Nissan 350Z MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 5,705 MOT tests on the Nissan 350Z carried out in 2023. 27% failed at the first attempt, which is roughly in line with the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 350Z models passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2003 to 2018. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2013 models did best (93% passed, +24.7 points against the average for 10-year-old cars), while 2018 models fared worst (83%, −0.9 points). Tested cars had covered 81,960 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 9.9% of tests (roughly in line with the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 5.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 5,705
- First-time pass rate
- 73%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +1.5 points
- Average mileage at test
- 81,960
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular 350Z?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
350Z MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 66 | 83% | 84% | −0.9 points | 26,467 |
| 2017 | 80 | 86% | 82% | +4.6 points | 27,901 |
| 2016 | 104 | 89% | 79% | +10.8 points | 34,792 |
| 2015 | 100 | 88% | 75% | +12.5 points | 41,152 |
| 2014 | 76 | 88% | 72% | +16.5 points | 43,736 |
| 2013 | 71 | 93% | 68% | +24.7 points | 49,417 |
| 2009 | 190 | 77% | 59% | +17.8 points | 70,235 |
| 2008 | 440 | 75% | 57% | +17.4 points | 79,658 |
| 2007 | 690 | 74% | 57% | +17.1 points | 83,374 |
| 2006 | 912 | 70% | 56% | +13.9 points | 86,527 |
| 2005 | 1,297 | 70% | 56% | +13.6 points | 85,623 |
| 2004 | 1,203 | 69% | 56% | +13.1 points | 94,283 |
| 2003 | 332 | 70% | 57% | +13.5 points | 95,572 |
Why the Nissan 350Z fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | 350Z | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 9.9% | 11.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.9% | 3.1% |
| Suspension | 8.1% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 5.3% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 5.2% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 4.0% | 6.3% |
| Body and structure | 3.2% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.9% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 1.1% | 0.4% |
| Steering | 0.9% | 1.8% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working5.1%
- 2pin or bush excessively worn3.0%
- 3Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.0%
- 4inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.7%
- 5warning lamp indicates a fault2.6%
- 6not working2.0%
- 7carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.0%
- 8tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
- 9has a major leak of exhaust gases1.8%
- 10projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.8%
Common 350Z MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used 350Z, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 15.0% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 13.2% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 8.9% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.8% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 5.8% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 4.9% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 4.8% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 4.7% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 4.5% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 4.3% |
Tips to help your 350Z pass
Based on where 350Z models most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 9.9% of 350Z tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 5.3% of 350Z tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the 350Z ULEZ compliant? See the Nissan 350Z ULEZ check, or view all Nissan models.
Other Nissan models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 5,705 first MOT tests of the Nissan 350Z carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 5,705 first MOT tests of the Nissan 350Z.
What is the Nissan 350Z MOT failure rate?
In our data, 27% of 5,705 first MOT attempts on the Nissan 350Z ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Nissan 350Z fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (9.9% of tests), noise, emissions and leaks (8.9% of tests), suspension (8.1% of tests).
Which 350Z year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2013 cars performed best: 93% passed first time, +24.7 points against the average for 10-year-old cars. The weakest was 2018, at 83% (−0.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Nissan 350Z covered at its MOT?
The average was 81,960 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2018 cars averaged 26,467 miles and 2003 cars 95,572.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Nissan 350Z?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 15.0% of tests, in the tyres area. 4.0% of 350Z models failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific 350Z's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 5,705 350Z models in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 69% to 93% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readDashboard warning lights and the MOT: which ones mean a fail?An engine, ABS or airbag light that stays on is a major defect at the MOT, even if the car drives perfectly. Which lights testers check, and what to do first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any 350Z's MOT history
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