Nissan Pathfinder (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 832 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,641

£220/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2488cc Diesel

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2,641/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Diesel2488cc14 years old832 tests111k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2488cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,641

Per month£220/mo

Per week£51/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.

71% of MOT tests on Nissan Pathfinders from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 832 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 110,588 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models595th of 650(bottom 9%)

Rank among Nissan models507th of 635(bottom 21%)

vs average of all models-11%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average-7%(78% avg)

vs Nissan average-10%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

110,588

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Nissan Pathfinder had 110,588 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2012 scores 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Nissan Pathfinder by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	75%	655	98,041 mi
2013	73%	793	99,292 mi
2012	71%	832	110,588 mi
2011	74%	1,306	115,906 mi
2010	74%	1,013	126,395 mi
2009	69%	1,424	121,560 mi
2008	69%	1,050	127,637 mi
2007	67%	2,094	131,823 mi
2006	68%	1,912	149,783 mi
2005	73%	1,081	147,201 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2013 · 1995cc Diesel

£2,077/year

85%

+14%

Vauxhall Insignia

2014 · 1995cc Diesel

£2,227/year

78%

+7%

Mercedes E

2014 · 2143cc Diesel

£2,491/year

84%

+13%

Ford Kuga

2014 · 1998cc Diesel

£2,077/year

83%

+12%

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About the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is a large car. Our records list a 2488cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 832 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 9% of 2012 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 110,588 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Pathfinder owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2012 Nissan Pathfinder Fuel Costs

The 2488cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,641 (£220/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Trend

Newer Nissan Pathfinders pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 Nissan Pathfinder

At 14 years old, the Nissan Pathfinder is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 75%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 111k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Nissan Pathfinder(2012)	71%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641
BMW 3 Series(2013)	85%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077-£564
Vauxhall Insignia(2014)	78%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£414
Mercedes E(2014)	84%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,491-£150
Ford Kuga(2014)	83%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077-£564

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder

Is the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 2012 Nissan Pathfinders ended in a pass, from 832 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,641 a year (£220 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

71% of 832 MOT tests on the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 595th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom 9%).

Which year Nissan Pathfinder has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2007 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is 110,588 miles, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.