Nissan Skyline MOT pass rate and common problems
90.2% of 4,148 Nissan Skyline MOT tests pass.
The Skyline passes its MOT 90.2% of the time — well above the average across all Nissan models, which sits at 74.9%.
The Nissan Skyline passes its MOT 90.2% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this Nissan Skyline?
This is the average across every Nissan Skyline 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 declines noticeably with age, from 100.0% at 0–3 years to 90.1% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 100.0% | 42 | 62,974 miles |
| 3–6 years | 94.0% | 134 | 86,358 miles |
| 6–10 years | 86.7% | 607 | 80,032 miles |
| 10–15 years | 96.5% | 228 | 85,404 miles |
| 15+ years | 90.1% | 3,137 | 83,877 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Nissan Skyline
The most common reason the Nissan Skyline fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 70.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 70.9% | Not working |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 35.4% | Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |
| Brakes | 27.2% | Excessively corroded |
| Suspension | 26.3% | Prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength |
| Tyres | 15.7% | Has ply or cords exposed |
| Visibility | 14.9% | Not working |
| Body, chassis, structure | 14.0% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Steering | 8.2% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 5.6% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Identification of the vehicle | 5.6% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Nissan Skyline: what to check
These checks follow the Nissan Skyline’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 Skyline comes between 3–6 years and 6–10 years old, from 94.0% to 86.7%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 90,000–120,000 mi to 120,000+ mi: 89.7% down to 82.4%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 70.9% of failed Nissan Skyline MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 10.9% of tests at 6–10 years failed on lights and electrics.
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. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 35.4% of failed Nissan Skyline MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 6.9% of tests at 6–10 years failed on exhaust, emissions and leaks.
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.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 27.2% of failed Nissan Skyline MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 4.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes.
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. Suspension
Recorded in 26.3% of failed Nissan Skyline MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 4.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
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.
5. Tyres
Recorded in 15.7% of failed Nissan Skyline MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 5.2% of tests at 3–6 years failed on tyres.
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.
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 GT-R — 96.3% pass rate
- Nissan Primera — 64.8% pass rate
- Nissan Cube — 77.8% pass rate
- Nissan Figaro — 71.8% pass rate
- Nissan 370z — 89.0% pass rate
- Nissan NV300 — 78.5% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Nissan Skyline?
- 90.2% of Nissan Skyline MOT tests pass, based on 4,148 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Nissan Skyline?
- The most common reason the Nissan Skyline fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 70.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Nissan Skyline?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Nissan Skyline are lights and electrics; exhaust, emissions and leaks; brakes. Rare on young cars, but 10.9% of tests at 6–10 years failed on lights and electrics.
- What should I check when buying a used Nissan Skyline?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; exhaust, emissions and leaks; brakes; suspension; tyres. 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 Skyline'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.