1997 Nissan 180sx MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 180sx models manufactured in 1997, based on 53 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1997 Nissan 180sx MOT Analysis
The 1997 Nissan 180sx has an MOT pass rate of 75.5% based on 53 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 139,424 miles on the odometer. With a 24.5% failure rate, the 1997 180sx is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1997 Nissan 180sx is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, responsible for 7.5% of failures. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs range from £5–50. Noise, emissions and leaks is the second most common issue at 1.9%. Non-component advisories follows at 1.9%.
Top failures specific to 1997 models only. The overall 180sx page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 7.5% | 4 |
| 2 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 1.9% | 1 |
| 3 | Non-component Advisories | 1.9% | 1 |
| 4 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 1.9% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 139,424 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.54 | 7.5% | 4 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.14 | 1.9% | 1 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.14 | 1.9% | 1 |
| Body & Structure | 0.14 | 1.9% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1997 Nissan 180sx has an MOT pass rate of 75.5% based on 53 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 139,424 miles on the odometer. With a 24.5% failure rate, the 1997 180sx is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1997 Nissan 180sx, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test. With an average mileage of 139,424 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 7.5% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 7.5% of MOT failures on 1997 Nissan 180sx models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 1.9% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 1.9% of MOT failures on 1997 Nissan 180sx models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Non-component advisories — 1.9% of failures
Non-component advisories issues account for 1.9% of MOT failures on 1997 Nissan 180sx models. Non-component advisories issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.