Used car guide

2006 Nissan Pathfinder: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2006 Nissan Pathfinders, from 656 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

656MOT tests in 2025
53%pass first time (all 2006 cars: 57%)
7,800typical miles a year
6.9×the usual rate for chassis rust or damage

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2006 Nissan Pathfinders than on all cars registered in 2006.

  • Chassis rust or damage6.9× usual
    Nissan Pathfinder
    22.1% All 2006 cars
    3.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 0.9% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Ball joint3× usual
    Nissan Pathfinder
    19.1% All 2006 cars
    6.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints3.2× usual
    Nissan Pathfinder
    13.6% All 2006 cars
    4.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.5% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Wheel bearings3.8× usual
    Nissan Pathfinder
    12% All 2006 cars
    3.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

  • Track rod ends2.5× usual
    Nissan Pathfinder
    14.3% All 2006 cars
    5.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Better than most

Tyre condition: 6.6% here, against 15.4% of all 2006 cars.

By area

The share of 2006 Nissan Pathfinder MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    52% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    45% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    34% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Rust and bodywork
    26% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Tyres
    23% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    16% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2011602Suspension 49%
2009510Suspension 46%
2007727Suspension 48%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2006 Nissan Pathfinders registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score