IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
1998 Nissan Micra Mk2 (K11)

The UK-built Micra was updated in March 1998 with redesigned headlamps and a grille incorporated into the bumper, plus better side-impact protection and standard power steering - Parkers' own used guide says revised cars from 1998 are safer than the original.

What changed for 1998

  • •Restyled front end with revised headlights and a bumper-integrated grille
  • •Power steering standard and improved safety equipment over the 1992-1997 cars
  • •Tighter trim and durability improvements ahead of the 2000 K11C update

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Rotting rear arches, sills and the spare wheel well, which is what kills these cars
  • !Corroded brake pipes, seeping rear wheel cylinders and a slack handbrake
  • !Blown exhaust systems and perished engine mountings causing a knock on overrun
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Front Chassis Leg and Sill Corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

K11 Micras rust badly around the front chassis legs, sills and rear arches, and structural repairs quickly exceed the value of average cars.

Est. Repair Cost: £350–£1,500
Warning Signs:

Flaky front chassis rails, Bubbling around sill seams, Historic MOT corrosion advisories

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect behind front wheels and around jacking points
  • Check inner and outer sills
  • Read MOT history for structural corrosion notes
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Distributor or Crank Sensor Failure

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Intermittent ignition faults can cause sudden cutting-out or no-start conditions without any serious mechanical problem.

Est. Repair Cost: £80–£250
Warning Signs:

Cuts out when hot, Won’t restart immediately, Random misfire

What to Inspect:
  • Warm-start the engine several times
  • Check idle quality
  • Look for non-genuine ignition parts already fitted
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Exhaust Back Box and Catalytic Converter Corrosion

MinorExhaust & Emissions

Exhaust components are consumable on old K11s and often responsible for blowing noises or marginal emissions results.

Est. Repair Cost: £70–£250
Warning Signs:

Blowing from the rear, Rattle from loose internal baffles, Emissions failure

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the rear box and cat area
  • Listen from cold and under load
  • Check for recent exhaust patch repairs
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 1998 Nissan Micra Mk2 (K11)

  • Buy a 1998-or-later car for the safety and rust-protection improvements unless it is a low-mileage original
  • Check the CG10DE 1.0 and CG13DE 1.3 engines for oil consumption and a tidy cold start
  • Compare with a post-2000 K11C, which has the coil-pack ignition and the 1.4 CGA3DE engine
1995–19971999
Check a 1998 Nissan Micra Mk2 (K11) by Registration