Most Reliable Nissan Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 1,626,183 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Nissan models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
1,626,183 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Nissan model from 1988-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Nissan GT-R
94.1% pass rate
Best Single Year
GT-R 2009 Petrol
93.0% pass rate
Nissan vs National Average
68.6% vs 71.4%
-2.9% below average
Proven Durability Champion
GT-R
+35.2% at 15-17 years
Nissan ranks #142 out of 180 manufacturers, below the national average. We analysed 1,626,183 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find the most reliable Nissan models and which years to avoid.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering Nissan models sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Nissan Compares to Rivals
Nissan ranks #142 out of 180 manufacturers with a 68.6% average MOT pass rate. That's below the national average of 71.4%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia | 73.9% | #114 | 886,268 |
| Toyota | 73.8% | #115 | 1,637,457 |
| Hyundai | 73.2% | #118 | 859,247 |
| Honda | 72.1% | #126 | 939,496 |
| Mazda | 71.9% | #128 | 534,605 |
| Mitsubishi | 71.3% | #133 | 306,547 |
| Nissan | 68.6% | #142 | 1,626,183 |
The verdict: Kia maintains a lead among competitors, while Nissan sits at #142.
Best Nissan Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Nissan's core models rank against the 71.4% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.4%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT-R | 94.1% | +22.7% | 2,414 | 1990-2020 |
| 370 Z | 84.8% | +13.4% | 1,720 | 2007-2020 |
| LEAF | 81.6% | +10.2% | 37,488 | 2011-2023 |
| PULSAR | 76.0% | +4.5% | 21,418 | 1990-2020 |
| NV300 | 74.5% | +3.1% | 1,693 | 2016-2021 |
| E-NV200 | 74.5% | +3.0% | 4,583 | 2009-2022 |
| SERENA | 74.4% | +3.0% | 2,109 | 1990-2023 |
| 350 | 72.9% | +1.4% | 5,645 | 2002-2021 |
| X-TRAIL | 71.0% | -0.5% | 94,505 | 2000-2022 |
| QASHQAI | 70.5% | -0.9% | 554,924 | 2000-2023 |
* 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.
Top performer
The GT-R achieves a 94.1% pass rate, 23 percentage points above the national average.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Nissan Models Age Best?
These Nissan models have proven exceptional durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They consistently outperform the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 100+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT-R | - | All | +35.2% | 15-17 years | 93.0% |
| GT-R | - | All | +28.4% | 11-14 years | 93.1% |
| SKYLINE | - | All | +25.6% | 21+ years | 86.5% |
| 370 Z | - | All | +20.6% | 11-14 years | 85.2% |
| 200 SX | - | All | +19.6% | 21+ years | 80.6% |
| 350 | - | All | +17.0% | 15-17 years | 74.8% |
| SERENA | - | All | +15.7% | 11-14 years | 80.3% |
| ELGRAND | - | All | +14.5% | 15-17 years | 72.3% |
| CUBE | - | All | +14.1% | 15-17 years | 71.9% |
| ELGRAND | - | All | +13.6% | 18-20 years | 69.8% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Proven durability champion
The GT-R outperforms the average 15-17 years-old car by 35 percentage points, with 662 MOT tests proving its reliability.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Nissan 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT-R | - | All | +10.6% | 3-7 years | 95.3% |
| NOTE | - | All | +5.3% | 8-10 years | 80.8% |
| LEAF | - | All | +3.5% | 3-7 years | 88.3% |
| NOTE | - | All | +1.7% | 3-7 years | 86.5% |
| QASHQAI | - | All | +1.3% | 3-7 years | 86.0% |
| QASHQAI | - | All | +0.7% | 8-10 years | 76.1% |
| MICRA | - | All | +0.6% | 8-10 years | 76.0% |
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.
Nissan QASHQAI: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The QASHQAI has 554,924 tests in our database with an overall 70.5% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Petrol | 90.8% | -0.1% | 1,681 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 90.8% | +3.2% | 30,608 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 88.3% | +0.7% | 3,204 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 89.2% | +3.0% | 32,432 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 86.0% | -0.2% | 18,083 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 85.7% | +1.5% | 25,077 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 83.1% | -1.1% | 22,257 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 83.8% | +2.1% | 26,444 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 82.0% | +0.3% | 33,083 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 81.6% | +3.0% | 21,650 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 78.6% | -0.1% | 36,663 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 79.4% | +3.9% | 22,211 |
| ... | ||||
| 2013 | Diesel | 55.5% | -12.8% | 24,925 |
| 2012 | Petrol | 58.7% | -7.0% | 17,166 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 50.4% | -15.2% | 23,828 |
QASHQAI verdict: The 2021 petrol model achieves a 90.8% pass rate (19 points above average). Avoid the 2013 diesel (55.5%).
Avoid 2007-2013 QASHQAIs
The 2013 diesel QASHQAI has a 55.5% pass rate, well below the national average.
Nissan X-TRAIL: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The X-TRAIL has 94,505 tests in our database with an overall 71.0% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 88.5% | +0.9% | 2,093 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 87.3% | -0.3% | 2,853 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 87.3% | +1.1% | 1,795 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 84.2% | -2.0% | 3,909 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 85.4% | +1.1% | 7,497 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 79.6% | -4.6% | 1,461 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 81.3% | -0.3% | 14,321 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 79.4% | -2.3% | 2,755 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 77.7% | -0.9% | 1,806 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 75.8% | -2.9% | 13,150 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 75.0% | -0.5% | 583 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 70.0% | -5.4% | 7,693 |
| ... | ||||
| 2011 | Diesel | 57.6% | -5.4% | 2,093 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 52.5% | -8.0% | 1,395 |
| 2009 | Diesel | 53.3% | -5.7% | 2,001 |
X-TRAIL verdict: Avoid the 2011 diesel (57.6%).
Avoid 2003-2011 X-TRAILs
The 2011 diesel X-TRAIL has a 57.6% pass rate, well below the national average.
Nissan LEAF: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The LEAF has 37,488 tests in our database with an overall 81.6% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Electric | 93.9% | +3.1% | 742 |
| 2020 | Electric | 91.4% | +3.7% | 7,983 |
| 2019 | Electric | 89.7% | +3.5% | 5,246 |
| 2018 | Electric | 86.5% | +2.3% | 5,102 |
| 2017 | Electric | 82.8% | +1.1% | 4,976 |
| 2016 | Electric | 75.9% | -2.8% | 4,002 |
| 2015 | Electric | 69.9% | -5.6% | 4,022 |
| 2014 | Electric | 64.8% | -7.0% | 3,058 |
| 2013 | Electric | 61.4% | -6.9% | 1,273 |
LEAF verdict: The 2021 electric model achieves a 93.9% pass rate (22 points above average).
Nissan Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Reliability varies by fuel type for Nissan. Here's how each performs:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric | 88.3% | +16.9% | 557 |
| Electric | 80.5% | +9.1% | 45,100 |
| Gas Bi-fuel | 71.8% | +0.3% | 39 |
| Petrol | 69.8% | -1.6% | 971,014 |
| Diesel | 65.7% | -5.7% | 609,333 |
The hybrid advantage: Nissan hybrids pass MOTs 18% more often than petrols and 23% more often than diesels.
Nissan Models to Avoid
Not all Nissans are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELGRAND | 2021 | Petrol | 66.9% | 556 |
| ELGRAND | 2018 | Petrol | 60.7% | 524 |
| ELGRAND | 2017 | Petrol | 59.2% | 719 |
| ELGRAND | 2016 | Petrol | 57.4% | 591 |
| NV200 | 2017 | Diesel | 60.5% | 1,513 |
| PRIMASTAR | 2013 | Diesel | 47.1% | 526 |
| NV200 | 2015 | Diesel | 54.5% | 3,611 |
| NV200 | 2019 | Diesel | 66.0% | 659 |
| NV200 | 2018 | Diesel | 64.3% | 1,596 |
| ELGRAND | 2020 | Petrol | 67.7% | 623 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2016-2021 petrol ELGRANDs, 2015-2019 diesel NV200s are the models that drag down Nissan's average. The PRIMASTAR performs 19% worse than the average car of the same age at 11-14 years - this is proven poor durability. These are the weakest performers in the lineup.
What Goes Wrong on Nissans?
When Nissans fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Suspension | 197,478 |
| 2. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 190,482 |
| 3. Brakes | 116,790 |
| 4. Visibility | 93,792 |
| 5. Tyres | 91,186 |
| 6. Steering | 59,551 |
| 7. Body, chassis, structure | 58,561 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Nissan owners:
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- JUKE TEKNA + DIG-T 2020 Petrol: 92% pass rate
- MICRA N-TEC IG-T 2020 Petrol: 92% pass rate
- JUKE TEKNA DIG-T 2020 Petrol: 92% pass rate
- LEAF 2020 Electric: 91% pass rate
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- GT-R (15-17 years): +32% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- SKYLINE (21+ years): +26% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- 370 Z (11-14 years): +21% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- 200 SX (21+ years): +20% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Nissan Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- PRIMASTAR (11-14 years): -14% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 11-14 years)
- QASHQAI (15-17 years): -12% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 15-17 years)
- NV200 (11-14 years): -13% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 11-14 years)
- PATHFINDER (11-14 years): -9% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 11-14 years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 1,626,183 tests on Nissan 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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