Generations
C13 — Fifth Generation (C13)
2014–2018
1.2 DIG-T, 1.5 dCi, 1.6 DIG-T
Top issues to watch for
The most serious Nissan Pulsar problems ranked by severity. We track 5 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.
Dangerous
Steering ball joint detachment risk (C13)
The outer steering ball joints on 1.2 petrol variants show premature wear that can progress to complete separation without warning. MOT data shows this model fails at 11.4 times the fleet average for ball joint detachment risk at 40-60k miles. The joint connects the steering rack to the front wheels, and failure results in immediate loss of steering control. This appears to be a design weakness in the steering linkage components used on the lighter petrol variants.
What happens if ignoredComplete ball joint separation causes immediate loss of steering control and wheel detachment. The affected wheel will splay outwards and the car becomes unsteerable. Repair requires replacement of the complete track rod assembly. The car is dangerous to drive once ball joint wear is detected.
Independent garage
£120–£180
Specialist
£150–£220
Main dealer
£220–£320
Parts only
£45–£80
Major
Steering ball joint excessive wear (C13)
Ball joints in the steering linkage show wear rates significantly higher than the fleet average across all variants. MOT data shows failures at 4.8 times the fleet average, with the worst affected being 1.5 diesel variants at relatively low mileage. This suggests a design or material specification issue affecting the ball joint assembly. The problem spans multiple mileage bands and appears consistently across MOT testing years.
What happens if ignoredWorn ball joints affect steering precision and can progress to complete failure without warning. Advanced wear causes poor handling, tyre wear, and potential loss of steering control. Replacement of both sides is typically recommended when one fails.
Independent garage
£200–£300
Specialist
£250–£350
Main dealer
£350–£500
Parts only
£80–£140
Major
Suspension component wear and detachment (C13)
Suspension bushes and joints show premature wear across all variants with MOT failure rates up to 6.9 times the fleet average. The pattern affects anti-roll bar links, control arm bushes, and suspension mounting points. This suggests substandard rubber compounds or inadequate sizing for UK road conditions. The 1.5 diesel variants show the highest failure rate, potentially due to the additional weight and different suspension tuning.
What happens if ignoredWorn suspension components affect handling stability and can progress to component detachment. Failed drop links cause rattling and poor handling. Separated bushes can allow suspension arms to move beyond their design limits, potentially causing tyre damage or loss of control.
Independent garage
£150–£250
Specialist
£180–£300
Main dealer
£280–£450
Parts only
£60–£120
Major
Coil spring fracture (C13)
Front coil springs fracture at 3 times the fleet average rate, with 1.5 diesel variants worst affected at relatively low mileage from 20k miles. The fractures typically occur at the bottom coil where the spring sits in the lower suspension arm. This is unusual for a relatively modern car and suggests either inadequate spring specification for the vehicle weight or poor material quality in the spring steel.
What happens if ignoredA broken spring reduces ride height on that corner and can damage the tyre sidewall with the sharp fractured end. Handling becomes unpredictable and the car may fail its MOT. In extreme cases the broken spring can puncture the tyre or damage brake lines.
Independent garage
£180–£280
Specialist
£220–£320
Main dealer
£320–£480
Parts only
£80–£140
1 more known issues tracked
Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems. Check a specific car to see which issues apply to its age and mileage.
Check a specific car →MOT failure hotspots
Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Nissan Pulsar fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.
Suspension pin, bush or joint
Suspension · 120-150k miles
MOT failure rate: 13x the fleet average
Sample: 741 tests
Light unit fault
Lights & Electrics · 120-150k miles
MOT failure rate: 12x the fleet average
Sample: 872 tests
Track rod ends worn
Steering · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 11x the fleet average
Sample: 11,200 tests
Tyre wear or damage
Tyres · 80-100k miles
MOT failure rate: 9.6x the fleet average
Sample: 5,079 tests
Headlight fault
Lights & Electrics · 0-20k miles
MOT failure rate: 5.5x the fleet average
Sample: 7,000 tests
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the req...
Tyres · 0-20k miles
MOT failure rate: 5.1x the fleet average
Sample: 863 tests
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Related
Nissan Pulsar reliability FAQs
What are the most common problems with the Nissan Pulsar?
The Nissan Pulsar has 5 known issues across 3 severity levels. The most serious are: Steering ball joint detachment risk (C13).
Is the Nissan Pulsar reliable?
The Nissan Pulsar has 1 dangerous and 3 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.
How much does it cost to fix Nissan Pulsar problems?
Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Steering ball joint detachment risk (C13)) costs £120–£180 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.