Nissan NV250 MOT pass rate and common problems
79.7% of 3,151 Nissan NV250 MOT tests pass.
The NV250 has a pass rate of 79.7%, a little higher than the average across all Nissan models (74.9%).
The Nissan NV250's pass rate of 79.7% is in line with the national average for cars, at 79.2%.
Own this Nissan NV250?
This is the average across every Nissan NV250 in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Nissan’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate stays relatively stable with age: 80.4% at 0–3 years versus 78.9% at 3–6 years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 80.4% | 1,543 | 43,147 miles |
| 3–6 years | 78.9% | 1,608 | 50,236 miles |
| 6–10 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 10–15 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 15+ years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Nissan NV250
The most common reason the Nissan NV250 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 73.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 73.5% | Not working |
| Tyres | 34.3% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Brakes | 23.0% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Visibility | 22.1% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.8% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Body, chassis, structure | 3.2% | Component damaged and likely to cause injury |
| Suspension | 2.4% | Has excessive play |
| Steering | 1.8% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 0.9% | Buckle not functioning as intended |
| Road Wheels | 0.7% | Carrier insecure |
Buying a used Nissan NV250: what to check
These checks follow the Nissan NV250’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 79.6% down to 73.7%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 73.5% of failed Nissan NV250 MOTs.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Tyres
Recorded in 34.3% of failed Nissan NV250 MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 23.0% of failed Nissan NV250 MOTs.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 22.1% of failed Nissan NV250 MOTs. 8.4% of tests at 3–6 years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 4.1% at 0–3 years.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
5. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 8.8% of failed Nissan NV250 MOTs.
Look under the car for fresh oil or coolant, and listen for blows or rattles from the exhaust. Watch for smoke from the tailpipe when the engine starts and when you accelerate.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Nissan service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Nissan models
- Nissan Figaro — 71.8% pass rate
- Nissan 370z — 89.0% pass rate
- Nissan NV300 — 78.5% pass rate
- Nissan Qashqai Premiere — 93.4% pass rate
- Nissan Terrano — 64.1% pass rate
- Nissan 200sx — 87.7% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Nissan NV250?
- 79.7% of Nissan NV250 MOT tests pass, based on 3,151 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Nissan NV250?
- The most common reason the Nissan NV250 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 73.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Nissan NV250?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Nissan NV250 are lights and electrics; tyres; brakes.
- What should I check when buying a used Nissan NV250?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; tyres; brakes; windscreen and wipers; exhaust, emissions and leaks. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Nissan NV250's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Nissan service history guide for how to check and keep one.