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Nissan Micra Mk4 (K13) (2010-2016) reliability

At a glance

Nissan Micra Mk4 (K13) built around 2016: about average at the MOT

Nissan Micra Mk4 (K13) models built around 2016 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Nissan Micra Mk4 (K13) right now?

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

Key figure

21% of MOT tests on Nissan Micra Mk4 (K13) models built around 2016 ended in a fail (retests included), against 23% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Nissan Micra Mk4 (K13) models built around 2016 involves the suspension.

Nissan Micra Mk4 (K13)
average reliability2010-2016HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 116,749 tests of Micra models registered 2010-2016.

About 1 in 40 Micra Mk4 (K13) MOTs (2.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2016 (9 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 14,546 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 30 Micra Mk4 (K13) MOTs (3.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).

Based on 14,546 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk4 (K13) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
5,03321.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
14,54621.1%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
16,84823.0%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
17,98724.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
15,62127.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
16,34227.8%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
16,95728.9%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
13,41529.3%

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 15 years old.

How the Micra Mk4 (K13) compares

At each age below, see how the Micra Mk4 (K13) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 189,378 tests across 15 Nissan models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateNissan average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
5,03321.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
14,54621.1%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
16,84823.0%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
17,98724.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
15,62127.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
16,34227.8%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
16,95728.9%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
13,41529.3%

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.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

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

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Brakes

Worth checking

Inspect the brakes 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 Micra Mk4 (K13).

  1. 1

    Volkswagen up!

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.7%

    No clear edge over the Nissan Micra Mk4 (K13) 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.

    17,273 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    DS 4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.1%

    No clear edge over the Nissan Micra Mk4 (K13) on these figures.

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

    2,659 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    DS 3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.9%

    No clear edge over the Nissan Micra Mk4 (K13) 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.

    15,393 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    Toyota Aygo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.9%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 15.6%, against 21.1% for the Nissan Micra Mk4 (K13), both built around 2016.

    27,136 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

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

9 of the 20 Micra Mk4 (K13) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 7 more

Top concerns

  • The passenger air bag may develop a tear during deployment
  • Driver airbag may fracture during detonation
  • In certain vehicles should the driver s seat be set in the position where it coincides with a design feature in the uppe

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

How Micra Mk4 (K13) cars have aged

How Micra Mk4 (K13) 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%579111315Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.1% (8,847 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.9% (8,607 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (8,545 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.6% (8,484 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (8,420 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.9% (10,704 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (10,432 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (10,455 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (10,353 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (10,349 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (11,854 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (11,934 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (11,711 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (11,833 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (11,754 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.4% (9,397 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (9,223 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (9,205 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (9,235 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (9,185 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (9,484 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (9,328 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (9,405 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (9,216 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (9,016 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (10,163 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (10,133 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (9,969 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (9,843 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (9,576 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (15,299 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (14,861 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (14,680 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (13,971 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (13,415 tests, 2025 data)2010
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
Mk4 (K13) variants compared
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Nissan Micras of this age

This list covers every Nissan Micra built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk4 (K13) 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

    26.5%
    Advisory: 5,226Fail: 950 (15% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    15.8%
    Advisory: 3,380Fail: 203 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    15.2%
    Advisory: 4,018Fail: 15 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    13.8%
    Advisory: 2,557Fail: 186 (7% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake binding slightly

    10.9%
    Advisory: 1,191Fail: 688 (37% of the times it was found)

Based on 14,546 tests

Looking at a Nissan Micra Mk4 (K13) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the Nissan Micra Mk4 (K13) (2010-2016) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 14,546 9-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 116,749 MOT tests on Nissan Micras first registered between 2010-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.