Nissan 350Z years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year

2,128 initial MOT tests in 2025 on cars first used 2004–2005 · DVSA data · For guidance only · How we count

Both Nissan 350Z years have MOT pass rates above the average for vehicles first used in the same year.

Below the average for their first-use yearNone
Above the average for their first-use year2004–2005
Can't be told apart from averageNone

The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.

71.5%passed first time

First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 69.6% to 73.4%.

Nissan 350Z, all years71.5%
Same-age average, all vehicles57.7%

In 2025, 71.5% of the 2,128 initial MOT tests on Nissan 350Z cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 57.7%. That is 13.8 points above the same-age average.

Check a specific Nissan 350Z

Its own MOT history, free.

Nissan 350Z MOT pass rate by year

Year is when the car was first used. Older vehicles fail more often, so each year is compared with all vehicles first used that year.

Year	Chart	Testsmedian miles	Passed first time	Against all vehicles that year
2005age 20		1,10887,500	70.7%±2.8	+13.1 ptsall: 57.6%
2004age 21		1,02095,600	72.5%±2.9	+14.7 ptsall: 57.8%

Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.

When a car's mileage doesn't add up

Common Nissan 350Z problems at the MOT

Share of the 606 failed tests with a fault in each area, all years together. A test can count in more than one area, so these can add up to more than 100%.

Lights and electrics36.3%
Noise, emissions, leaks35.3%
Suspension35.1%
Brakes20.5%
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors17.7%

MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems.

Most common MOT failures on the Nissan 350Z

The defects recorded most often at the 606 failed initial tests on Nissan 350Z cars, all years together, in the DVSA's own words. Each share is of failed tests, and a failed test can have more than one defect.

Defect	Share of failed tests	All vehicles, same age
Catalyst emissions lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limitsNoise, emissions, leaks	14.2%86 tests	3.4%
SRS malfunction indicator lamp warning lamp indicates a faultSeat belts and airbags	13.7%83 tests	3.4%
Position lamp not workingLights and electrics	11.9%72 tests	12.5%
Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunctionNoise, emissions, leaks	9.7%59 tests	7.0%
Catalyst emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limitsNoise, emissions, leaks	9.4%57 tests	1.5%
Suspension arm pin or bush excessively wornSuspension	8.9%54 tests	5.0%
Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrectLights and electrics	8.9%54 tests	9.9%
Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strengthSuspension	8.4%51 tests	6.4%

These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the Nissan 350Z's failed tests in each year. How we count

What to check when viewing a Nissan 350Z

Based on the areas where Nissan 350Z MOT tests fail most often. These are general checks anyone can do, not a mechanical inspection.

Lights and electrics
In 36.3% of failed Nissan 350Z tests
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Check the dashboard warning lights come on when the car is switched on and then go out. Ask about any that stay lit.
Noise, emissions, leaks
In 35.3% of failed Nissan 350Z tests
- Ask to see the car start from cold. Heavy smoke from the exhaust is worth asking about.
- Listen for blowing or rattling from the exhaust with the engine running.
- Look under the car for drips of oil, coolant or other fluids.
Suspension
In 35.1% of failed Nissan 350Z tests
- Push down hard on each corner. Check the car rises once and settles, not bouncing again and again.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- Check the car sits level when parked on flat ground.
Brakes
In 20.5% of failed Nissan 350Z tests
- On a clear road, brake firmly and check the car stops in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.

Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.

Check a Nissan 350Z's MOT history

Nissan 350Z questions

Which Nissan 350Z years have lower MOT pass rates?

Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, no model year is clearly below average. Above average: 2004–2005. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.

Is the Nissan 350Z reliable?

MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 71.5% of initial MOT tests on Nissan 350Z cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 57.7%. That is 13.8 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.

What are the most common Nissan 350Z problems at the MOT?

The most common failure areas are lights and electrics (in 36.3% of failed tests), noise, emissions, leaks (in 35.3% of failed tests) and suspension (in 35.1% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.

What mileage is normal for a 20-year-old Nissan 350Z?

At their 2025 MOT tests, Nissan 350Z cars first used in 2005, about 20 years old, had a median of 87,500 miles. Half had more and half had less.

How do I check a specific Nissan 350Z's MOT history?

Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.

Check a car's MOT history for free

What MOT data can't tell you about any Nissan 350Z

Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.

Compare history checks What MOT history doesn't show

Other Nissan models

Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.

All 16 Nissan models Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by age

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Nissan 350Z cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count