Nissan Pulsar reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Nissan Pulsar is a family hatchback. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 84 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 369 of 442, and 27.1% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is ball joint (6.0% of tests).
Ranked 369 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 28 of 30 family hatchbacks
In 2024, 21,080 Nissan Pulsars aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 27.1% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Nissan Pulsar is 19% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
27.1%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
7,500
Typical age at test: 8 years
Nissan Pulsar MOT failure rate by age
Most common Nissan Pulsar MOT faults
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn6.0% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken4.0% of tests
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.4% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.1% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0% of tests
- Position lamp: not working1.7% of tests
What the Nissan Pulsar fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 11.5% | ▲ 2.0× as often |
| Brakes | 7.1% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Tyres | 6.7% | About average |
| Lights and electrics | 5.4% | ▼ 19% less often |
| Steering | 3.8% | ▲ 3.0× as often |
| Visibility | 2.1% | ▼ 42% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.1% | About average |
| Body and structure | 0.7% | ▼ 57% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.4% | About average |
| Wheels | 0.3% | About average |
What MPG does the Nissan Pulsar do?
Official economy for the Nissan Pulsar ranges from 47.9 to 78.5mpg across the 12 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2017–2018). A typical petrol version manages 54.3mpg and a typical diesel 78.5mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Nissan Pulsar?
Any Nissan Pulsar first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Nissan Pulsar registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £200 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carNissan Pulsar specs and running costs
Official figures for 12 versions sold in the UK between 2017 and 2018.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
47.9–78.5 mpg
CO2
94–138 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulsar Euro6, 2015 dCi 110M6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 78.5 mpg | 94g | £200 |
| Pulsar Euro6, 2015 dCi 110 19 inch wheelM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 74.3 mpg | 98g | £200 |
| Pulsar Euro6, 2015 DIGT 190 18'' wheelM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 47.9 mpg | 138g | £200 |
| Pulsar Euro6, 2015 DIGT 115 XtronicCVT · listed 2018 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 127g | £200 |
| Pulsar Euro6, 2015 DIGT 190 16/17'' wheelM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 49.5 mpg | 134g | £200 |
| Pulsar Euro6, 2015 DIGT 115M6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 56.5 mpg | 117g | £200 |
| Pulsar Euro6, 2015 DIG-T 115 19 inch wheelM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 54.3 mpg | 121g | £200 |
| Pulsar Euro6, 2015 DIG-T 190 19 inch wheelM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 47.9 mpg | 121g | £200 |
| Pulsar Euro6, 2015 DIG-T 115M6 · listed 2017 | Petrol | 56.5 mpg | 117g | £200 |
| Pulsar Euro6, 2015 DIG-T 115 XtronicCVT · listed 2017 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 127g | £200 |
| Pulsar Euro6, 2015 DIG-T 190 16/17'' wheelM6 · listed 2017 | Petrol | 49.5 mpg | 134g | £200 |
| Pulsar Euro6, 2015 DIG-T 190 18'' wheelM6 · listed 2017 | Petrol | 47.9 mpg | 138g | £200 |
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 Pulsar costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 54.3mpg…
- diesel, typical official 78.5mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Nissan PulsarBuying a used Nissan Pulsar?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Nissan Pulsar with other family hatchbacks
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Nissan models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Nissan Pulsar reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Nissan Pulsar is 19% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 84 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Nissan Pulsar?
The most common MOT fault is “Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn”, found in 6.0% of tests. It fails on steering and suspension more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Nissan Pulsar do?
Official economy for the Nissan Pulsar ranges from 47.9 to 78.5mpg across the 12 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2017–2018). A typical petrol version manages 54.3mpg and a typical diesel 78.5mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Nissan Pulsar?
Any Nissan Pulsar first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Nissan Pulsar registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £200 a year.
›How many Nissan Pulsars fail their MOT?
27.1% of Nissan Pulsars aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Nissan Pulsar 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.