Nissan Patrol common problems and MOT failures
What goes wrong on a used Nissan Patrol, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 2,390 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.
The 1986 Nissan Patrol
Our MOT figures start with cars first registered in 1990. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Nissan Patrol as a whole.
What to check on a 1986 car
- Rust and structure
Look underneath at the sills, floor, chassis rails and jacking points. Rust in the structure costs far more to fix than paint bubbles.
- MOT-exempt isn’t roadworthy
Cars over 40 don’t need an MOT, but they must still be safe. A voluntary MOT or a specialist inspection is worth the money.
- Paperwork
Old MOT certificates, bills and restoration photos show how it has been looked after. Check the logbook matches the car’s VIN and engine number.
- Originality
Changes from standard affect value and insurance. Ask what has been replaced or modified.
- Insurance
Classic insurance is often cheaper but may limit mileage and use. Get a quote before you buy.
Other years
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
2009200820072006200520042003200220012000199919981997199619951994199319921991199019891988198719861985
What usually goes wrong with a Nissan Patrol?
We haven’t found widely reported faults for the Nissan Patrol in the UK buying guides we use yet. That doesn’t mean it has none, so check the car carefully and look at the MOT weak spots below.
Common Nissan Patrol MOT failures to check
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.
Wheel bearings
up to 5.3× usualStands out on cars registered in 2004.
Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.
Anti-roll bar bushes and joints
up to 3.5× usualStands out on cars registered in 2004.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.
Chassis rust or damage
up to 3.2× usualStands out on cars registered in 2004.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
Anti-roll bar link joints
up to 2.2× usualStands out on cars registered in 2004.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Nissan Patrol MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 68% | 57% +11 | 140 (small sample) |
| 2006 | 70% | 56% +14 | 170 (small sample) |
| 2005 | 68% | 57% +11 | 364 (small sample) |
| 2004 | 69% | 57% +12 | 586 |
| 2003 | 71% | 57% +14 | 254 (small sample) |
| 2002 | 69% | 58% +11 | 197 (small sample) |
| 2001 | 69% | 60% +9 | 109 (small sample) |
| 2000 | 69% | 61% +8 | 155 (small sample) |
| 1999 | 78% | 63% +15 | 138 (small sample) |
| 1998 | 74% | 65% +9 | 163 (small sample) |
| 1994 | 77% | 67% +10 | 114 (small sample) |
Questions to ask the seller before buying a Nissan Patrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the Nissan Patrol as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the Nissan Patrol as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the Nissan Patrol as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Nissan Patrol?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score