2012 Nissan Pathfinder · 1,419 MOT tests
2012 Nissan Pathfinder reliability
2012 Nissan Pathfinders fail 43.3% of first MOT tests, 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 10 Pathfinder years (1,419 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Nissan Pathfinders: 45.5%)
- 43.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Nissan Pathfinders: 45.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 21% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 101,625
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,419
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 7% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 30% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 10.6% of tests fail here (152% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: tyres, 34% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics20.4%
- Suspension18%
- Body, chassis and structure10.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.9%
- Brakes7.4%
- Steering6.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.84%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 6.41%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Diesel engine warning light faulty 4.93%
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 4.93%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 4.3%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Main beam headlamp not working 4.02%
A failed main beam reduces night-time visibility on unlit roads, so the headlamp should be repaired promptly.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.52%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (9.37%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.1%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.61%) · Linkage ball joint slight play (6.84%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (5.21%)
Other years
Every Nissan Pathfinder year
The full picture: Nissan Pathfinder reliability. Before you pay for any Nissan Pathfinder, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
2012 Nissan Pathfinders fail 43.3% of first MOT tests, 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 10 Pathfinder years (1,419 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (6.84% of tests), dipped beam headlamp not working (6.41% of tests), diesel engine warning light faulty (4.93% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Nissan Pathfinder shows 101,625 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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