Nissan Leaf: what fails at MOT
66,000 MOT tests on the Nissan Leaf in 2024, counted. 17.7% failed at the first attempt.
The short answer
17.7% of Nissan Leaf tests failed at the first attempt. Cars of the same ages averaged 16.3%, so the Leaf is about average for its age.
It fails most often on tyres (4.3% of tests), suspension (4.1% of tests) and brakes (2.7% of tests). It fails on suspension more often than most cars its age.
By year of registration
Older cars fail more, whatever the model. So each year is shown beside the figure for all cars first used that year.
| First used | Tests | Failed first time | All cars that year | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 15,155 | 8.7% | 10.9% | 21,200 14,500 to 29,800 |
| 2020 | 13,727 | 10.9% | 11.5% | 27,800 19,300 to 38,500 |
| 2019 | 6,957 | 12.8% | 13.4% | 34,800 22,900 to 50,400 |
| 2018 | 6,407 | 16.0% | 15.6% | 44,500 31,200 to 62,100 |
| 2017 | 6,429 | 21.2% | 18.2% | 47,000 34,300 to 60,600 |
| 2016 | 5,172 | 27.2% | 21.3% | 54,200 39,500 to 72,000 |
| 2015 | 5,230 | 31.4% | 24.4% | 54,800 41,600 to 69,600 |
| 2014 | 3,900 | 36.8% | 27.7% | 62,200 46,600 to 79,100 |
| 2013 | 1,626 | 41.6% | 30.6% | 67,300 50,700 to 83,900 |
| 2012 | 564 | 34.0% | 33.4% | 55,600 41,900 to 71,400 |
| 2011 | 595 | 31.9% | 36.1% | 61,200 46,100 to 79,400 |
Green is at least three points better than other cars that year, red at least three points worse. Typical mileage is the middle reading at the test, with the range the middle half of cars fell in.
Where it fails
The share of Nissan Leaf tests with at least one failure in each part of the MOT, beside what cars of the same ages average.
| Part of the test | Leaf | Cars its age |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 4.3% | 3.5% |
| Suspension More than most | 4.1% | 2.1% |
| Brakes | 2.7% | 2.1% |
| Wipers, washers and windscreen | 2.4% | 2.1% |
| Lights and electrics Less than most | 2.1% | 3.2% |
| Steering | 0.6% | 0.5% |
The parts that fail most
- Tyre2.9%
- Ball joint2.7%
- Tyre tread1.5%
- Wipers1.5%
- Washers0.9%
- Brake test0.8%
- Headlamp aim0.7%
- Suspension pins and bushes0.7%
- Footbrake0.6%
- Brake pads0.5%
Share of tests with a failure on that part.
The most common failures
- Ball joint: excessively worn2.6%
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
- Tyre tread: below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
- Tyre: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
- Tyre: has ply or cords exposed0.7%
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.6%
- Suspension pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.6%
- Brake test: efficiency below requirements0.6%
- Handbrake: inoperative on one side0.5%
- Side light: not working0.5%
What testers warn about
Advisories are things that passed this time but are wearing. They are the best guide to next year's bills.
- Tyre tread: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge11.1%
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened8.1%
- Tyre: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing6.0%
- Suspension pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement4.3%
- Brake pads: wearing thin3.0%
- Ball joint: has slight play1.8%
- Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt1.7%
- Nail in tyre1.4%
What these figures can't tell you
An MOT is a safety and emissions test. These figures show how often the model fails that test. They say nothing about engines, gearboxes or electronics that break between tests, and how a car has been looked after matters more than its badge. The car you are looking at has its own MOT record, and that is the one to read.
Ask before you travel
- “Have any suspension parts been replaced, such as springs, ball joints or bushes, and can I see the invoice?”
- “How much tread is left on each tyre, and how old are they?”
- “When were the brake pads and discs last changed?”
- “Do the wipers and washers work properly, and is the windscreen chipped or cracked?”
Check a Nissan Leaf's own MOT record
Looking at a Leaf? Type its registration to see every test that car has had, what it failed on and what it was warned about, free.
Where this comes from
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2024, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The counting is Hindsight's own.
First-attempt MOT tests of cars first used 2004 to 2021. A test counts as failed if it failed or only passed after a repair during the test. Retests are left out. Built on 13 November 2026.