Nissan Pulsar MOT pass rate and common problems
76.7% of 28,513 Nissan Pulsar MOT tests pass.
The Pulsar has a pass rate of 76.7%, a little higher than the average across all Nissan models (74.9%).
At 76.7%, the Nissan Pulsar passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Nissan Pulsar?
This is the average across every Nissan Pulsar 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: 88.4% at 3–6 years versus 88.7% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 88.4% | 1,721 | 37,140 miles |
| 6–10 years | 76.1% | 26,353 | 59,202 miles |
| 10–15 years | 62.4% | 298 | 74,110 miles |
| 15+ years | 88.7% | 141 | 86,370 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Nissan Pulsar
The most common reason the Nissan Pulsar fails its MOT is suspension — present in 43.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint excessively worn".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 43.2% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Brakes | 34.1% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Tyres | 26.5% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 21.8% | Not working |
| Steering | 13.6% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.5% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Visibility | 7.2% | Provides insufficient washer liquid |
| Body, chassis, structure | 2.4% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 1.4% | Not functioning as intended |
| Road Wheels | 1.1% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Nissan Pulsar: what to check
These checks follow the Nissan Pulsar’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 Pulsar comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 76.1% to 62.4%. 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: 81.4% down to 69.8%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 43.2% of failed Nissan Pulsar MOTs. 22.1% of tests at 10–15 years failed on suspension, against 1.6% at 3–6 years.
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.
2. Brakes
Recorded in 34.1% of failed Nissan Pulsar MOTs. 11.1% of tests at 10–15 years failed on brakes, against 2.6% at 3–6 years.
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.
3. Tyres
Recorded in 26.5% of failed Nissan Pulsar 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.
4. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 21.8% of failed Nissan Pulsar MOTs. 31.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.3% at 3–6 years.
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.
5. Steering
Recorded in 13.6% of failed Nissan Pulsar MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 8.4% of tests at 10–15 years failed on steering.
The steering should feel precise, without knocks or play, and the car should run straight. Turn to full lock both ways and listen for clunks.
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 Navara — 77.3% pass rate
- Nissan Leaf — 85.2% pass rate
- Nissan NV200 — 66.6% pass rate
- Nissan Elgrand — 77.1% pass rate
- Nissan Almera — 63.3% pass rate
- Nissan Pixo — 72.7% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Nissan Pulsar?
- 76.7% of Nissan Pulsar MOT tests pass, based on 28,513 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Nissan Pulsar?
- The most common reason the Nissan Pulsar fails its MOT is suspension — present in 43.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint excessively worn".
- What are the common problems with the Nissan Pulsar?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Nissan Pulsar are suspension; brakes; tyres. 22.1% of tests at 10–15 years failed on suspension, against 1.6% at 3–6 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Nissan Pulsar?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; brakes; tyres; lights and electrics; steering. 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 Pulsar'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.