Used car guide

2011 Nissan Pathfinder: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 Nissan Pathfinders, from 602 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

602MOT tests in 2025

61%pass first time (all 2011 cars: 61%)

8,800typical miles a year

3.5×the usual rate for ball joint

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2011 Nissan Pathfinders than on all cars registered in 2011.

Ball joint3.5× usual

Nissan Pathfinder
21.1% All 2011 cars
6.1%

Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 3.2% of all 2011 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
12.1% All 2011 cars
3.8%

Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.4% of all 2011 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.
Chassis rust or damage8.8× usual

Nissan Pathfinder
8.8% All 2011 cars
1%

Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.2% of all 2011 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.
Track rod ends2.4× usual

Nissan Pathfinder
12.6% All 2011 cars
5.3%

Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.6% of all 2011 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.
Drive shaft (CV) joints2.1× usual

Nissan Pathfinder
10.3% All 2011 cars
4.8%

Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 2.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Better than most

Tyre condition: 4.3% here, against 14.9% of all 2011 cars. Shock absorbers: 3.5% here, against 7.6% of all 2011 cars.

By area

The share of 2011 Nissan Pathfinder MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

Suspension

49% 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

33% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

26% 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.
Brakes

26% 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.
Exhaust and emissions

14% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
Oil and fluid leaks

14% 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.

Looking at a Nissan Pathfinder?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Year	MOT tests	Most flagged
2009	510	Suspension 46%
2007	727	Suspension 48%
2006	656	Suspension 52%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2011 Nissan Pathfinders registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score