engine bay.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Shock absorbers has light misting of oil
- Recorded
- 799 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.3.2 (b)
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative
- Recorded
- 490 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.2.3 (h)
What it means
The tyre pressure monitoring system is reporting a fault or is clearly not working, so you may not get a dashboard warning of under-inflation.
Why it happens
Flat battery sensors after tyre changes, damaged valves or control-module faults are common.
Buyer tip
Confirm whether sensors need replacing after recent tyre or wheel work, and check pressures manually anyway.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect
- Recorded
- 95 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 4.1.2 (c)
What it means
This MOT defect usually indicates incorrect headlamp alignment following adjustment, suspension movement or repair work.
Why it happens
Aim drifts after suspension work, bumper repairs, bulb changes or simply from road vibration over time.
Buyer tip
Check beam alignment during inspection and ask whether the lamps were aimed after any recent suspension or bodywork.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed
- Recorded
- 67 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 7.1.2 (b)
What it means
Seat-belt webbing is frayed or lightly damaged, which can weaken the belt in a crash.
Why it happens
Abrasion at guides, trapped belts or age fray the webbing fibres.
Buyer tip
Pull each belt fully out and inspect for cuts, fraying and weak retraction.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Tyre obviously under inflated
- Recorded
- 60 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.2.3 (l)
What it means
This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
These issues often build up when routine checks are skipped between services — tyres, lamps and washers are typical examples.
Buyer tip
Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Most Common Wear & Tear Faults
DVSA wording grouped as wear and tear for this model and age band.
Brake pedal wearing smooth worn edges
- Recorded
- 36 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.1.2 (c)
What it means
The brake pedal rubber is worn smooth, reducing grip for your foot in the wet.
Why it happens
The pedal rubber wears through with daily use and is often left until an MOT flags it.
Buyer tip
A new pedal rubber is inexpensive — treat smooth pedals as a quick owner-maintenance fix.
Severity
Usually wear related
Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak
- Recorded
- 27 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.1 (b)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
Emissions not tested serious exhaust leak
- Recorded
- 5 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.2 (d)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak
- Recorded
- 5 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.2.1 (b)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
Service brake excessively fluctuating inner discs worn
- Recorded
- 4 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.2.1 (e)
What it means
Service brake performance could not be fully verified, or a brake is binding/fluctuating. That often points to worn discs, seized calipers or hub issues.
Why it happens
Seized caliper slides, worn discs or contaminated friction material upset brake balance.
Buyer tip
Insist on a road test and a proper brake inspection; unresolved binding can destroy pads and hubs.
Severity
Usually wear related
Exhaust mounting defective ALL EXHAUST CORRODED
- Recorded
- 3 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 6.1.2 (a)
What it means
An exhaust mount is worn or the system is insecure/leaking. That can worsen noise, fumes and later emissions failures.
Why it happens
Rubber hangers perish and joints loosen with heat cycles and corrosion.
Buyer tip
Look under the car for hanging sections, cracked rubbers and sooty leak marks at joints.
Severity
Usually wear related
Service brake binding but not excessively wheel bearing to check
- Recorded
- 2 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.2.1 (f)
What it means
Service brake performance could not be fully verified, or a brake is binding/fluctuating. That often points to worn discs, seized calipers or hub issues.
Why it happens
Seized caliper slides, worn discs or contaminated friction material upset brake balance.
Buyer tip
Insist on a road test and a proper brake inspection; unresolved binding can destroy pads and hubs.
Severity
Usually wear related
Brake performance unable to be tested Brake disc worn
- Recorded
- 1 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.2.1 (g)
What it means
Service brake performance could not be fully verified, or a brake is binding/fluctuating. That often points to worn discs, seized calipers or hub issues.
Why it happens
Seized caliper slides, worn discs or contaminated friction material upset brake balance.
Buyer tip
Insist on a road test and a proper brake inspection; unresolved binding can destroy pads and hubs.
Severity
Usually wear related
Most Common Systemic Faults
DVSA wording grouped as systemic patterns for this model and age band.
Brake pipe excessively damaged
- Recorded
- 1,837 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.1.11 (c)
What it means
A brake pipe is damaged or heavily corroded. Pipe failure can cause sudden loss of braking effort.
Why it happens
Road salt, stone chips and age corrode metal pipes, especially along the underbody.
Buyer tip
Inspect metal pipes along the underbody and near calipers; corroded pipes should be replaced before you rely on the car.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
- Recorded
- 404 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.2 (h)
What it means
The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
- Recorded
- 223 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.2.2 (g)
What it means
The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases cracked
- Recorded
- 22 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 6.1.2 (a)
What it means
An exhaust mount is worn or the system is insecure/leaking. That can worsen noise, fumes and later emissions failures.
Why it happens
Rubber hangers perish and joints loosen with heat cycles and corrosion.
Buyer tip
Look under the car for hanging sections, cracked rubbers and sooty leak marks at joints.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread cracked
- Recorded
- 6 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 0.1 (b)
What it means
The number plate is cracked, deteriorated or hard to read. Plates must remain legible and securely fitted.
Why it happens
Age, stone chips, poor replacements or mounts that flex crack or fade plates.
Buyer tip
Budget for legal replacement plates; check fixing and any bike-rack or tow-bar obstruction.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Emissions not tested Due to engine missfire
- Recorded
- 6 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.2 (d)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Exhaust emissions - engine idle speed too high
- Recorded
- 4 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.2 (e)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Brake pedal wearing smooth Brake and clutch pedal
- Recorded
- 3 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.1.2 (c)
What it means
The brake pedal rubber is worn smooth, reducing grip for your foot in the wet.
Why it happens
The pedal rubber wears through with daily use and is often left until an MOT flags it.
Buyer tip
A new pedal rubber is inexpensive — treat smooth pedals as a quick owner-maintenance fix.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Recent year-by-year category counts
Defect-note totals by calendar year in the serving extract (not MOT tests, not vehicles, and not a prediction).
| Year | Owner maintenance | Wear & tear | Systemic | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| defect notes | defect notes | defect notes | defect notes | |
| 2021 | 8,091 | 2,325 | 413 | 1,587 |
| 2022 | 9,295 | 3,295 | 574 | 1,959 |
| 2023 | 9,968 | 4,135 | 701 | 2,588 |
| 2024 | 10,496 | 5,303 | 997 | 3,647 |
| 2025 | 11,474 | 6,081 | 1,300 | 5,224 |
| 2026 | 4,928 | 2,696 | 607 | 2,514 |
Buying a used Nissan NOTE: practical MOT checks
- Check tyre tread across the full width, including the inner and outer edges, not just the centre of each tyre.
- Sight along the brake pipes underneath for damage, corrosion or rubbing where the lines run.
- Confirm both headlamps sit at a similar height on a wall and that the windscreen washers actually fire.
- With the ignition on, check the engine management lamp comes on and then goes out — walk away if it stays lit or never illuminates.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Nissan Note MOT pass rate for 2016–2021?
- Nissan Note cars first registered 2016–2021 show an 87.5% MOT pass rate from 104,423 recorded DVSA tests.
- What comes up most often on a Nissan Note MOT?
- Owner-maintenance notes account for 65,834 of 117,606 recorded defects. The highest-volume wording is tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge, which appears 21,482 times.
- Is this the same as checking one registration on GOV.UK?
- No. GOV.UK shows one vehicle. This page aggregates MOT outcomes for the Nissan Note make and model in a fixed UK registration age band so you can research the model before you shortlist cars.