2009 · 15 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2009 Nissan Pathfinder MOT pass rate and common faults

643 MOT tests in 2024. 49.9% passed first time, compared with 58.4% for all cars the same age.

85Well below average
Passed first time49.9%
Failed or needed repairs50.1%
Typical mileage at test122,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 643 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play7.3%
  2. Position lamp: not working7.0%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.6%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.6%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn5.3%
  6. Wheel bearings: has excessive play4.5%
  7. Stop lamp: not working4.5%
  8. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.0%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.9%
    44 marked dangerous
  10. Door condition: cannot be opened from outside the vehicle3.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics37.3%
  2. Suspension29.9%
  3. Body & chassis28.9%
  4. Brakes18.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.2%
  6. Steering8.7%
  7. Emissions & leaks7.0%
  8. Tyres6.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine17.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.9%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn10.7%
  5. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn9.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: track rod end: ball joint has excessive play. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

In 2024, 49.9% of 2009 Nissan Pathfinder cars passed their MOT first time, across 643 tests. The average for all 15-year-old cars was 58.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

The most common failure reasons were track rod end: ball joint has excessive play; position lamp: not working; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 85, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).