Nissan Note reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Nissan Note is a supermini. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 93 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 307 of 442, and 36.3% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (6.3% of tests).
Ranked 307 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 11 of 31 superminis
In 2024, 152,498 Nissan Notes aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 36.3% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Nissan Note is 8% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
36.3%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
6,300
Typical age at test: 12 years
Nissan Note MOT failure rate by age
Most common Nissan Note MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working6.3% of tests
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.3% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn5.2% of tests
- Stop lamp: not working4.9% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken4.3% of tests
- Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.8% of tests
What the Nissan Note fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 18.6% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Suspension | 16.4% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Tyres | 5.9% | ▼ 11% less often |
| Brakes | 5.7% | ▼ 30% less often |
| Visibility | 5.6% | About average |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.0% | ▼ 22% less often |
| Body and structure | 2.7% | ▼ 39% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.7% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Wheels | 0.6% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Steering | 0.4% | ▼ 85% less often |
What MPG does the Nissan Note do?
Official economy for the Nissan Note ranges from 41.5 to 78.5mpg across the 17 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2006–2018). A typical petrol version manages 47.9mpg and a typical diesel 67.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Nissan Note?
Any Nissan Note first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Nissan Note registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £325 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carNissan Note specs and running costs
Official figures for 17 versions sold in the UK between 2006 and 2018.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
41.5–78.5 mpg
CO2
93–159 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note Euro6, 2015 1.5 dCiM5 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 78.5 mpg | 93g | £200 |
| Note Euro6, 2015 1.2M5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 60.1 mpg | 109g | £200 |
| Note Euro6, 2015 1.2 DIGT-SM5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 99g | £200 |
| Note Euro6, 2015 1.2 DIGT-S CVTCVT · listed 2018 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 119g | £200 |
| Note 1.5 dCi 66kWManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 67.3 mpg | 110g | £20 |
| Note 1.4Manual · listed 2013 | Petrol | 47.9 mpg | 139g | £200 |
| Note 1.6Manual · listed 2013 | Petrol | 42.8 mpg | 149g | £225 |
| Note 1.6Automatic · listed 2013 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 159g | £275 |
| Note 1.4 88psManual · listed 2013 | Petrol | 47.9 mpg | 139g | £200 |
| Note 1.5 dCi 66kWM6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 67.3 mpg | 110g | £20 |
| Note 1.4M5 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 47.9 mpg | 139g | £200 |
| Note 1.6M5 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 42.8 mpg | 149g | £225 |
| Note 1.6A4 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 159g | £275 |
| Note 1.5 dCi 63kWM5 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 65.7 mpg | 115g | £35 |
| Note 1.6 from December 2007A4 · listed 2008 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 159g | £275 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 17 versions.
What a Nissan Note costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 47.9mpg…
- diesel, typical official 67.3mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Nissan NoteBuying a used Nissan Note?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Nissan Note with other superminis
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Nissan models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Nissan Note reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Nissan Note is 8% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 93 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Nissan Note?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 6.3% of tests. It fails on seat belts and airbags and suspension more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Nissan Note do?
Official economy for the Nissan Note ranges from 41.5 to 78.5mpg across the 17 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2006–2018). A typical petrol version manages 47.9mpg and a typical diesel 67.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Nissan Note?
Any Nissan Note first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Nissan Note registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £325 a year.
›How many Nissan Notes fail their MOT?
36.3% of Nissan Notes aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Nissan Note combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.