Nissan Navara MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 71,404 MOT tests on the Nissan Navara carried out in 2023. 33% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Navaras passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2001 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2002 models did best (64% passed, +6.7 points against the average for 21-year-old cars), while 2017 models fared worst (70%, −11.6 points). Tested cars had covered 88,908 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 13.3% of tests (slightly above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 7.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 71,404
- First-time pass rate
- 67%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −4.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 88,908
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Navara?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Navara 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 158 | 89% | 91% | −1.6 points | 32,954 |
| 2020 | 4,498 | 83% | 88% | −5.1 points | 41,017 |
| 2019 | 7,780 | 80% | 86% | −6.1 points | 52,488 |
| 2018 | 8,252 | 75% | 84% | −9.5 points | 63,550 |
| 2017 | 9,072 | 70% | 82% | −11.6 points | 70,568 |
| 2016 | 7,911 | 74% | 79% | −4.4 points | 79,919 |
| 2015 | 3,999 | 65% | 75% | −10.2 points | 89,957 |
| 2014 | 3,677 | 63% | 72% | −8.9 points | 98,148 |
| 2013 | 3,562 | 60% | 68% | −8.0 points | 107,666 |
| 2012 | 3,498 | 57% | 66% | −8.8 points | 116,570 |
| 2011 | 4,338 | 56% | 63% | −6.7 points | 128,196 |
| 2010 | 2,134 | 55% | 60% | −5.8 points | 128,586 |
| 2009 | 2,074 | 53% | 59% | −6.1 points | 120,773 |
| 2008 | 2,117 | 54% | 57% | −3.2 points | 125,658 |
| 2007 | 2,716 | 55% | 57% | −2.2 points | 125,974 |
| 2006 | 2,381 | 55% | 56% | −1.5 points | 141,285 |
| 2005 | 1,630 | 56% | 56% | −0.4 points | 136,663 |
| 2004 | 954 | 56% | 56% | −0.2 points | 121,027 |
| 2003 | 413 | 57% | 57% | +0.2 points | 124,857 |
| 2002 | 134 | 64% | 58% | +6.7 points | 123,747 |
| 2001 | 82 | 61% | 59% | +2.3 points | 121,254 |
Why the Nissan Navara fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Navara | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 13.3% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 11.6% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 8.5% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 6.2% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 5.7% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.3% | 3.1% |
| Tyres | 3.8% | 6.3% |
| Steering | 3.7% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.0% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.6% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working7.0%
- 2fractured or broken4.5%
- 3inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.3%
- 4ball joint excessively worn3.6%
- 5ball joint has excessive play2.9%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
- 7less than 1.5 mm thick2.5%
- 8does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
- 9provides insufficient washer liquid1.9%
- 10constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.6%
Common Navara MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Navara, 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 | 13.5% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.1% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 8.0% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.0% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 6.7% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 6.4% |
| corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced | Body and structure | 3.1% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.0% |
| has excessive play | Suspension | 2.8% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 2.7% |
Tips to help your Navara pass
Based on where Navaras most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 13.3% of Navara 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 · 8.5% of Navara 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.
Body and structure · 6.2% of Navara tests
Look underneath for corrosion
On older cars, check sills, subframe mounts and brake pipes for rust. Surface rust is common, but corrosion on structural or brake parts is a fail.
Compare with other models
Is the Navara ULEZ compliant? See the Nissan Navara ULEZ check, or view all Nissan models.
Other Nissan models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 71,404 first MOT tests of the Nissan Navara 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 71,404 first MOT tests of the Nissan Navara.
What is the Nissan Navara MOT failure rate?
In our data, 33% of 71,404 first MOT attempts on the Nissan Navara ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Nissan Navara fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (13.3% of tests), suspension (11.6% of tests), brakes (8.5% of tests).
Which Navara year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2002 cars performed best: 64% passed first time, +6.7 points against the average for 21-year-old cars. The weakest was 2017, at 70% (−11.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Nissan Navara covered at its MOT?
The average was 88,908 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 32,954 miles and 2001 cars 121,254.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Nissan Navara?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 13.5% of tests, in the tyres area. 3.8% of Navaras failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Navara's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 71,404 Navaras in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 53% to 89% 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 · 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
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
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