2011 Nissan Leaf · 1,523 MOT tests
2011 Nissan Leaf reliability
2011 Nissan Leafs fail 31.8% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 11 Leaf years (1,523 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Nissan Leafs: 20%)
- 31.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Nissan Leafs: 20%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 3% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 59,062
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,523
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2012 cars: 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does better)
- Weak spot: steering, 8.2% of tests fail here (342% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 42% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 Nissan Leaf
Fail rate by area
- Suspension15%
- Steering8.2%
- Lights and electrics7.1%
- Brakes7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.4%
- Tyres6.2%
- Body, chassis and structure0.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 8.4%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 6.11%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint worn 2.56%
A worn linkage ball joint can rattle, affect handling and eventually fail, so it should be replaced.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.5%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.43%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.17%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.54%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.7%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.78%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.26%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (8.21%) · Track rod ball joint slight play (6.63%)
Other years
Every Nissan Leaf year
The full picture: Nissan Leaf reliability. Before you pay for any Nissan Leaf, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2011 Nissan Leaf reliable?
2011 Nissan Leafs fail 31.8% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 11 Leaf years (1,523 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 Nissan Leaf MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (8.4% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (6.11% of tests), anti-roll bar linkage ball joint worn (2.56% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 Nissan Leaf have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 Nissan Leaf shows 59,062 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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