2009 Nissan Pathfinder: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Chassis rust or damage10× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  13% All 2009 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 0.3% of all 2009 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 joint2.8× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  17.8% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 3.4% of all 2009 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 bearings5.6× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  11.7% All 2009 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 0.8% of all 2009 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 ends2.7× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  13% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 2.4% of all 2009 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) joints2.7× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  12.8% All 2009 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.3% of all 2009 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 2009 Nissan Pathfinder MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 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
  44% 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
  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.

• 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 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 10× as often on the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 5.6× as often on the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?