Nissan 350 Z
From 8,654 MOT tests. Above average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by registration year
Newer 350 Zs fare better: 2018 models pass at 91.1% vs 77.3% for 2003.
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn and emissions levels exceed default limits. The top issue, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, caused 244 failures in 2024. Checking tread depth (1.6mm legal minimum, 3mm recommended) before your test can save an unnecessary fail. You can check prices at Black Circles if you need replacements. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 244 |
| a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 240 |
| emissions levels exceed default limits | 200 |
| a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 173 |
| brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded | 162 |
| lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer | 162 |
| windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 147 |
| emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits | 141 |
| tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements | 126 |
| the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 121 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. Only 30.5% of 350 Z failures are serious (safety or roadside), below the 44.4% average. When this car fails its MOT, it's more likely to be lights, wipers, or emissions than something dangerous. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £122.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 91.1% | tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, emissions levels exceed default limits |
| 2017 | 87.8% | a tyre seriously damaged, emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits |
| 2016 | 87.5% | tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, a tyre cords visible or damaged |
| 2015 | 92.4% | a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, engine mil illuminated indicating a malfunction |
9 earlier years
| 2014 | 88.7% | tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, a tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative |
| 2013 | 90.2% | the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits |
| 2009 | 70.3% | a suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements |
| 2008 | 75.6% | the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn |
| 2007 | 78.5% | a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded |
| 2006 | 76.1% | a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements |
| 2005 | 77.8% | the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning |
| 2004 | 75.5% | emissions levels exceed default limits, a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn |
| 2003 | 77.3% | brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements |
Typical mileage
Half of all 350 Zs tested had between 31,859 and 96,606 miles on the clock.
At 65,339 median miles, the 350 Z has 0.033 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other Nissan models
| Nissan Qashqai | 76.1% |
| Nissan Juke | 75.3% |
| Nissan Micra | 71.2% |
| Nissan Note | 70.9% |
| Nissan Navara | 77% |
Common questions
What is the Nissan 350 Z MOT pass rate?
The Nissan 350 Z has a 78.5% MOT pass rate based on 8,654 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Nissan 350 Z?
The most common MOT failure on the Nissan 350 Z is the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, which caused 244 failures. Other common issues include a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn.
What is the typical mileage of a Nissan 350 Z at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Nissan 350 Z is 65,339 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 31,859 and 96,606 miles.
Buying a used 350 Z?
Start with the free tools. Look up the specific vehicle's MOT history on GOV.UK The mileage at each test will show if it's been wound back, and the advisory history tells you what's wearing. Cross-reference that against the typical failures above to see if anything looks unusual for this model.
The free data won't tell you about outstanding finance, theft markers, or write-off history. For that, you need a vehicle history check This is especially important on a private sale where you have fewer legal protections.
With a 78.5% pass rate and an average repair bill of £122 when things go wrong, budget accordingly.
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MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.