Nissan Primastar reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Nissan Primastar is a van. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 83 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 29 of 42, and 53.2% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is track rod end (11.3% of tests).
Ranked 29 of 42 vans and pickups in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 8,644 Nissan Primastars aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 53.2% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Nissan Primastar is 20% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
53.2%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
9,600
Typical age at test: 16 years
Nissan Primastar MOT failure rate by age
Most common Nissan Primastar MOT faults
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play11.3% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn10.4% of tests
- Position lamp: not working8.7% of tests
- Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements7.8% of tests
- Stop lamp: not working5.7% of tests
- Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps5.4% of tests
What the Nissan Primastar fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 29.0% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Suspension | 25.4% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Brakes | 22.7% | ▲ 1.7× as often |
| Steering | 14.1% | ▲ 3.2× as often |
| Visibility | 10.6% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Body and structure | 9.6% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Tyres | 6.4% | ▼ 21% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 5.1% | ▼ 23% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 4.2% | ▲ 1.6× as often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | ▼ 62% less often |
Nissan Primastar specs and running costs
Official figures for 5 versions sold in the UK between 2008 and 2010.
Fuel types
Diesel
Official economy
32.1–35.3 mpg
CO2
213–232 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primastar 2.0 dCi SWB/LWBM6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 33.6 mpg | 224g | £445 |
| Primastar 2.0 dCi SWB/LWBSemi-Auto · listed 2010 | Diesel | 35.3 mpg | 213g | £445 |
| Primastar 2.5 dCi SWBLWBM6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 32.1 mpg | 232g | £760 |
| Primastar 2.0 dCi SWB/LWB QuickshiftM6 · listed 2008 | Diesel | 35.3 mpg | 213g | £445 |
| Primastar 2.5 dCi SWB/LWBM6 · listed 2008 | Diesel | 32.1 mpg | 232g | £760 |
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.
What a Nissan Primastar costs to fuel
- diesel, typical official 33.6mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Nissan PrimastarBuying a used Nissan Primastar?
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Other Nissan models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Nissan Primastar reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Nissan Primastar is 20% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 83 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Nissan Primastar?
The most common MOT fault is “Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play”, found in 11.3% of tests. It fails on steering and brakes more often than similar cars.
›How many Nissan Primastars fail their MOT?
53.2% of Nissan Primastars aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Nissan Primastar 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.