Nissan Pulsar MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 21,418 MOT tests on the Nissan Pulsar carried out in 2023. 24% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Pulsars passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2014 to 2018. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2018 models did best (87% passed, +3.3 points against the average for 5-year-old cars), while 2014 models fared worst (65%, −6.5 points). Tested cars had covered 51,411 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 9.2% of tests (roughly in line with the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "ball joint excessively worn", on 4.8% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 21,418
- First-time pass rate
- 76%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +4.5 points
- Average mileage at test
- 51,411
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Pulsar?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Pulsar 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 | 2,023 | 87% | 84% | +3.3 points | 32,488 |
| 2017 | 4,151 | 83% | 82% | +0.9 points | 41,778 |
| 2016 | 6,228 | 77% | 79% | −1.4 points | 51,200 |
| 2015 | 7,603 | 70% | 75% | −5.4 points | 59,061 |
| 2014 | 1,336 | 65% | 72% | −6.5 points | 65,122 |
Why the Nissan Pulsar fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Pulsar | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 9.2% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 6.4% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 6.2% | 6.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 4.5% | 11.3% |
| Steering | 2.6% | 1.8% |
| Visibility | 2.0% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.5% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 0.6% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.4% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1ball joint excessively worn4.8%
- 2fractured or broken3.9%
- 3less than 1.5 mm thick3.2%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%
- 5ball joint has excessive play2.3%
- 6not working2.3%
- 7inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.1%
- 8has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.0%
- 9has ply or cords exposed1.0%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid0.9%
Common Pulsar MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Pulsar, 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 | 16.9% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 13.8% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.7% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 6.7% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 5.1% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 3.3% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.1% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 3.0% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.5% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.1% |
Tips to help your Pulsar pass
Based on where Pulsars most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 6.2% of Pulsar 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.
Lights and electrics · 4.5% of Pulsar 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.
Compare with other models
Is the Pulsar ULEZ compliant? See the Nissan Pulsar ULEZ check, or view all Nissan models.
Other Nissan models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 21,418 first MOT tests of the Nissan Pulsar 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 21,418 first MOT tests of the Nissan Pulsar.
What is the Nissan Pulsar MOT failure rate?
In our data, 24% of 21,418 first MOT attempts on the Nissan Pulsar ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Nissan Pulsar fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (9.2% of tests), tyres (6.4% of tests), brakes (6.2% of tests).
Which Pulsar year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2018 cars performed best: 87% passed first time, +3.3 points against the average for 5-year-old cars. The weakest was 2014, at 65% (−6.5 points).
How many miles had a typical Nissan Pulsar covered at its MOT?
The average was 51,411 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2018 cars averaged 32,488 miles and 2014 cars 65,122.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Nissan Pulsar?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 16.9% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.4% of Pulsars failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Pulsar's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 21,418 Pulsars in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 65% to 87% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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 · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.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
Check any Pulsar's MOT history
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