Most Reliable Infiniti Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 10,232 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Infiniti models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
10,232 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Infiniti model from 2013-2020
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Infiniti Q30
84.6% pass rate
Best Single Year
Q30 2017 Petrol
86.5% pass rate
Infiniti vs National Average
82.2% vs 71.4%
+10.8% above average
Best Early Performer
Q30
+7.8% (early results)
Infiniti ranks #69 out of 180 manufacturers with 10,232 MOT tests in our database. We analysed this data to identify which Infiniti models deliver the best reliability.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering Infiniti models sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Infiniti Compares to Rivals
Infiniti ranks #69 out of 180 manufacturers with a 82.2% average MOT pass rate. That's above the national average of 71.4%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infiniti | 82.2% | #69 | 10,232 |
| Toyota | 73.8% | #115 | 1,637,457 |
| Volkswagen | 71.9% | #129 | 3,034,850 |
| Nissan | 68.6% | #142 | 1,626,183 |
| Ford | 68.5% | #143 | 4,473,074 |
| Vauxhall | 65.4% | #155 | 3,052,659 |
The verdict: Infiniti leads its competitors with a 82.2% pass rate.
Best Infiniti Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Infiniti's core models rank against the 71.4% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.4%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q30 | 84.6% | +13.1% | 4,874 | 2015-2019 |
| Q50 | 78.9% | +7.4% | 2,589 | 2013-2020 |
* Compared to overall 71.4% national average across all years. For year-adjusted comparisons that account for newer cars passing more often, see individual model breakdowns below.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Infiniti models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - too early to assess long-term reliability. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q30 | - | All | +7.8% | 8-10 years | 83.2% |
| Q50 | - | All | +2.3% | 8-10 years | 77.7% |
| Q30 | - | All | +0.6% | 3-7 years | 85.4% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Infiniti Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Here's how Infiniti's fuel types compare:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 84.2% | +12.8% | 1,959 |
| Diesel | 81.7% | +10.3% | 7,992 |
| Hybrid Electric | 81.7% | +10.3% | 257 |
The hybrid advantage: Infiniti hybrids pass MOTs -3% more often than petrols and -0% more often than diesels.
What Goes Wrong on Infinitis?
When Infinitis fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Tyres | 573 |
| 2. Brakes | 474 |
| 3. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 432 |
| 4. Suspension | 330 |
| 5. Visibility | 247 |
| 6. Noise, emissions and leaks | 172 |
| 7. Body, chassis, structure | 61 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Infiniti owners:
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- Limited data for recent models
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- Limited proven durability data available
Infiniti Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- No major proven reliability concerns
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 10,232 tests on Infiniti vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 100 tests for proven durability rankings, 100 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.44% based on 32,300,000 tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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