1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Nissan Skyline MOT pass rate and common faults

104 MOT tests in 2024. 91.3% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

141Well above average
Passed first time91.3%
Failed or needed repairs8.7%
Typical mileage at test85,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 104 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.9%
  2. Rear fog lamp - switch: missing1.9%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.9%
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.9%
  5. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.0%
  6. Rear fog lamp: missing1.0%
  7. Side repeaters: not working1.0%
  8. Driver's airbag: missing1.0%
  9. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.0%
  10. Rear fog lamp tell-tale: not working1.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics9.6%
  2. Emissions & leaks6.7%
  3. Steering1.9%
  4. Brakes1.9%
  5. Number plates & VIN1.9%
  6. Seat belts & airbags1.0%
  7. Suspension1.0%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.8%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.8%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine3.8%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.8%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.8%

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: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Skyline years1999 Skyline →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Nissan Skyline?

In 2024, 91.3% of 1998 Nissan Skyline cars passed their MOT first time, across 104 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Nissan Skyline?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; rear fog lamp - switch: missing; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Nissan Skyline reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 141, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).