Nissan Cube MOT Failures
An analysis of 12,282 real DVSA MOT tests on the Nissan Cube — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: Z10 (1998–2002), Z11 (2002–2008), Z12 (2008–2019).
Where the Nissan Cube fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Nissan Cube is subframe bushes or mounts worn — this model is 22 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 12,282 MOT tests, 4.09% of all Nissan Cube tests recorded this as a failure.
Suspension failures typically mean worn bushes, drop links, or dampers. These affect handling and tyre wear. Budget £150–£400 per corner at an independent garage for full suspension overhaul.
Other notable weak points include body panel damage (35x the fleet average), headlight fault (6.4x the fleet average), suspension pin, bush or joint worn (20x the fleet average), and seat mounting fault (11x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Nissan Cube's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 5 categories: Suspension, Bodywork, Lights & Electrics, Seatbelts & Airbags, Exhaust & Emissions. If you're inspecting a Nissan Cube before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Nissan Cube's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Nissan Cube specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are subframe bushes or mounts worn (22x the average) and suspension pin, bush or joint worn (20x). coil springs broken (5.9x) and coil springs broken also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Nissan Cube specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are body panel damage (35x the average) and subframe bushes or mounts worn (14x). suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated (9.2x) and excessive fluctuation in brake effort through e... (7.0x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Nissan Cube specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (21x the average) and body panel damage (19x). seat mounting fault (11x) and subframe bushes or mounts worn (8.1x) also appear frequently.
The shift from subframe bushes or mounts worn at lower mileages to emissions failure at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Nissan Cube specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Structural corrosion at mounting points Dangerous
The Cube suffers from accelerated corrosion at critical structural mounting points, failing MOT tests at 5.3 times the national average for load-bearing structure integrity within 30cm of suspension mounting points. Affects Z12; typical independent garage repair cost is £800–£2,000.
Brake pipe corrosion Dangerous
The Cube shows unusually early brake pipe corrosion, failing at 4.2 times the fleet average rate from as low as 20,000 miles. Affects Z12; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£600.
Suspension bush and joint excessive wear Major
The Cube's tall narrow body places unusual stresses on suspension components, causing premature wear of anti-roll bar links, wishbone bushes, and ball joints. Affects Z12; typical independent garage repair cost is £400–£800.
Spring fracture or weakening Major
Coil springs on the Cube fail at 5.6 times the fleet average rate, typically between 40,000-80,000 miles. Affects Z12; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£500.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Nissan Cube common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Nissan Cube
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Nissan Cube:
Suspension — check for subframe bushes or mounts worn, suspension pin, bush or joint worn, suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated. Bodywork — check for body panel damage, transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot.... Lights & Electrics — check for headlight fault.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about structural corrosion at mounting points and brake pipe corrosion. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £800. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Nissan Cube?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Nissan Cube MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Nissan Cube?
Based on 12,282 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is subframe bushes or mounts worn — at 22x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include body panel damage and headlight fault.
Is the Nissan Cube reliable based on MOT data?
The Nissan Cube has 12 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag structural corrosion at mounting points as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Nissan Cube most commonly fails on emissions failure and body panel damage. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are subframe bushes or mounts worn and suspension pin, bush or joint worn.
How do I check a Nissan Cube's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.