2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Nissan 350 Z MOT pass rate and common faults

294 MOT tests in 2024. 73.8% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

129Well above average
Passed first time73.8%
Failed or needed repairs26.2%
Typical mileage at test96,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 294 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.8%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.1%
  3. Washers: not working3.1%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.1%
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.4%
  6. Position lamp: not working2.4%
  7. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.0%
  8. Sub-frame mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.0%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.7%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.7%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks17.0%
  2. Lights & electrics16.3%
  3. Brakes10.5%
  4. Suspension9.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.8%
  6. Body & chassis5.8%
  7. Tyres3.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded13.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.9%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.5%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened7.5%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened7.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All 350 Z years2004 350 Z →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Nissan 350 Z?

In 2024, 73.8% of 2003 Nissan 350 Z cars passed their MOT first time, across 294 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Nissan 350 Z?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; washers: not working. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2003 Nissan 350 Z reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 129, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).