Nissan Leaf MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 37,488 MOT tests on the Nissan Leaf carried out in 2023. 18% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Leafs passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2011 to 2022. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2011 models did best (68% passed, +4.6 points against the average for 12-year-old cars), while 2014 models fared worst (65%, −6.9 points). Tested cars had covered 42,436 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 6.1% of tests (roughly in line with the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "ball joint excessively worn", on 4.2% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 37,488
- First-time pass rate
- 82%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +10.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 42,436
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Leaf?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Leaf MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 134 | 96% | 93% | +2.6 points | 22,580 |
| 2021 | 742 | 94% | 91% | +3.1 points | 32,790 |
| 2020 | 7,983 | 91% | 88% | +3.7 points | 25,680 |
| 2019 | 5,246 | 90% | 86% | +3.5 points | 34,369 |
| 2018 | 5,102 | 87% | 84% | +2.3 points | 42,649 |
| 2017 | 4,976 | 83% | 82% | +1.1 points | 43,659 |
| 2016 | 4,002 | 76% | 79% | −2.8 points | 52,492 |
| 2015 | 4,022 | 70% | 75% | −5.6 points | 52,689 |
| 2014 | 3,058 | 65% | 72% | −6.9 points | 60,369 |
| 2013 | 1,273 | 61% | 68% | −6.9 points | 64,838 |
| 2012 | 490 | 66% | 66% | −0.1 points | 56,081 |
| 2011 | 454 | 68% | 63% | +4.6 points | 58,772 |
Why the Nissan Leaf fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Leaf | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 6.1% | 6.3% |
| Suspension | 5.7% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 4.0% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 3.5% | 4.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 3.3% | 11.3% |
| Steering | 0.9% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.4% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| Body and structure | 0.2% | 3.5% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1ball joint excessively worn4.2%
- 2tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively2.1%
- 4has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
- 5not working1.5%
- 6has ply or cords exposed1.1%
- 7efficiency below requirements1.0%
- 8provides insufficient washer liquid0.9%
- 9pin or bush excessively worn0.8%
- 10inoperative on one side0.8%
Common Leaf MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Leaf, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 14.0% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 13.3% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.7% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 5.6% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 3.9% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.1% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.4% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.2% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 1.9% |
| has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 1.4% |
Tips to help your Leaf pass
Based on where Leafs most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 4.0% of Leaf tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Visibility · 3.5% of Leaf tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the Leaf ULEZ compliant? See the Nissan Leaf ULEZ check, or view all Nissan models.
Other Nissan models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 37,488 first MOT tests of the Nissan Leaf carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 37,488 first MOT tests of the Nissan Leaf.
What is the Nissan Leaf MOT failure rate?
In our data, 18% of 37,488 first MOT attempts on the Nissan Leaf ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Nissan Leaf fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (6.1% of tests), suspension (5.7% of tests), brakes (4.0% of tests).
Which Leaf year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2011 cars performed best: 68% passed first time, +4.6 points against the average for 12-year-old cars. The weakest was 2014, at 65% (−6.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Nissan Leaf covered at its MOT?
The average was 42,436 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2022 cars averaged 22,580 miles and 2011 cars 58,772.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Nissan Leaf?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 14.0% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.1% of Leafs failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Leaf's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 37,488 Leafs in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 61% to 96% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any Leaf's MOT history
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