Nissan 350 Z MOT Failures
An analysis of 104,527 real DVSA MOT tests on the Nissan 350 Z — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads.
Where the Nissan 350 Z fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Nissan 350 Z is exhaust system damage — this model is 24 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 104,527 MOT tests, 3.83% of all Nissan 350 Z tests recorded this as a failure.
Bodywork failures usually mean structural corrosion — not cosmetic rust, but rot that affects the car's structural integrity. Check sills, subframes, and chassis rails carefully, especially on older examples.
Other notable weak points include emissions failure (44x the fleet average), anti-roll bar links worn (38x the fleet average), subframe bushes or mounts worn (9.3x the fleet average), and power steering fault (17x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Nissan 350 Z's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 5 categories: Bodywork, Exhaust & Emissions, Suspension, Steering, Lights & Electrics. If you're inspecting a Nissan 350 Z before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Nissan 350 Z's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Nissan 350 Z specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension pin, bush or joint (18x the average) and power steering fault (17x). headlight fault (16x) and emissions failure (15x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Nissan 350 Z specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are anti-roll bar links worn (38x the average) and exhaust system damage (24x). window tint too dark (15x) and tyre fouling a part of the vehicle (14x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Nissan 350 Z specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension component damaged or corroded (80x the average) and emissions failure (38x). exhaust system damage (20x) and power steering fault (17x) also appear frequently.
The shift from suspension pin, bush or joint at lower mileages to suspension component damaged or corroded at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
What to check before buying a Nissan 350 Z
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Nissan 350 Z:
Bodywork — check for exhaust system damage. Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Suspension — check for anti-roll bar links worn, subframe bushes or mounts worn, suspension component damaged or corroded.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Nissan 350 Z?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Nissan 350 Z MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Nissan 350 Z?
Based on 104,527 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is exhaust system damage — at 24x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include emissions failure and anti-roll bar links worn.
Is the Nissan 350 Z reliable based on MOT data?
The Nissan 350 Z has 16 categories where it fails more often than average. The main concern is exhaust system damage. Always check a specific car's full history before buying.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Nissan 350 Z most commonly fails on suspension component damaged or corroded and emissions failure. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are suspension pin, bush or joint and power steering fault.
How do I check a Nissan 350 Z's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.