2018 Nissan Leaf: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 Nissan Leafs, from 4,911 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2018 Nissan Leafs than on all cars registered in 2018.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints2.9× usualNissan Leaf9.2% All 2018 cars3.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.5% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Ball joint5.2× usualNissan Leaf6.7% All 2018 cars1.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 0.6% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
By area
The share of 2018 Nissan Leaf MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres32% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes24% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension18% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics7% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Looking at a Nissan Leaf?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8,756 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 8,754 | Tyres 27% |
| 2020 | 7,759 | Tyres 32% |
| 2019 | 4,995 | Tyres 32% |
| 2017 | 4,879 | Tyres 35% |
| 2016 | 3,873 | Suspension 37% |
| 2015 | 3,969 | Suspension 43% |
| 2014 | 2,964 | Suspension 48% |
| 2013 | 1,212 | Suspension 55% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2018 Nissan Leafs registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score