The MOT Files

Van reliability file

Nissan Cabstar MOT pass rate & common failures

From 8,746 recorded MOT tests of the Nissan Cabstar, published by DVSA.

Data updated

Quick answer

The Nissan Cabstar passes 51.2% of MOT tests once adjusted for age and mileage, ranking 21 of 21 van models, against 65.7% for all vans. The most recorded failure is "Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement", in 28.0% of failed tests.

At a glance

Pass rate, adjusted for age and mileage

51.2%adjusted · 49.8% raw · rank 21 of 218,746 tests

14.5 points below the fleet average of 65.7%.

DVSA recorded wording

Most common failure items

Share of failed Nissan Cabstar tests in which each item was recorded. One failed test often lists several, so these do not sum to 100%.

  1. 1.Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement28.0%

    1,077 occurrences

  2. 2.A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn18.7%

    721 occurrences

  3. 3.A shock absorber bush excessively worn17.2%

    660 occurrences

  4. 4.A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn17.1%

    658 occurrences

  5. 5.Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value16.8%

    648 occurrences

  6. 6.The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired16.5%

    633 occurrences

  7. 7.Service brake efficiency below minimum requirement15.2%

    586 occurrences

  8. 8.A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning15.0%

    577 occurrences

  9. 9.A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn11.5%

    441 occurrences

  10. 10.Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction10.8%

    415 occurrences

  11. 11.Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen10.4%

    401 occurrences

  12. 12.A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED10.1%

    390 occurrences

Warnings without a failure

Most common advisories

Share of all Nissan Cabstar tests carrying each advisory.

  1. 1.A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn25.7%

    2,248 tests

  2. 2.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements25.6%

    2,235 tests

  3. 3.Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured15.7%

    1,370 tests

  4. 4.A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn14.4%

    1,263 tests

  5. 5.Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded13.6%

    1,191 tests

  6. 6.A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn12.1%

    1,055 tests

  7. 7.Fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users10.6%

    929 tests

  8. 8.A wheel bearing with excessive play10.6%

    928 tests

How wear changes the picture

Cabstar pass rate by age and registration year

3–5 yrsreg. 2020–202256%
6–8 yrsreg. 2017–201956%
9–11 yrsreg. 2014–201647%
12–14 yrsreg. 2011–201347%
15+ yrsreg. 2010 and earlier50%

What gets tested

The Cabstar fleet

Average mileage recorded at test
93,011
Test classes
class 7: 8,746

Compare within the range

Other Nissan vans

Common questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a Nissan Cabstar?
51.2% once adjusted for the age and mileage of the vans tested, ranking 21 of 21 van models, from 8,746 DVSA tests. The average across all vans is 65.7%.
What does a Nissan Cabstar fail its MOT on?
"Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement" is recorded in 28.0% of failed Nissan Cabstar tests, followed by "A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn" (18.7%). One failed test often lists several items.
What mileage does a Nissan Cabstar usually have at its MOT?
93,011 miles on average across every age tested, so a description of the fleet rather than an annual figure. Van mileages run far higher than cars, and a working van at five years old can have covered what a car covers in fifteen.

Analysis built from DVSA data of