Common problems by part
Nissan Pathfinder steering problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 3,652 MOT tests · Updated
At 16 years, 7.5 in 100 MOT tests of the Nissan Pathfinder failed on steering, against 3.4 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 3,652 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: fails 2.0–2.5× as often as all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 273 MOT tests with a fail
- When it starts: clear of 1.2 times from 10 years and at every older age seen
- Most common fail: Steering track rod end: ball joint play, 5.9 per 100 MOT tests
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
7.5 fails per 100 MOT tests at 16 years, against 3.4 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 16 (all test years). The Nissan Pathfinder fails more often here.
Why it matters
A steering fail stops the car passing until it is fixed; the most common one is rated major by DVSA.
What to check
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
Nissan Pathfinder steering fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1,153 | 5.6 | 2.1 |
| 11 | 1,789 | 5.3 | 2.5 |
| 12 | 1,974 | 6.7 | 2.8 |
| 13 | 2,423 | 7.8 | 2.9 |
| 14 | 2,576 | 8.4 | 3.2 |
| 15 | 3,197 | 8.4 | 3.3 |
| 16 | 3,652 | 7.5 | 3.4 |
| 17 | 3,276 | 7.7 | 3.6 |
| 18 | 2,302 | 6.9 | 3.9 |
| 19* | 1,190 | 6.7 | 4.1 |
All first-use years of the Nissan Pathfinder pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years. * Only survivors are still tested at this age.
What fails in the steering at 16 years
Fails
- Steering track rod end: ball joint play: 5.9 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 1.9. Replace track rod end: estimated £54–£128 (0.5–1 h at £78/h (ONS local-garage repair quotes, 1,058 quotes from 65 garages, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026) + parts £15–£50) Track rod end ball joint has excessive play MOT fail
Advisories (not fails)
- Track rod end: ball joint has slight play: 5.5 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 1.8. Track rod end ball joint has slight play MOT advisory
Repair figures are estimates, not quotes: how we estimate repair costs.
Buying a Nissan Pathfinder? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
How to check on a test drive
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Track rod end: ball joint has slight play.
Check one Nissan Pathfinder, not the average
The figures here describe Nissan Pathfinder cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Nissan Pathfinder's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Nissan Pathfinder problems
- Nissan Pathfinder suspension problems
- Nissan Pathfinder brakes problems
- Nissan Pathfinder lights and electrics problems
- Nissan Pathfinder body and structure problems
- Nissan Pathfinder exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
- Nissan Pathfinder seat belts and airbags problems
- Nissan Pathfinder windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
- Nissan Pathfinder tyres problems
Steering on rival models
- Volkswagen Touareg steering problems: 1.4 per 100 MOT tests at 16 years, against 7.5 for the Nissan Pathfinder (7,080 MOT tests)
- Kia Sorento steering problems: 9.3 per 100 MOT tests at 16 years, against 7.5 for the Nissan Pathfinder (6,591 MOT tests)
- Mitsubishi Shogun steering problems: 10.2 per 100 MOT tests at 16 years, against 7.5 for the Nissan Pathfinder (5,879 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Nissan Pathfinder have more steering problems than other cars?
2.0 to 2.5 times the steering fail rate of all class 4 vehicles the same age at 16 years (all test years), from 3,652 MOT tests. The interval is clear of 1.2 in the same direction at 3 of the 10 ages seen (ages up to 18 with at least 100 MOT tests with a fail).
How common are Nissan Pathfinder steering problems?
7.5 in 100 MOT tests at 16 years failed on steering, against 3.4 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 3,652 MOT tests).
What is the most common Nissan Pathfinder steering fail?
5.9 in 100 MOT tests at 16 years: Steering track rod end: ball joint play (217 MOT tests with it).
At what age do Nissan Pathfinder steering fails start?
10 years: from then on the rate stays clear of 1.2 times all class 4 vehicles the same age at every age seen, 23,532 MOT tests.
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 23,532 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
- Office for National Statistics, Consumer price inflation, local price quotes (car repair items). ONS price quotes, series 610236. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare