Nissan Skyline: MOT pass rate and reliability data

The Nissan Skyline passes its MOT first time more often than the average UK car, by 11.2 percentage points. These figures come from the DVSA's full year of anonymised MOT results, covering 2,108 individual Nissan Skyline tests. Nothing here is an estimate or a survey.

The numbers

First-time pass rate87.9%
UK national average76.7%
Difference+11.2 points
Tests analysed2,108
Average mileage at test85,228 miles
Average year of manufacture2004
Reliability rank1,001 of 2,005 models

What this means if you are buying one

A 87.9% first-time pass rate means roughly 12 in every 100 Nissan Skylines presented for MOT fail on the first attempt. That is better than average, so a well-kept example is a reasonably safe used buy. The average Nissan Skyline tested had covered 85,228 miles and was built around 2004.

What this means at salvage auction

Pass rate is a proxy for what a car costs to keep on the road. The Nissan Skyline sits 11.2 points above the national average, ranked 1,001 of 2,005 models. On one bought as repairable salvage, the mechanical side is less likely to spring surprises, so your repair estimate should hold up reasonably well.

Before you bid: run the lot through the analyzer, check the car's own record, check the mileage, decode the VIN, and if it carries a marker use the write-off value calculator. Or compare it against another model.

Looking at a specific Nissan Skyline rather than the model in general? The free check covers its MOT and mileage history, and the full HPI report confirms the insurance write-off category, outstanding finance and whether it is recorded stolen, from licensed data for 5 credits. Already own one that has been damaged? Work out whether fixing it beats selling it with the repair or scrap calculator, and see recorded closing bids for damaged Nissan Skylines at UK salvage auction.

Most common MOT failures on a Nissan Skyline

  1. Emissions levels exceed default limits, 2.7% of tests (7.62x the national rate for this defect)
  2. Emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits, 1.7% of tests (6.27x the national rate for this defect)
  3. An obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, 2% of tests (4.52x the national rate for this defect)
  4. Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer, 1.6% of tests (3.06x the national rate for this defect)
  5. 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, 2.2% of tests (2.31x the national rate for this defect)
  6. Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced, 0.8% of tests (1.95x the national rate for this defect)
  7. The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, 2.1% of tests
  8. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, 1.8% of tests
  9. Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen, 1.5% of tests
  10. A tyre cords visible or damaged, 1.3% of tests

From 2,113 DVSA-tracked Nissan Skyline tests, 2024. DVSA testers marked 3.42% of these flagged Nissan Skyline defects as "dangerous", meaning the tester judged the car unsafe to drive away, against 5.11% nationally.

Most common MOT advisories on a Nissan Skyline

An advisory doesn't fail the car - the tester flags it as worth watching, but it still passes. A different list from the failures above: what testers are noting on a Nissan Skyline before it actually fails on it.

  1. Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted, 1.8% of tests (30.17x the national rate for this advisory)
  2. Power steering fluid leaking or system malfunctioning, 1.4% of tests (5.68x the national rate for this advisory)
  3. 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, 4.3% of tests (2.84x the national rate for this advisory), also fails
  4. Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced, 3.2% of tests (2.55x the national rate for this advisory), also fails
  5. A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play, 3.3% of tests (2.48x the national rate for this advisory)
  6. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, 13.7% of tests
  7. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, 10.5% of tests, also fails
  8. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded, 5.7% of tests
  9. Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured, 4.9% of tests
  10. Fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users, 4.6% of tests

From 2,113 DVSA-tracked Nissan Skyline tests, 2024.

Other Nissan models

Models with a similar pass rate

If this car is a salvage or write-off

Embed this data

Run a site about the Nissan Skyline? Embed the real DVSA pass-rate badge free, linked back to this page.

Nissan Skyline MOT pass rate badge: 87.9%

<a href="https://www.salvageprophet.co.uk/mot/nissan-skyline"><img src="https://www.salvageprophet.co.uk/badge/nissan-skyline.svg" width="340" height="92" alt="Nissan Skyline MOT Pass Rate: 87.9% - Salvage Prophet"></a>

Run a garage or parts site? Embed the Nissan Skyline's top real failure reason instead, linked back here.

Nissan Skyline most common MOT failure: Emissions levels exceed default limits (2.7% of tests)

<a href="https://www.salvageprophet.co.uk/mot/nissan-skyline"><img src="https://www.salvageprophet.co.uk/badge/failure/nissan-skyline.svg" width="340" height="106" alt="Nissan Skyline most common MOT failure: Emissions levels exceed default limits (2.7% of tests) - Salvage Prophet"></a>

All 2,005 models ranked by MOT pass rate