Nissan Pathfinder MOT pass rate and common problems
63.1% of 9,076 Nissan Pathfinder MOT tests pass.
The Pathfinder passes 63.1% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Nissan models (74.9%).
The Nissan Pathfinder passes 63.1% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Nissan Pathfinder?
This is the average across every Nissan Pathfinder 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 eases gradually with age, from 66.3% at 6–10 years to 61.4% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (1) | 1 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | too few tests (7) | 7 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | 66.3% | 205 | 93,441 miles |
| 10–15 years | 65.1% | 3,697 | 112,693 miles |
| 15+ years | 61.4% | 5,166 | 137,689 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Nissan Pathfinder
The most common reason the Nissan Pathfinder fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 67.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 67.0% | Not working |
| Suspension | 66.8% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Body, chassis, structure | 51.9% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Brakes | 31.7% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Visibility | 17.7% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Tyres | 15.0% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Steering | 14.8% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.0% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 5.7% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Road Wheels | 2.1% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Nissan Pathfinder: what to check
These checks follow the Nissan Pathfinder’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.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Nissan Pathfinder comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 65.1% to 61.4%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 80.4% down to 68.2%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 67.0% of failed Nissan Pathfinder 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. Suspension
Recorded in 66.8% of failed Nissan Pathfinder MOTs.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
3. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 51.9% of failed Nissan Pathfinder MOTs. 28.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on bodywork and corrosion, against 4.9% at 6–10 years.
Look underneath and along the sills for corrosion, especially near suspension and seat-belt mountings. Uneven panel gaps or mismatched paint can indicate accident repair.
4. Brakes
Recorded in 31.7% of failed Nissan Pathfinder 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.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 17.7% of failed Nissan Pathfinder MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
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 Pixo — 72.7% pass rate
- Nissan Primastar — 56.2% pass rate
- Nissan 350z — 80.5% pass rate
- Nissan E-NV200 — 81.0% pass rate
- Nissan Serena — 86.4% pass rate
- Nissan GT-R — 96.3% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Nissan Pathfinder?
- 63.1% of Nissan Pathfinder MOT tests pass, based on 9,076 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Nissan Pathfinder?
- The most common reason the Nissan Pathfinder fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 67.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Nissan Pathfinder?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Nissan Pathfinder are lights and electrics; suspension; bodywork and corrosion.
- What should I check when buying a used Nissan Pathfinder?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; bodywork and corrosion; brakes; windscreen and wipers. 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 Pathfinder'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.