2012 · 12 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2012 Nissan Pathfinder MOT pass rate and common faults

400 MOT tests in 2024. 51.0% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

79Well below average
Passed first time51.0%
Failed or needed repairs49.0%
Typical mileage at test106,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 400 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction7.8%
  2. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play7.0%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken6.5%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn6.3%
  5. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam6.0%
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.0%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.5%
  8. Position lamp: not working4.3%
  9. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn4.3%
  10. Headlamp: not working on main beam4.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics43.0%
  2. Suspension25.0%
  3. Body & chassis19.5%
  4. Brakes13.0%
  5. Emissions & leaks9.8%
  6. Steering9.0%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.2%
  8. Tyres5.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.8%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.5%
  3. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn8.5%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn8.0%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.5%

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: malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2011 PathfinderAll Pathfinder years2013 Pathfinder →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

In 2024, 51.0% of 2012 Nissan Pathfinder cars passed their MOT first time, across 400 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

The most common failure reasons were malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 79, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).