2023 Nissan Leaf: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 Nissan Leafs, from 197 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 197 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2023 Nissan Leaf MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres14% 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.
- Brakes3% 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.
- Lights and electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension2% 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.
- Seats and seatbelts1% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors1% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Slow repeat rapid charging (early cars)Early cars
Early cars limited rapid charging once the battery got hot, especially on the second rapid charge of the day. Nissan has since raised the limit with a software update.
At the viewing: Ask whether the charging software update has been done.
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% |
| 2018 | 4,911 | 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% |
| 2012 | 439 | Suspension 46% |
| 2011 | 397 | Suspension 45% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2023 Nissan Leafs registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score