Used car guide

2008 Nissan Pathfinder: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Nissan Pathfinders, from 362 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 362 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

362MOT tests in 2025
54%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
7,600typical miles a year
7.8×the usual rate for chassis rust or damage

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Nissan Pathfinders than on all cars registered in 2008.

  • Chassis rust or damage7.8× usual
    Nissan Pathfinder
    18.8% All 2008 cars
    2.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 0.6% of all 2008 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.

  • Wheel bearings5.2× usual
    Nissan Pathfinder
    13.5% All 2008 cars
    2.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 1% of all 2008 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.

  • Ball joint2.7× usual
    Nissan Pathfinder
    17.4% All 2008 cars
    6.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 3.2% of all 2008 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.

  • Track rod ends2.8× usual
    Nissan Pathfinder
    15.2% All 2008 cars
    5.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 2.5% of all 2008 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.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints3× usual
    Nissan Pathfinder
    12.7% All 2008 cars
    4.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1.6% of all 2008 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.

Better than most

Tyre condition: 6.4% here, against 15.4% of all 2008 cars.

By area

The share of 2008 Nissan Pathfinder MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    48% 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
    40% 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
    37% 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.

  • Tyres
    27% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    24% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Rust and bodywork
    20% 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.

Looking at a Nissan Pathfinder?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2014333Suspension 41%
2013380Suspension 43%
2012376Suspension 44%
2011602Suspension 49%
2010410Suspension 51%
2009510Suspension 46%
2007727Suspension 48%
2006656Suspension 52%
2005404Suspension 51%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Nissan Pathfinders registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score