Nissan Pathfinder reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Nissan Pathfinder is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 93 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 308 of 442, and 46.2% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (7.3% of tests).
Ranked 308 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 5,685 Nissan Pathfinders aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 46.2% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Nissan Pathfinder is 8% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
46.2%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,700
Typical age at test: 15 years
Nissan Pathfinder MOT failure rate by age
Most common Nissan Pathfinder MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working7.3% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn6.4% of tests
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play6.3% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken5.1% of tests
- Stop lamp: not working4.7% of tests
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.5% of tests
What the Nissan Pathfinder fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 22.6% | About average |
| Suspension | 20.7% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Body and structure | 18.0% | ▲ 2.4× as often |
| Brakes | 10.9% | ▼ 11% less often |
| Visibility | 8.7% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Steering | 7.6% | ▲ 1.9× as often |
| Tyres | 6.1% | ▼ 25% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 5.6% | About average |
| Seat belts and airbags | 2.9% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Wheels | 0.8% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
What MPG does the Nissan Pathfinder do?
Official economy for the Nissan Pathfinder ranges from 20.9 to 33.2mpg across the 9 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2006–2012). A typical petrol version manages 20.9mpg and a typical diesel 31.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Nissan Pathfinder?
Any Nissan Pathfinder first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Nissan Pathfinder registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £445 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carNissan Pathfinder specs and running costs
Official figures for 9 versions sold in the UK between 2006 and 2012.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
20.9–33.2 mpg
CO2
224–327 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 2012 2.5 dCi 190psM6x2 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 33.2 mpg | 224g | £445 |
| Pathfinder 2012 2.5 dCi 190psA6x2 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 31.4 mpg | 238g | £760 |
| Pathfinder 2.5 dCi 190M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 33.2 mpg | 224g | £445 |
| Pathfinder 2.5 dCi 190A5 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 31.4 mpg | 238g | £760 |
| Pathfinder 2.5 dCi 4x4M6 · listed 2008 | Diesel | 28.8 mpg | 264g | £790 |
| Pathfinder 2.5 dCi 4x4A5 · listed 2008 | Diesel | 27.7 mpg | 276g | £790 |
| Pathfinder 2.5 dCi 4 x 4M6 · listed 2006 | Diesel | 31.4 mpg | 238g | £760 |
| Pathfinder 2.5 dCi 4 x 4A5 · listed 2006 | Diesel | 28 mpg | 267g | £790 |
| Pathfinder 4.0 V6A5 · listed 2006 | Petrol | 20.9 mpg | 327g | £790 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement.
What a Nissan Pathfinder costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 20.9mpg…
- diesel, typical official 31.4mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Nissan PathfinderBuying a used Nissan Pathfinder?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Nissan models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Nissan Pathfinder is 8% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 93 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Nissan Pathfinder?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 7.3% of tests. It fails on body and structure and steering more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Nissan Pathfinder do?
Official economy for the Nissan Pathfinder ranges from 20.9 to 33.2mpg across the 9 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2006–2012). A typical petrol version manages 20.9mpg and a typical diesel 31.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Nissan Pathfinder?
Any Nissan Pathfinder first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Nissan Pathfinder registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £445 to £790 a year.
›How many Nissan Pathfinders fail their MOT?
46.2% of Nissan Pathfinders aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Nissan Pathfinder combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.