Nissan X-Trail MOT pass rate and common problems
75.5% of 138,844 Nissan X-Trail MOT tests pass.
The X-Trail's pass rate of 75.5% is in line with the average across all Nissan models, at 74.9%.
At 75.5%, the Nissan X-Trail passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Nissan X-Trail?
This is the average across every Nissan X-Trail 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 drops sharply with age: the Nissan X-Trail tested at 0–3 years pass 91.9% of the time, compared with just 57.1% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 91.9% | 2,509 | 25,184 miles |
| 3–6 years | 89.1% | 27,168 | 40,534 miles |
| 6–10 years | 79.0% | 69,119 | 70,087 miles |
| 10–15 years | 63.5% | 12,706 | 105,191 miles |
| 15+ years | 57.1% | 27,342 | 126,386 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Nissan X-Trail
The most common reason the Nissan X-Trail fails its MOT is suspension — present in 57.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint excessively worn".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 57.5% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Brakes | 40.6% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 29.3% | Not working |
| Tyres | 19.6% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Body, chassis, structure | 13.3% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Visibility | 13.2% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Steering | 12.8% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.8% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 3.4% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Road Wheels | 1.2% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Nissan X-Trail: what to check
These checks follow the Nissan X-Trail’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 X-Trail comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 79.0% to 63.5%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 60,000–90,000 mi to 90,000–120,000 mi: 76.3% down to 64.8%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 57.5% of failed Nissan X-Trail MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 38.2% 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.
2. Brakes
Recorded in 40.6% of failed Nissan X-Trail MOTs. 25.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 5.1% at 0–3 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. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 29.3% of failed Nissan X-Trail MOTs. 23.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.9% at 0–3 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.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 19.6% of failed Nissan X-Trail MOTs. 6.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 2.2% at 0–3 years.
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.
5. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 13.3% of failed Nissan X-Trail MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 14.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on bodywork and corrosion.
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.
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 Juke — 76.4% pass rate
- Nissan Micra — 72.1% pass rate
- Nissan Note — 72.6% pass rate
- Nissan Navara — 77.3% pass rate
- Nissan Leaf — 85.2% pass rate
- Nissan NV200 — 66.6% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Nissan X-Trail?
- 75.5% of Nissan X-Trail MOT tests pass, based on 138,844 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Nissan X-Trail?
- The most common reason the Nissan X-Trail fails its MOT is suspension — present in 57.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint excessively worn".
- What are the common problems with the Nissan X-Trail?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Nissan X-Trail are suspension; brakes; lights and electrics. Rare on young cars, but 38.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
- What should I check when buying a used Nissan X-Trail?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; brakes; lights and electrics; tyres; bodywork and corrosion. 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 X-Trail'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.