Reliability

Is the Nissan Leaf reliable? Honest answer.

Is the Nissan Leaf a reliable car? What the MOT failure data, owner forums and reviews say, with year-by-year notes.

Updated 4th September 2026 DVSA data: Across 52,221 recorded MOT tests, 16.9% failed.

Nissan Leaf
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

TL;DR

The Nissan Leaf is generally a reliable electric vehicle with an average MOT pass rate of 85%. While many owners report satisfaction, potential buyers should be cautious of early models (2011-2017) due to issues like battery degradation and brake problems.

MOT Pass Rates

The Nissan Leaf has a solid MOT pass rate, averaging around 85%. This is comparable to other electric vehicles in its class. However, the pass rates can vary significantly by model year, with older models showing more frequent failures.

Common Failure Modes

Common issues reported by owners include battery degradation, which can lead to reduced range, and various brake problems. Electrical faults are also noted, particularly in earlier models. Regular checks can help mitigate these issues.

Model Year Recommendations

The most reliable Nissan Leaf models are typically from 2016 to 2018. These years benefited from improved battery technology and fewer reported issues. Models from 2010 to 2015 may face more significant problems, especially with battery performance.

Cost of Repairs

Repair costs for common issues can vary.

Owner Feedback

Owner reviews generally praise the Leaf for its comfort and efficiency. Many appreciate the low running costs associated with electric vehicles. However, concerns about battery life and the cost of replacements are frequently mentioned.

What people are asking

Is the Nissan Leaf a reliable car?

Yes, the Nissan Leaf is widely regarded as a reliable vehicle, especially in its later model years. However, potential buyers should be cautious about early models, which have been associated with more significant issues.

Which Nissan Leaf to avoid?

It is recommended to avoid early models from 2011 to 2017. These vehicles are known for experiencing severe battery degradation and other reliability problems that can affect their long-term performance.

What is the lifespan of a Nissan Leaf battery?

The lifespan of a Nissan Leaf battery generally ranges from 8 to 10 years, depending on factors such as driving habits and charging practices. Proper care can help extend its life.

What are the worst years for the Nissan Leaf?

The worst years for the Nissan Leaf are typically from 2011 to 2017. These models faced challenges with battery performance, largely due to their non-liquid cooled battery packs and design issues that did not hold up well over time.

What owners say

Many appreciate the vehicle’s comfort and low running costs, but they also highlight concerns about battery longevity. Some early model owners report significant battery degradation, which can severely limit range and usability. Owners have shared their experiences regarding the reliability of the Nissan Leaf.

Common problems mentioned include issues with the 12V battery, which can affect the car’s electronic systems. This has led some owners to recommend ensuring the 12V battery is in good condition to avoid unexpected failures. In discussions, users have noted that while newer models have improved significantly, earlier versions often require more maintenance and repairs.

Buyers in UK communities have flagged that the Leaf’s brake systems can be prone to issues, particularly in older models. Some have reported that brake repairs can be more frequent than expected, especially as the vehicle ages. This feedback suggests that potential buyers should be prepared for possible brake-related costs.

However, they also caution prospective buyers to do thorough research on the specific model year they are considering, as reliability can vary widely. Additionally, many owners have expressed satisfaction with the overall driving experience of the Leaf, citing its smooth handling and quiet operation.

Nissan Leaf recall record

6 recalls have been issued for the Nissan Leaf, between 2015 and 2024.

  1. Juke (F16) Qashqai (J12) and Leaf (ZE1) VIN Scan

    R/2024/234

    Issued 17 June 2024

    On affected vehicles the VIN stored in the vehicle system may not match the actual VIN of the vehicle. This may lead to a situation where a vehicle user can see information related to a different vehicle resulting in a data security breach.

    Remedy:Replace the navigation display / control unit and the telematics control unit.

    Affects cars built Oct 2019 to Jun 2023

  2. A potential concern affecting the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) logic of some vehicles has been identified whereby in specific and rare circumstances after switching off the cruise control function there is a possibility of unintended acceleration.

    R/2023/215

    Issued 28 July 2023

    A potential concern affecting the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) logic of some vehicles has been identified whereby in specific and rare circumstances after switching off the cruise control function there is a possibility of unintended acceleration.

    Remedy:The software of the VCM will be updated.

    Affects cars built Dec 2017 to May 2023

  3. THE WELDED JOINT ON THE ACTUATOR PLATE WITHIN THE REDUCER MAY BE OF POOR QUALITY AND THE PARK LOCK MAY NOT ENGAGE

    R/2020/294

    Issued 2 November 2020

    The welded joint on the park lock actuator plate may be of poor quality and has the potential to fail during usage.

    Remedy:Replace the park lock actuator plate with a countermeasure part of all potentially affected vehicles

    Affects cars built Jul 2019 to Sept 2019

  4. HEADLAMP AUTO AIM FUNCTION MAY NOT OPERATE

    R/2017/173

    Issued 19 July 2017

    Due to a non confromity in production the headlamp auto aim function may not operate

    Remedy:Reconfigure and then reinitialise the headlamp leveliser control unit on affected vehicles.

    Affects cars built Feb 2017 to Mar 2017

2 older recalls not shown.

A recall applies to a build range, not to every car of this model. Check a registration to see whether one specific vehicle has an outstanding recall.

Nissan Leaf MOT record

From 52,221 recorded MOT tests, 16.9% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
20228,6006.6%20,175 mi
20218,6128.6%28,286 mi
20207,64811.9%35,726 mi
20194,92613.4%42,044 mi
20184,86516.8%51,842 mi
20174,83320.1%52,128 mi
20163,83829.6%59,938 mi
20153,93531.2%59,473 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn30.8%
  2. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements27.1%
  3. A tyre seriously damaged20.3%
  4. Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured13.2%
  5. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm8.6%

Figures cover every Nissan Leaf tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

Nissan Leaf official figures

Median across 5 variants on sale, electricity.

Electric range
168 miles
Manufacturer WLTP figure

Official figures for new cars. Real economy varies with driving, load and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What are common faults with the Nissan Leaf?

Common faults include battery degradation, brake issues, and electrical faults.

Which model years are most reliable?

The 2016 to 2018 models are generally considered the most reliable.

Is the Nissan Leaf expensive to maintain?

Maintenance costs are generally lower than average for electric vehicles.

Is the Nissan Leaf a reliable car?

Yes, the Nissan Leaf is broadly considered reliable, but potential buyers should be aware of specific model year issues.

Which Nissan Leaf to avoid?

It is advisable to avoid early models from 2011 to 2017 due to significant battery degradation and other reliability concerns.

What is the lifespan of a Nissan Leaf battery?

The lifespan of a Nissan Leaf battery typically ranges from 8 to 10 years, depending on usage and care.

What are the worst years for the Nissan Leaf?

The worst years for the Nissan Leaf are generally considered to be from 2011 to 2017, as these models suffered from severe battery performance issues.

Sources