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Nissan Micra Mk3 (K12) (2003-2009) reliability

At a glance

Nissan Micra Mk3 (K12) built around 2006: about average at the MOT

Nissan Micra Mk3 (K12) models built around 2006 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 Micra Mk3 (K12) 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 Micra Mk3 (K12) models built around 2006 ended in a fail (retests included), against 34% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Nissan Micra Mk3 (K12) models built around 2006 involves the suspension.

Nissan Micra Mk3 (K12)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2003-2009HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 119,383 tests of Micra models registered 2003-2009.

About 1 in 15 Micra Mk3 (K12) MOTs (6.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2006 (19 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 20,715 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 15 Micra Mk3 (K12) MOTs (6.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2006 (19 years old).

Based on 20,715 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (K12) 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
9,59630.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
18,10029.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
17,93630.5%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
19,71632.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
20,71533.3%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
15,72134.0%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
11,84233.6%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
5,75732.7%

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 20 years old.

How the Micra Mk3 (K12) compares

At each age below, see how the Micra Mk3 (K12) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 40,181 tests across 16 Nissan models, built around 2006 (19 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateNissan average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
9,59630.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
18,10029.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
17,93630.5%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
19,71632.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
20,71533.3%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
15,72134.0%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
11,84233.6%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
5,75732.7%

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.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Lighting

Worth checking

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

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

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 Micra Mk3 (K12).

  1. 1

    Suzuki Ignis

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.3%

    No clear edge over the Nissan Micra Mk3 (K12) on these figures.

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

    1,318 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  2. 2

    Suzuki Alto

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    37.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    92%

    No clear edge over the Nissan Micra Mk3 (K12) on these figures.

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

    1,001 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  3. 3

    Volkswagen Beetle

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    36.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.1%

    No clear edge over the Nissan Micra Mk3 (K12) on these figures.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,464 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  4. 4

    Vauxhall Agila

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.4%
    Dangerous
    7.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    Lower fail rate: 28.9%, against 33.3% for the Nissan Micra Mk3 (K12), both built around 2006.

    1,320 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

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.

How many are still registered

96%of all Nissan Micra cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

20 recalls in all

6 of the 20 Micra Mk3 (K12) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 5 more

Top concerns

  • Airbag may not deploy
  • Loss of steering control
  • Steering wheel fixing bolt may not be tightened correctly

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

What has gone wrong on Micra Mk3 (K12) cars built around 2006

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 2,340 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
55%
Emissions
24%
Steering
4%
Drivetrain
3%
Bodywork
2%

Wear items

Lighting
73%
Tyres
54%
Brakes
41%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 12% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

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

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2006 (19 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Micra tests (not specific to Mk3 (K12)).

Under 1.0 litreToo few tests to rely on71 tests1.0 to 1.4 litres33.3%18,815 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres33.2%1,619 tests
How Micra Mk3 (K12) cars have aged

How Micra Mk3 (K12) 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: 26.8% (13,391 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (12,897 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (12,452 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (11,737 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (10,987 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (13,857 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (13,133 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (12,712 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (12,060 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (11,401 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (13,524 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (12,804 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (12,070 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (11,306 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (10,345 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (18,661 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (17,006 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (15,765 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (14,055 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (12,508 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (18,396 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (16,048 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (14,130 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (12,208 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (10,285 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (13,749 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (11,789 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (9,950 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (8,336 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (6,798 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (13,045 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (10,749 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (8,970 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (7,279 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (5,757 tests, 2025 data)2003
First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006
How each part holds up as Mk3 (K12) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk3 (K12) 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
Suspension67%62%55%64%
Brakes31%37%41%40%
Emissions15%24%24%22%
Tyres47%52%54%56%
Lighting57%66%73%81%
Drivetrain3%3%3%3%
Bodywork1%3%2%4%
Steering1%2%4%4%
Corrosion10%12%12%15%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 1,372 to 2,856 cars at each age.

Mk3 (K12) variants compared

Micra Mk3 (K12) variants built around 2006

The fail rate for each Micra Mk3 (K12) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • MICRA33.3%20,506 tests

Diesel

  • MICRA33.7%205 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Nissan Micras of this age

This list covers every Nissan Micra built around 2006, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (K12) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    24.9%
    Advisory: 6,086Fail: 1,666 (21% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    21.6%
    Advisory: 5,924Fail: 625 (10% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    16.8%
    Advisory: 3,505Fail: 33 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    13.8%
    Advisory: 3,741Fail: 446 (11% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    12.7%
    Advisory: 3,162Fail: 696 (18% of the times it was found)

Based on 20,715 tests

Looking at a Nissan Micra Mk3 (K12) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2006 (19 years old), the Nissan Micra Mk3 (K12) (2003-2009) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 20,715 19-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 119,383 MOT tests on Nissan Micras first registered between 2003-2009. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.