2012 Nissan Leaf: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Nissan Leaf?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Nissan Leaf than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Ball joint3.3× usual
  Nissan Leaf

  18.2% All 2012 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.5%, against 3% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Track rod ends3.1× usual
  Nissan Leaf

  15.3% All 2012 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 2.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.5× usual
  Nissan Leaf

  8% All 2012 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2012 Nissan Leaf MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Nissan Leaf MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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.

• Tyres
  33% 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.

• Brakes
  31% 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 electrics
  13% 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 mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Rust and bodywork
  5% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Known faults on the 2012 Nissan Leaf

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.

• Missing cables and SD card

  All versions

  Check the charging cables and the sat nav SD card are there, as replacements are costly.

  At the viewing: Look for the charging cables and the SD card.

  Source: Auto Express: used Nissan Leaf (Mk1, 2011-2018) problems and recalls

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Nissan Leaf

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2012 Nissan Leaf as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2012 Nissan Leaf as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2012 Nissan Leaf as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?