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Nissan Pulsar C13 (2014-2018) reliability

At a glance

Nissan Pulsar C13 built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Nissan Pulsar C13 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Nissan Pulsar C13?

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

Key figure

19% of MOT tests on Nissan Pulsar C13 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Nissan Pulsar C13 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Nissan Pulsar C13
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2014-2018HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 26,774 tests of Pulsar models registered 2014-2018.

About 1 in 40 Pulsar C13 MOTs (2.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 3,580 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 Pulsar C13 MOTs (6.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 3,580 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

C13 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
65517.0%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
3,58018.7%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
6,15820.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
8,77124.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
6,92826.2%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
68226.5%

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 11 years old.

How the Pulsar C13 compares

At each age below, see how the Pulsar C13 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 148,484 tests across 14 Nissan models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateNissan average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
65517.0%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
3,58018.7%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
6,15820.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
8,77124.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
6,92826.2%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
68226.5%

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 hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Pulsar C13.

  1. 1

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 18.7% for the Nissan Pulsar C13, both built around 2018.

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

    50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Suzuki SX4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.5%

    Lower fail rate: 13.5%, against 18.7% for the Nissan Pulsar C13, both built around 2018.

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

    3,314 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.1%
    Dangerous
    4.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 10.5%, against 18.7% for the Nissan Pulsar C13, both built around 2018.

    3,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    3.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 11.1%, against 18.7% for the Nissan Pulsar C13, both built around 2018.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,367 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

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

91%of all Nissan Pulsar 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

3 recalls in all

All 3 Pulsar C13 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 recalls

Top concerns

  • Possible reduced retention force of the rear door child lock switch
  • Rear oxygen sensor may fail
  • Headlight auto levelling system may malfunction when vehicle is fully laden

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

What has gone wrong on Pulsar C13 cars built around 2018

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 159 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
9%
Emissions
3%
Drivetrain
1%

Wear items

Tyres
20%
Brakes
9%
Lighting
4%
How Pulsar C13 cars have aged

How Pulsar C13 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%357911Age at MOTBuilt around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 8.6% (1,782 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 9.8% (1,731 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.3% (1,674 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (1,728 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (1,754 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 8.9% (3,163 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (3,182 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (3,227 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (3,240 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (3,199 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.9% (4,820 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (4,910 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (4,931 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (4,896 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (4,861 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (6,115 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (6,184 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (6,205 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (6,032 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (5,829 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (852 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.3% (835 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (792 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (747 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (682 tests, 2025 data)2014
First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015
C13 variants compared

Pulsar C13 variants built around 2018

The fail rate for each Pulsar C13 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • PULSAR17.6%3,004 tests

Diesel

  • PULSAR24.5%576 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Nissan Pulsars of this age

This list covers every Nissan Pulsar built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the C13 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

    18.5%
    Advisory: 933Fail: 104 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    17.0%
    Advisory: 707Fail: 114 (14% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    11.3%
    Advisory: 444Fail: 101 (19% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    9.0%
    Advisory: 420Fail: 66 (14% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    7.3%
    Advisory: 379Fail: 2 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 3,580 tests

Looking at a Nissan Pulsar C13?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Nissan Pulsar C13 (2014-2018) fails MOTs slightly more often than typical for this age. This is based on 3,580 7-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 26,774 MOT tests on Nissan Pulsars first registered between 2014-2018. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.