Skip to main content
Check

Nissan Elgrand E51 (2nd gen) (2002-2009) reliability

At a glance

Nissan Elgrand E51 (2nd gen) built around 2008: fails its MOT less often than average

Nissan Elgrand E51 (2nd gen) models built around 2008 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Nissan Elgrand E51 (2nd gen) right now?

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

Key figure

23% of MOT tests on Nissan Elgrand E51 (2nd gen) models built around 2008 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Nissan Elgrand E51 (2nd gen) models built around 2008 involves the tyres.

excellent reliability2002-2009MPVPETROL

Based on 11,129 tests of Elgrand models registered 2002-2009.

About 1 in 12 Elgrand E51 (2nd gen) MOTs (8.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2008 (17 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 2,345 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 Elgrand E51 (2nd gen) MOTs (8.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2008 (17 years old).

Based on 2,345 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

E51 (2nd gen) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
50522.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,40222.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,34523.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,76125.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,86427.5%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,56628.0%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
88828.1%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
69131.0%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
10729.0%

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 22 years old.

How the Elgrand E51 (2nd gen) compares

At each age below, see how the Elgrand E51 (2nd gen) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 63,357 tests across 13 Nissan models, built around 2008 (17 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateNissan average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
50522.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,40222.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,34523.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,76125.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,86427.5%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,56628.0%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
88828.1%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
69131.0%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
10729.0%

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 pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

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.

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 people carriers to compare

Other people carriers, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Elgrand E51 (2nd gen).

  1. 1

    Toyota Estima

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.5%
    Dangerous
    5.4%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 4.5%, against 8.5% for the Nissan Elgrand E51 (2nd gen).

    1,330 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  2. 2

    Toyota Alphard

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.2%
    Dangerous
    5.6%

    Lower fail rate: 21.0%, against 23.1% for the Nissan Elgrand E51 (2nd gen), both built around 2008.

    2,023 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  3. 3

    Volkswagen Caddy

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.4%
    Dangerous
    6.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.8%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 6.9%, against 8.2% for the Nissan Elgrand E51 (2nd gen).

    6,217 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  4. 4

    Renault Kangoo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.8%
    Dangerous
    8.4%

    No clear edge over the Nissan Elgrand E51 (2nd gen) on these figures.

    4,103 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

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

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Nissan Elgrand name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

What has gone wrong on Elgrand E51 (2nd gen) cars built around 2008

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 136 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
22%
Drivetrain
5%
Emissions
4%
Steering
1%

Wear items

Lighting
24%
Tyres
15%
Brakes
13%

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2008 (17 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Elgrand tests (not specific to E51 (2nd gen)).

2.0 to 3.0 litres22.9%1,008 tests3.0 litres or more23.2%1,335 tests
How Elgrand E51 (2nd gen) cars have aged

How Elgrand E51 (2nd gen) 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%121416182022Age at MOTBuilt around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (166 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (282 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (349 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (408 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (480 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (554 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (698 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (958 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (1,039 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (1,131 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (489 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (611 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 22.1% (712 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (822 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (814 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (434 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (495 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (628 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (665 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (647 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (571 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (698 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (740 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (732 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 25.9% (715 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (331 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (333 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (337 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (339 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (317 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (227 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (215 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (228 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (205 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (195 tests, 2025 data)2003Built around 2002, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (123 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2002, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (125 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2002, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (111 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2002, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (111 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2002, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (107 tests, 2025 data)2002
First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006
How each part holds up as E51 (2nd gen) cars age

How each part holds up as E51 (2nd gen) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension22%24%27%43%
Brakes13%18%24%31%
Emissions4%6%6%10%
Tyres15%22%14%22%
Lighting24%31%40%43%
Drivetrain5%4%4%10%
BodyworkNo figureNo figure1%2%
Steering1%1%2%2%
Corrosion1%1%1%2%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 105 to 139 cars at each age.

E51 (2nd gen) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Nissan Elgrands of this age

This list covers every Nissan Elgrand built around 2008, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the E51 (2nd gen) 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

    19.5%
    Advisory: 723Fail: 79 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    14.7%
    Advisory: 388Fail: 72 (16% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    13.6%
    Advisory: 397Fail: 148 (27% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    9.0%
    Advisory: 317Fail: 6 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    7.0%
    Advisory: 192Fail: 69 (26% of the times it was found)

Based on 2,345 tests

Looking at a Nissan Elgrand E51 (2nd gen) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2008 (17 years old), the Nissan Elgrand E51 (2nd gen) (2002-2009) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 2,345 17-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 11,129 MOT tests on Nissan Elgrands first registered between 2002-2009. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.