Nissan Serena reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Nissan Serena is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 136 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 95 of 442, and 24.1% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (3.5% of tests).
Ranked 95 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 2,408 Nissan Serenas aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 24.1% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Nissan Serena is 26% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
24.1%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
10,000
Typical age at test: 11 years
Nissan Serena MOT failure rate by age
Most common Nissan Serena MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working3.5% of tests
- Rear fog lamp: not working3.2% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.7% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.3% of tests
- Rear fog lamp: missing1.8% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.7% of tests
What the Nissan Serena fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 13.8% | About average |
| Suspension | 5.4% | ▼ 49% less often |
| Visibility | 4.7% | About average |
| Brakes | 4.0% | ▼ 47% less often |
| Tyres | 3.9% | ▼ 43% less often |
| Steering | 3.3% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Body and structure | 1.5% | ▼ 61% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.5% | ▼ 60% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.3% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Wheels | 0.2% | ▼ 50% less often |
How much is road tax on a Nissan Serena?
Any Nissan Serena first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
Work out tax for a specific carBuying a used Nissan Serena?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Nissan models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Nissan Serena reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Nissan Serena is 26% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 136 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Nissan Serena?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 3.5% of tests. It fails on steering and seat belts and airbags more often than similar cars.
›How much is road tax on a Nissan Serena?
Any Nissan Serena first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
›How many Nissan Serenas fail their MOT?
24.1% of Nissan Serenas aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Nissan Serena combined (Open Government Licence v3.0). How we calculate the league.