Common Problems with the Nissan Micra
FixMyCar discusses common problems with the Nissan Micra and average repair costs.
Compare Nissan Micra repair quotesEllie Dyer-Brown
Friday October 31 2025
6 min read
The Nissan Micra - a small hatchback known for its low running costs and easy driving nature - has been a familiar sight on UK roads for decades. First launched in the early 1980s, it evolved from a no-frills city car into a modern supermini with smart tech. Although Nissan ended Micra production in 2023, it remains a popular choice on the used market.
This guide examines known issues with the Micra, providing owners and potential buyers with insights into specific faults and their average repair costs.
What's wrong with the Nissan Micra?
Drivers are searching online for information about the following problems.
2004 Nissan Micra power steering fault
The electric motor in the steering column of K12 Micras can fail, triggering a power steering warning light on the dashboard and a loss of power steering. We recommend booking an initial diagnostic test to find the fault code and confirm whether a broken motor is the cause before proceeding with a repair.
Average Nissan Micra diagnostic test price: £62.01
Nissan Micra cam sensor fault
Camshaft sensor faults are not uncommon in K12 Micras. This sensor monitors the position and rotational speed of the camshaft to send data to the engine control unit (ECU). The ECU utilises this information to regulate spark timing and fuel injection, ensuring the engine operates smoothly.
Find out how a car engine works here.
When the cam sensor fails, you’ll likely experience rough idling, engine misfires, difficulty starting and loss of power. You might also see the check engine light illuminated on the dashboard.
Estimated cam sensor replacement price: £85-£175
Recent recalls
| Recall number | Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| R/2023/095 | 30.06.23 | In certain vehicles should the driver’s seat be set in the position where it coincides with a design feature in the upper rail it may in certain conditions exceed the stress limits of the rail material. |
| R/2019/349 | 30.10.19 | The masses applied on the VIN label may be incorrect. |
| R/2019/312 | 27.09.19 | The passenger airbag may develop a tear during deployment. |
| R/2018/084 | 21.03.18 | The front wheel hub may suffer cracking. Drivers may notice abnormal noise and in extreme cases the hub may fail. |
| R/2017/243 | 30.08.17 | The ignition switch harness connector of some Nissan Micra (K14) models equipped with a mechanical key may not be correctly locked in position. As a result, the connector may disconnect, which in an extreme case could result in engine shut down while driving with no possibility to restart. |
| R/2016/008 | 22.02.16 | The engine ignition coil may not be to the correct specification. The internal electrical components may short circuit resulting in an engine misfire. In the worst case this short circuit may cause a fuse inside the Power Distribution Module (IPDM) to fail, stopping power to the ignition relay. The engine may stall and prevent the engine from restarting. |
Nissan Micra 2002-2010 problems
1. Flat battery
The battery can suddenly go flat, typically due to an electronic glitch related to the keyless entry system.
What repair is needed for a flat battery, and how much does it cost for a Nissan Micra?
Electrical glitches should already have been fixed under Nissan’s warranty scheme. However, if you need a replacement battery, you can expect to pay £138.12 on average.
2. Turbo issues
Diesel models of this generation can suffer from issues with the turbocharger – often, it’s the bearings, but sometimes it simply fails.
What repair is needed for turbo issues, and how much does it cost for a Nissan Micra?
Most turbo problems will have been resolved under warranty by now. The average price of a turbo replacement for a Nissan is £745.44.
Nissan Micra 2010-2017 problems
1. Worn clutch
The clutch in manual models can wear out faster than expected. Symptoms may include clutch slipping, juddering, grinding and difficulty shifting gears.
What repair is needed for a worn clutch, and how much does it cost for a Nissan Micra?
Replacing the clutch in a Nissan Micra costs £499.25 on average.
2. CVT gearbox issues
Models with a CVT gearbox require regular maintenance to prevent problems. If the CVT fluid isn’t changed regularly, it can lead to overheating, shuddering, control module issues, whining and slipping gears.
What repair is needed for CVT gearbox issues, and how much does it cost for a Nissan Micra?
The average price of a gearbox repair on FixMyCar is £347.48. However, we recommend booking an initial diagnostic test to get an accurate assessment of the problem and a detailed cost estimate.
3. Prematurely worn suspension
The lower suspension wishbones and their bushes have been known to fail prematurely, often resulting in knocking sounds.
What repair is needed for worn suspension, and how much does it cost for a Nissan Micra?
Worn parts need to be replaced. The average price of a suspension repair on a Micra is £194.59.
Nissan Micra 2017-2022 problems
1. Blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF)
The DPF in diesel models can become blocked if the car is mainly used for short journeys.
What repair is needed for a blocked DPF, and how much does it cost for a Nissan Micra?
In some cases, a DPF clean – costing £216.19 on average for a Nissan - will solve the problem. If the blockage is severe, the filter may need to be replaced, which costs £413.64 on average.
Find out how to avoid DPF problems in this guide.
2. Contaminated oil system
If the engine is shut off while the DPF is partway through a regeneration cycle, the oil system can become contaminated with fuel. This causes the oil level to rise, which can eventually damage the engine.
What repair is needed for a contaminated oil system, and how much does it cost for a Nissan Micra?
Prevention is better than cure, so it’s best to avoid switching your car off while the DPF is regenerating. Too much oil can lead to pressure on the crankshaft, leaks and many other problems; it’s impossible to estimate a repair price without knowing the extent of the damage.
Is the Nissan Micra reliable?
The Micra has a reputation for being fairly reliable. In the last What Car? Reliability Survey it was featured in, it came in the middle of the pack in the small car class. Nissan, as a brand, came 19th out of 32 manufacturers.
MotorEasy gave the Micra a reliability score of 9.1 out of 10.
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- Common Problems
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Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.