Family hatchback · 2010–2021 cars

Nissan Leaf reliability

The Nissan Leaf fails 20% of first MOT tests, 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 110,341 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

Below averageReliability score 40/100#43 of 65 family hatchbacks

Checking a Nissan Leaf before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 20%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 11% more; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 110,341; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 6,900; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

MOT fail rate by age

How the Nissan Leaf ages

Each point is the share of Nissan Leafs of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

Nissan LeafAll cars

Nissan Leaf first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	Nissan Leaf	All cars
3	10.3%	12.3%
4	12.5%	14.1%
5	15.9%	16.4%
6	19.8%	19.1%
7	26.1%	22.1%
8	31.9%	25.5%
9	34.9%	28.8%
10	38.6%	31.8%
11	36.2%	34.6%
12	33.3%	37.3%
13	33.3%	39.5%

By year

The best and worst Nissan Leaf years

2019 cars come out best and 2013 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

Nissan Leaf MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2021 Leaf	3,826	9.7%	15% fewer fails	22,891
2020 Leaf	15,713	10.9%	13% fewer fails	27,351
2019 Leaf	13,677	11.6%	16% fewer fails	31,030
2018 Leaf	16,719	13.7%	10% fewer fails	37,291
2017 Leaf	16,501	18.4%	8% more fails	40,678
2016 Leaf	13,236	23.7%	19% more fails	48,703
2015 Leaf	13,341	28.5%	30% more fails	50,081
2014 Leaf	10,077	34.6%	37% more fails	57,295
2013 Leaf	4,178	39%	38% more fails	63,039
2012 Leaf	1,549	34%	21% more fails	53,521
2011 Leaf	1,523	31.8%	3% more fails	59,062

Common problems

What fails most on a Nissan Leaf

Its weak spot is suspension: 86% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Tyres6.6%27% above avg
Suspension6.5%86% above avg
Brakes4.4%30% above avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.1%19% above avg
Lights and electrics3.5%33% below avg
Steering1%50% above avg
Seat belts and airbags0.4%3% below avg
Body, chassis and structure0.3%72% below avg
Wheels0.3%14% above avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.51% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
2
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.18% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
3
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
4
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.42% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
5
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.01% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
6
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.88% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
7
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 0.84% of tests
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
8
Position lamp not working 0.82% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Nissan Leaf's MOT certificate most often.

Tyre worn close to legal limit12.95%
Brake disc pitted or scored11.89%
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking7.81%
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear5.52%
Brake pads wearing thin3.89%
Child seat limits belt inspection2.27%

Before you buy

What to check on a used Nissan Leaf

1
Suspension ball joint excessively worn
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
2
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
3
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
4
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
6
The mileage record
A typical Nissan Leaf covers about 6,900 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.

Fuel types tested

Electric52.4%
Other47.6%

Most common colours

White, Black, Red, Grey, Silver

Average engine size: 1.3 litres.

Compare

How the Nissan Leaf compares with its rivals

Nissan Leaf against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
Lexus CT	15.5%	40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Hyundai Ioniq	12.5%	26% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Volvo V50	44.3%	5% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Suzuki SX4	28.8%	6% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Nissan Leaf	20%	11% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Citroën Xsara	50.4%	18% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Peugeot 307	51.9%	21% more MOT fails than the average car its age

Every family hatchback ranked in the family hatchback reliability index, or all Nissan models.

Questions

Nissan Leaf questions, answered

Is the Nissan Leaf reliable?

On MOT results, the Nissan Leaf is below average: it fails 20% of first MOT tests, 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 43 of 65 family hatchback models in our index.

What fails most on a Nissan Leaf MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the Nissan Leaf are suspension ball joint excessively worn (3.51% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.18% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2% of tests). By area, tyres fails 6.6% of its tests.

Which Nissan Leaf year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2019 cars do best (16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2013 cars do worst (38% more MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a Nissan Leaf do a year?

A typical Nissan Leaf covers about 6,900 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.

How do I check a Nissan Leaf before I buy it?

Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.

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