2013 Nissan Pathfinder: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Ball joint3.7× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  17% All 2013 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 2.6% of all 2013 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 joints6.4× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  12.1% All 2013 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 0.7% of all 2013 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.

• Exhaust system2.7× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  11.1% All 2013 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.2% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Track rod ends2.1× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  9.2% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 2.2% of all 2013 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.

• Engine warning light3.9× usual
  Nissan Pathfinder

  5.8% All 2013 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 1.5% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2013 Nissan Pathfinder MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Nissan Pathfinder MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  40% 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
  32% 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
  28% 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
  23% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  11% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 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 ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 6.4× as often on the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?