What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Nissan Patrol.
The Nissan Patrol occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 5 known issues across the Nissan Patrol range, including 2 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Nissan Patrol? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
Y60 (1987–1997) — Engine options included the 4.2L TD42 Diesel.
Y61 (1997–2016) — Engine options included the 2.8L RD28 Diesel, 3.0L ZD30 Diesel. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Chassis mounting point corrosion (£2,000–£5,000 to address).
The body-to-chassis mounting points on Y61 Patrols suffer severe corrosion that compromises structural integrity. The separate body and chassis design means corrosion at mounting points can lead to body separation from the chassis. MOT data shows this model fails at 50.5 times the fleet average for mounting point corrosion, with the problem worsening over time and affecting higher mileage vehicles most severely.
If mounting points fail completely, the body can separate from the chassis creating an immediate danger to occupants and other road users. Structural repairs typically require removal of the body from chassis and extensive welding work. The vehicle is unsafe to drive if mounting point integrity is compromised.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
The separate chassis design on Y61 Patrols is susceptible to structural corrosion that reduces overall rigidity. The problem is worsening over time and affects vehicles across all mileage bands from 60,000 miles upward, indicating an inherent design vulnerability to UK road salt conditions.
Severe structural corrosion can lead to chassis failure, potentially causing loss of control or complete vehicle breakdown. Repair requires extensive chassis work or replacement sections. The vehicle should not be driven if structural integrity is significantly compromised.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
Y61 Patrols suffer from premature front wheel bearing failure at a rate 39.3 times higher than the fleet average. The problem affects all mileage bands from 60,000 miles and is worsening over time. The heavy weight of these vehicles combined with off-road use accelerates bearing wear, and the trend suggests parts quality or design factors contribute to the high failure rate.
A collapsed wheel bearing can cause wheel separation or loss of steering control. Early intervention allows bearing replacement for £200-400 per side. If left until complete failure, hub assembly damage increases repair costs and may cause brake disc warping or calliper damage.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Y61 Patrols suffer brake pipe corrosion at 4.8 times the fleet average. The steel brake pipes are vulnerable to corrosion from road salt and moisture, particularly where pipes run along the chassis rails. This affects braking system integrity and is a common MOT failure point across all mileage bands from 60,000 miles upward.
Brake pipe failure can cause complete loss of braking on affected circuits. Most Y61s have dual-circuit systems so total brake failure is unlikely, but stopping distances will increase significantly. Corroded pipes require immediate replacement and the vehicle should not be driven if pipe integrity is compromised.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
Y61 Patrols experience suspension bush wear at 23.6 times the fleet average rate. The heavy weight and off-road capability of these vehicles accelerates rubber bush deterioration, particularly in the front suspension where steering loads and road impacts are highest. The worsening trend suggests this is an ongoing issue across the model range rather than isolated to specific production periods.
Worn bushes cause imprecise steering, increased tyre wear, and knocking noises over bumps. While not immediately dangerous, severely worn bushes can allow suspension geometry changes that affect handling and braking. Most bushes can be replaced individually without removing major components.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Nissan Patrol common problems page.
Based on 7k real DVSA MOT tests, the Nissan Patrol fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is fixings missing or insecure at 105x the fleet average, followed by brake pipes corroded (69x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Nissan Patrol MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 6k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Nissan Patrol service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Nissan Patrol has some well-documented weak points, including 2 safety-critical issues that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Nissan Patrol, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Nissan Patrol issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.