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Nissan Note Mk2 (E12) (2013-2017) reliability

At a glance

Nissan Note Mk2 (E12) built around 2017: about average at the MOT

Nissan Note Mk2 (E12) models built around 2017 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Nissan Note Mk2 (E12) right now?

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

Key figure

16% of MOT tests on Nissan Note Mk2 (E12) models built around 2017 ended in a fail (retests included), against 15% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Nissan Note Mk2 (E12) models built around 2017 involves the suspension.

Nissan Note Mk2 (E12)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2013-2017HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 80,560 tests of Note models registered 2013-2017.

About 1 in 50 Note Mk2 (E12) MOTs (1.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2017 (8 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 9,610 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 25 Note Mk2 (E12) MOTs (3.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2017 (8 years old).

Based on 9,610 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (E12) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
99613.9%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
9,61015.9%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
14,40716.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
22,74619.9%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
23,31923.4%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
9,48227.2%

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 12 years old.

How the Note Mk2 (E12) compares

At each age below, see how the Note Mk2 (E12) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 195,702 tests across 15 Nissan models, built around 2017 (8 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateNissan average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
99613.9%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
9,61015.9%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
14,40716.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
22,74619.9%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
23,31923.4%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
9,48227.2%

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.

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.

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 Note Mk2 (E12).

  1. 1

    Honda Jazz

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    98%

    Lower fail rate: 11.3%, against 15.9% for the Nissan Note Mk2 (E12), both built around 2017.

    6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    20,592 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  2. 2

    Ford Ka

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.8%
    Dangerous
    4.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.3%

    No clear edge over the Nissan Note Mk2 (E12) on these figures.

    13,208 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  3. 3

    Abarth 595

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.8%
    Dangerous
    5.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.5%

    No clear edge over the Nissan Note Mk2 (E12) on these figures.

    3,557 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  4. 4

    Kia Rio

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.3%
    Dangerous
    5.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.9%

    No clear edge over the Nissan Note Mk2 (E12) on these figures.

    10,287 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

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

97%of all Nissan Note 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% · More than 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

10 recalls in all

5 of the 10 Note Mk2 (E12) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 4 more

Top concerns

  • Abnormal deployment of passenger airbag
  • Possible reduced retention force of the rear door child lock switch
  • Wheels may lock if ABS is activated

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

How Note Mk2 (E12) cars have aged

How Note Mk2 (E12) 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%4681012Age at MOTBuilt around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (5,066 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (4,983 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (4,980 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (5,007 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (5,134 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.6% (8,480 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.4% (8,334 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (8,189 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.4% (8,211 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 15.2% (8,174 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (12,018 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.2% (11,851 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (11,895 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (11,870 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.3% (11,912 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.1% (16,783 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (16,743 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (16,609 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (16,739 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (16,857 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (9,818 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (9,565 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (9,690 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (9,617 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (9,482 tests, 2025 data)2013
First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014
Mk2 (E12) variants compared

Note Mk2 (E12) variants built around 2017

The fail rate for each Note Mk2 (E12) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • NOTE15.1%7,924 tests

Diesel

  • NOTE19.9%1,685 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Nissan Notes of this age

This list covers every Nissan Note built around 2017, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (E12) 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

    16.6%
    Advisory: 1,998Fail: 331 (14% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    14.5%
    Advisory: 1,922Fail: 163 (8% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    13.0%
    Advisory: 1,775Fail: 152 (8% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    7.2%
    Advisory: 852Fail: 14 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    6.3%
    Advisory: 578Fail: 100 (15% of the times it was found)

Based on 9,610 tests

Looking at a Nissan Note Mk2 (E12) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2017 (8 years old), the Nissan Note Mk2 (E12) (2013-2017) fails MOTs slightly less often than typical for this age. This is based on 9,610 8-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 80,560 MOT tests on Nissan Notes first registered between 2013-2017. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.