2008 Nissan Pathfinder: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder?

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

• Chassis rust or damage8.1× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  15.4% All 2008 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 0.5% 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.

• Ball joint2.9× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  18.1% All 2008 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, 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.

• Wheel bearings4.9× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  12.2% All 2008 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.1× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  13.2% All 2008 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, 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.

• Track rod ends2.7× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  13.7% All 2008 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 2.4% 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.

Common 2008 Nissan Pathfinder MOT failures and advisories

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
  50% 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
  36% 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
  28% 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
  19% 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
  18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 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 8.1× as often on the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?