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Nissan Almera N16 (facelift) (2003-2006) reliability

At a glance

Nissan Almera N16 (facelift) built around 2005: about average at the MOT

Nissan Almera N16 (facelift) models built around 2005 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Nissan Almera N16 (facelift) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

33% of MOT tests on Nissan Almera N16 (facelift) models built around 2005 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Nissan Almera N16 (facelift) models built around 2005 involves the tyres.

No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2003-2006HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 12,353 tests of Almera models registered 2003-2006.

About 1 in 10 Almera N16 (facelift) MOTs (9.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2005 (20 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 4,846 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 12 Almera N16 (facelift) MOTs (8.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2005 (20 years old).

Based on 4,846 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

N16 (facelift) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
33833.7%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
3,08732.3%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
4,84632.8%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
3,00931.1%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,07330.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 18 years old.

How the Almera N16 (facelift) compares

At each age below, see how the Almera N16 (facelift) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 29,269 tests across 14 Nissan models, built around 2005 (20 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateNissan average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
33833.7%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
3,08732.3%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
4,84632.8%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
3,00931.1%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,07330.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Almera N16 (facelift).

  1. 1

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.4%

    Lower fail rate: 20.4%, against 32.8% for the Nissan Almera N16 (facelift), both built around 2005.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    2,234 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

  2. 2

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.4%
    Dangerous
    6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 28.1%, against 32.8% for the Nissan Almera N16 (facelift), both built around 2005.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,028 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

  3. 3

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the Nissan Almera N16 (facelift) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    23,656 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

  4. 4

    Toyota Corolla

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.3%
    Dangerous
    7.6%

    Lower fail rate: 29.9%, against 32.8% for the Nissan Almera N16 (facelift), both built around 2005.

    7 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    11,337 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Recall context

18 recalls in all

4 of the 18 Almera N16 (facelift) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 3 more

Top concerns

  • Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly
  • A non-dessicated passenger airbag inflator was used during previous recall to replace this component
  • Replace airbag inflators checked but not replaced under previous recall R/2015/093

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Almera N16 (facelift) cars built around 2005

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,674 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
39%
Emissions
34%
Steering
7%
Drivetrain
3%
Bodywork
3%

Wear items

Lighting
67%
Brakes
61%
Tyres
48%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 17% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How Almera N16 (facelift) cars have aged

How Almera N16 (facelift) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%1516171819202122Age at MOTBuilt around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (2,308 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (1,962 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (1,629 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (1,343 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (1,069 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (7,006 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (5,678 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (4,722 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (3,832 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (3,068 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (5,334 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (4,118 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (3,470 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (2,675 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (2,114 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (3,200 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (2,498 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (2,013 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (1,505 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (1,073 tests, 2025 data)2003
First registered around 2006First registered around 2005First registered around 2004First registered around 2003
N16 (facelift) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Nissan Almeras of this age

This list covers every Nissan Almera built around 2005, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the N16 (facelift) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    20.4%
    Advisory: 1,247Fail: 119 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    18.0%
    Advisory: 1,140Fail: 130 (10% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    15.7%
    Advisory: 1,042Fail: 23 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    14.8%
    Advisory: 775Fail: 218 (22% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    13.1%
    Advisory: 649Fail: 133 (17% of the times it was found)

Based on 4,846 tests

Looking at a Nissan Almera N16 (facelift) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2005 (20 years old), the Nissan Almera N16 (facelift) (2003-2006) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 4,846 20-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 12,353 MOT tests on Nissan Almeras first registered between 2003-2006. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.