Thinking about buying a used Nissan Micra (1992–2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 22 known faults for this model spanning transmission, engine, interior, and electrical. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
22
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$400–$1,800
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Nissan Micra faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01CVT wear and failure (K13 automatic)
CriticalCommonTransmission $3,000–$5,500 to fix
Automatic K13 Micras/Marches use a small Jatco CVT that suffers worn belts, pulleys and control modules when fluid changes are skipped - the same Jatco-era weakness as bigger Nissans. Symptoms are shudder, whine, slipping and eventually failure, and a replacement unit often exceeds the car's value. Buyer guides for the K13 bluntly recommend the manual over the CVT unless the auto has full fluid-change history.
Symptoms to notice
Shudder or judder from a standstill
Whining that rises with road speed
Revs flaring without acceleration
Hesitation or clunk selecting Drive
What to check
Test drive from cold, on an incline if possible. Feel for shudder pulling away and listen for whine at constant speed. Ask for CVT fluid change receipts - no records means budget for trouble.
Where to look: CVT transaxle in the engine bay
Ask the seller
“When was the CVT fluid last changed?”
“Has the CVT ever been repaired or replaced?”
02Premature suspension bush and wheel bearing wear (K13)
MinorCommonSuspension $300–$800 to fix
The K13 has a documented tendency for front suspension bushes and wheel bearings to wear early - knocks over bumps, droning at speed and vague steering. Parts are cheap and the jobs simple, but a car with multiple worn corners fails a WOF and the costs add up. It is the most common non-drivetrain complaint on these cars in owner reviews.
Symptoms to notice
Knocking or rattling over bumps
Droning or humming that changes with speed (bearing)
Vague or wandering steering
Uneven front tyre wear
What to check
Drive over a rough street and listen for front-end knocks. At 80-100 km/h, gently weave and note whether a droning noise changes - a wheel bearing on its way out. Check front tyres for uneven wear across the tread.
Where to look: Front control arm bushes, anti-roll bar links and front wheel bearings
Ask the seller
“Have any suspension bushes or wheel bearings been replaced?”
“When did it last pass a WOF and were there any notes?”
EngineCritical
InteriorCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
BrakesMajor
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMinor
Body & RustMinor
EngineMinor
20 more documented faults on the Nissan Micra
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 22 documented faults for the Nissan Micra, the recurring problem areas are transmission, engine, and interior. A Nissan Micra with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Nissan Micra?
+
We've catalogued 22 known faults for the Nissan Micra, covering transmission, engine, and interior. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Nissan Micra?
+
Most single repairs on the Nissan Micra fall between $400–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 22 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Nissan Micra?
+
Yes. A Nissan Micra inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.