2007 Nissan Pathfinder: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Nissan Pathfinder than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Chassis rust or damage8.2× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  18% All 2007 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 0.6% of all 2007 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 bearings4.6× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  12.8% All 2007 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 1.1% of all 2007 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 joint2.6× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  16.3% All 2007 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 3.1% of all 2007 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 joints3.1× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  13.3% All 2007 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.6% of all 2007 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.9× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  12.7% All 2007 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 3.1% of all 2007 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.

Common 2007 Nissan Pathfinder MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Nissan Pathfinder MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  47% 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
  42% 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
  35% 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
  24% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  21% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  17% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 8.2× as often on the 2007 Nissan Pathfinder as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2007 Nissan Pathfinder as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2007 Nissan Pathfinder as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?