MOT failure rates

Nissan Juke MOT failure rates: what fails, what to fix

What the DVSA MOT data shows for the Nissan Juke. The most common failure categories and what each one typically costs to put right.

Updated 4th September 2026 DVSA data: Across 325,064 recorded MOT tests, 25.5% failed.

Nissan Juke
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

TL;DR

The Nissan Juke is popular in the UK but has common MOT failure issues, particularly with brakes, suspension, lighting, and emissions. Older models (2010-2015) have higher failure rates. Repair costs can vary, with brake repairs ranging from £150 to £400 and suspension repairs from £200 to £600.

Common MOT Failure Categories

The Nissan Juke has several common failure categories according to DVSA data. The most frequent issues involve brakes, suspension, lighting, and emissions. Brake problems, such as worn pads or discs, are particularly prevalent and can lead to significant MOT failures. Suspension issues often arise due to wear and tear, especially in older models, affecting the vehicle’s handling and safety.

Age-By-Age Failure Rates

Older Nissan Jukes, particularly those manufactured between 2010 and 2015, tend to have higher failure rates. The failure rate increases significantly after the vehicle reaches six years of age. This trend is often linked to wear and tear on components like brakes and suspension. As the vehicle ages, owners may also experience more frequent electrical problems, contributing to MOT failures.

Typical Costs for Repairs

Repair costs can vary widely. For brake repairs, expect to pay between £150 and £400, depending on the extent of the damage. Suspension repairs can be more expensive, ranging from £200 to £600. Emission-related repairs can also be costly, especially if the catalytic converter needs replacement. Owners should consider potential costs associated with electrical repairs, which can add to the overall expense if issues arise.

Quick Fixes vs Structural Issues

Many MOT failures can be resolved with quick fixes, such as replacing blown bulbs or worn wiper blades. These repairs are usually inexpensive, often under £50. However, structural issues like rust or corrosion may require more extensive work and can be costly to address. Owners should be vigilant about checking for signs of rust, especially in older models, as this can lead to significant repair bills and safety concerns.

What people are asking

Are Nissan Jukes a reliable car?

The reliability of the Nissan Juke can be mixed. While some owners report positive experiences, others have raised concerns about specific issues, particularly with older models. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any problems can help improve reliability.

What year to avoid Nissan Juke?

Buyers should be cautious with Nissan Jukes from the early production years, particularly those manufactured between 2010 and 2012. These models have been reported to have more frequent issues, especially with the CVT transmission and electrical systems.

What is the most reliable year of Nissan Juke?

The most reliable Nissan Juke year models that rank above the rest are 2011, 2012, and 2017. These models have generally received better feedback regarding their performance and fewer reported issues.

How long do Nissan Jukes typically last?

The estimated lifespan of a Nissan Juke is around 158,000 miles before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Factors such as driving habits, maintenance, and overall care can significantly influence how long a Juke lasts.

What owners say

They highlight its features, such as a comfortable interior and decent equipment levels, making it a popular choice for urban driving. However, some users have expressed concerns about the cramped interior space, particularly in the back seats, which can be uncomfortable for taller passengers. Many owners appreciate the unique styling and compact size of the Nissan Juke, often describing it as a good value for money.

This has led to problems with the key fob losing contact, resulting in costly starter replacements. Additionally, the CVT transmission has been flagged as a potential weak point, with some owners experiencing failures shortly after the warranty period ends, which can lead to expensive repairs. Owners have reported issues with the Intelligent Key system, noting that it can be sensitive to low voltage.

Owners have noted that these issues can sometimes be resolved with software updates, but persistent problems may require more in-depth diagnostics. Furthermore, the timing chain has been a concern for some, with reports of failures prompting recalls. Common faults discussed in various forums include electrical issues, such as problems with the infotainment system and warning lights.

Overall, while many owners enjoy their Nissan Jukes, they advise prospective buyers to be aware of these common issues and to consider the vehicle’s age and maintenance history when making a purchase decision.

Nissan Juke recall record

15 recalls have been issued for the Nissan Juke, between 2010 and 2025.

  1. Juke (F16) Front Seat Belt

    R/2025/118

    Issued 7 April 2025

    On affected vehicles the front seat belt may have been accidentally damaged during the parts preparation for assembly.

    Remedy:The retailers will inspect vehicles as identified as potentially affected and replace any affected seat belt assemblies.

    Affects cars built Apr 2024 to Sept 2024

  2. Juke (F16) Qashqai (J12) and Leaf (ZE1) VIN Scan

    R/2024/234

    Issued 17 June 2024

    On affected vehicles the VIN stored in the vehicle system may not match the actual VIN of the vehicle. This may lead to a situation where a vehicle user can see information related to a different vehicle resulting in a data security breach.

    Remedy:Replace the navigation display / control unit and the telematics control unit.

    Affects cars built Oct 2019 to Jun 2023

  3. Juke (F16) Right Hand Rear Door

    R/2024/179

    Issued 25 April 2024

    On affected vehicles the right-hand rear door welds may be out of specification. The door may rattle and a side impact may increase the risk of deformation. In the extreme impact could cause the hinge to fail and the door to open.

    Remedy:Replace the rear right-hand door.

    Affects cars built Nov 2023 to Nov 2023

  4. A potential concern affecting the HEVC (Hybrid Electric Vehicle Control) module software has been identified which may cause a module reset of affected vehicles. Simultaneous pressing of brake and accelerator could cause engine stumble or stall.

    R/2023/096

    Issued 19 April 2023

    A potential concern affecting the HEVC (Hybrid Electric Vehicle Control) module software has been identified which may cause a module reset of affected vehicles. Simultaneous pressing of brake and accelerator could cause engine stumble or stall.

    Remedy:Update the HEVC module software

    Affects cars built Jun 2022 to Dec 2022

11 older recalls not shown.

A recall applies to a build range, not to every car of this model. Check a registration to see whether one specific vehicle has an outstanding recall.

Nissan Juke MOT record

From 325,064 recorded MOT tests, 25.5% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
20231,6685.2%19,242 mi
202216,7525.3%19,398 mi
202119,1488.6%24,848 mi
202017,31210.3%29,636 mi
201918,63312.9%37,946 mi
201823,49915.2%43,459 mi
201736,81219.8%52,877 mi
201636,30725.7%60,951 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn34.3%
  2. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements22.6%
  3. A tyre seriously damaged16.1%
  4. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm14.3%
  5. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded12.7%

Figures cover every Nissan Juke tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

Nissan Juke official figures

Median across 15 variants on sale, petrol.

Combined economy
46.3 mpg
WLTP median across variants
CO2 emissions
137 g/km
Sets the first-year tax rate

Official figures for new cars. Real economy varies with driving, load and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common MOT failures for the Nissan Juke?

The most common failures are related to brakes, suspension, lighting, and emissions.

How does the age of the Juke affect its MOT failure rate?

Older models tend to have higher failure rates, particularly those over 6 years old.

Are there quick fixes for MOT failures?

Yes, issues like blown bulbs or worn wiper blades are quick and inexpensive to fix.

What structural issues should I be aware of?

Rust and corrosion on older models can be serious and costly to repair.

Sources