Nissan Pathfinder MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 6,709 MOT tests on the Nissan Pathfinder carried out in 2023. 47% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 5 in 10 Pathfinders passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2005 to 2014. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2006 models did best (54% passed, −2.1 points against the average for 17-year-old cars), while 2013 models fared worst (55%, −13.2 points). Tested cars had covered 123,502 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 22.3% of tests (well above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 13.9% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 6,709
- First-time pass rate
- 53%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −18.4 points
- Average mileage at test
- 123,502
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Pathfinder?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Pathfinder 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 350 | 64% | 72% | −8.0 points | 89,849 |
| 2013 | 401 | 55% | 68% | −13.2 points | 91,550 |
| 2012 | 406 | 55% | 66% | −10.2 points | 102,941 |
| 2011 | 647 | 55% | 63% | −8.3 points | 111,611 |
| 2010 | 524 | 56% | 60% | −4.8 points | 122,249 |
| 2009 | 772 | 47% | 59% | −11.8 points | 118,926 |
| 2008 | 599 | 48% | 57% | −9.6 points | 126,644 |
| 2007 | 1,188 | 52% | 57% | −5.3 points | 128,040 |
| 2006 | 1,138 | 54% | 56% | −2.1 points | 144,478 |
| 2005 | 666 | 53% | 56% | −3.2 points | 144,934 |
Why the Nissan Pathfinder fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Pathfinder | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 22.3% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 21.2% | 8.9% |
| Body and structure | 16.2% | 3.5% |
| Brakes | 10.9% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 9.1% | 4.8% |
| Steering | 6.8% | 1.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.5% | 3.1% |
| Tyres | 5.5% | 6.3% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 3.0% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 1.0% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working13.9%
- 2ball joint excessively worn9.4%
- 3fractured or broken6.1%
- 4ball joint has excessive play5.5%
- 5constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.0%
- 6has a major leak of exhaust gases3.7%
- 7provides insufficient washer liquid3.4%
- 8tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.2%
- 9cannot be opened from outside the vehicle3.1%
- 10has excessive play3.0%
Common Pathfinder MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Pathfinder, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 19.4% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 16.8% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 10.8% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.8% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 9.7% |
| corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced | Body and structure | 8.9% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 7.0% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 6.1% |
| ball joint has excessive play | Steering | 5.0% |
| has excessive play | Suspension | 4.4% |
Tips to help your Pathfinder pass
Based on where Pathfinders most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 22.3% of Pathfinder 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.
Body and structure · 16.2% of Pathfinder 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.
Brakes · 10.9% of Pathfinder 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 Pathfinder ULEZ compliant? See the Nissan Pathfinder ULEZ check, or view all Nissan models.
Other Nissan models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 6,709 first MOT tests of the Nissan Pathfinder 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 6,709 first MOT tests of the Nissan Pathfinder.
What is the Nissan Pathfinder MOT failure rate?
In our data, 47% of 6,709 first MOT attempts on the Nissan Pathfinder ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Nissan Pathfinder fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (22.3% of tests), suspension (21.2% of tests), body and structure (16.2% of tests).
Which Pathfinder year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2006 cars performed best: 54% passed first time, −2.1 points against the average for 17-year-old cars. The weakest was 2013, at 55% (−13.2 points).
How many miles had a typical Nissan Pathfinder covered at its MOT?
The average was 123,502 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2014 cars averaged 89,849 miles and 2005 cars 144,934.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Nissan Pathfinder?
"ball joint excessively worn" was recorded on 19.4% of tests, in the suspension area. 21.2% of Pathfinders failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Pathfinder's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 6,709 Pathfinders in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 47% to 64% 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 readMOT advisories explained: what they mean and what to fix firstHalf of all cars tested in 2023 left with at least one advisory. They don't fail the MOT, but they're the tester's warning of what's coming next.Read the guide
Check any Pathfinder's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.