Nissan

Nissan Pathfinder (2013)

432 real MOT outcomes analysed • 76.5% first-time pass rate

2013 Nissan Pathfinder

CarHunch analysed 432 real MOT records for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 432 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder's 76.5% first-time pass rate sits below the UK average of 80%, signalling moderately below-average reliability—but the real concern is that 48.1% of vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is substantially higher than typical and warrants thorough pre-purchase inspection. The diesel engines (which account for the vast majority of this cohort) show a pass rate of 76.2%, offering little variance from the overall figure.

At 72,690 miles average, these eight-year-old Pathfinders have covered a reasonable distance without excessive wear, yet owners can expect an average of 3.2 failures and 17.1 advisories per test—indicating persistent mechanical niggles rather than catastrophic breakdown. Before committing, have any prospective purchase independently examined by a diesel specialist, with particular focus on suspension, braking, and emissions systems where larger SUVs commonly run into trouble.

The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder has a decent first-time pass rate (76.5%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
76.5%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
48.2%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
3.2
Over 12.4 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
70k
Middle half: 56k–87k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 17.1 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 432 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 432 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 58.8%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Suspension & steering 50.3%
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play · Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play · Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Brake wear 34.1%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 33.6%
Oil leak, but not excessive · Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2013.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 432 Nissan Pathfinder cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder

Based on MOT data from 432 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 48.2% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (97%) 419 76.2% 3.28

Colour Breakdown

Based on 11,756 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 35.1%
4,129
Grey 25.2%
2,968
Silver 25.2%
2,962
Blue 6.2%
726
White 3.2%
371
Red 2.4%
286
Green 1.7%
205
Beige 0.5%
63
Brown 0.2%
23
Gold 0.1%
10
Bronze 0.1%
7
Maroon 0.1%
6

Mileage Distribution

Most 2013 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

69,500
typical
55,595
low mileage
86,767
high mileage

Half of all 2013 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles fall between 55,595 and 86,767 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 55,595 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
55,595–86,767 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2013 Nissan Pathfinders sit.
Over 117,135 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2013 Nissan Pathfinder — Still on the Road

Most 2013 Nissan Pathfinders are still being driven.

Strong survival — 354 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 88% of the peak.

396 354 2016 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2016–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

12.4
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
3.2
Avg failures per vehicle
17.1
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Nissan Pathfinder: All Pathfinder years → Which year to buy? →
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2014

Or browse all models: Nissan →

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Compare with another model

See how the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing