Nissan Micra (2012)
2012 Nissan Micra
CarHunch analysed 12,234 real MOT records for the 2012 Nissan Micra. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2012 Nissan Micra's first-time MOT pass rate of 78.4% sits just below the UK average of 80%, which is broadly unremarkable—but the real concern is that 35.6% of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, well above typical levels. This suggests structural, braking, or steering issues crop up frequently enough that you should factor in potential safety-related repairs when considering one.
At 40,000 miles median mileage, these Micras show typical wear for their age, yet they're averaging 3.19 failures and 19 advisories per test, indicating routine maintenance items and minor wear are piling up. Before buying, have a trusted mechanic inspect the brakes, suspension, and bodywork closely—and ask the seller for full service history to confirm whether preventative work has been done.
What to check before buying a 2012 Nissan Micra
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 35.6% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Nissan Micra
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 12,225 | 78.4% | 3.19 |
| Diesel (0%) | 7 | 79.4% | 3.29 |
| Other (0%) | 2 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2012 Nissan Micra vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2012 Nissan Micra vehicles fall between 27,877 and 55,049 miles.
2012 Nissan Micra — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 10,940 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 94% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2015–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2012 Nissan Micra
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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46.1%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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40.4%
Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement
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39.5%
Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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39.5%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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37.7%
Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement
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36.8%
Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
31.4%
Offside Rear Coil spring corroded
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28.5%
Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2012. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Nissan Micra?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.