2013 Nissan Leaf: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Nissan Leaf?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Nissan Leaf than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Track rod ends4.8× usual
  Nissan Leaf

  20.7% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.3%, against 2.2% of all 2013 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.

• Ball joint4.2× usual
  Nissan Leaf

  19.3% All 2013 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.5%, against 2.6% of all 2013 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints5.1× usual
  Nissan Leaf

  9.6% All 2013 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 0.7% of all 2013 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.7× usual
  Nissan Leaf

  13.4% All 2013 cars

  7.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 2013 Nissan Leaf MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Nissan Leaf MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% 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
  35% 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
  32% 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
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Steering
  4% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Known faults on the 2013 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.

• Steering column and motor cut-out recalls

  Built 2013 to 2015

  Cars built Feb 2013 to Oct 2014 were recalled for faulty steering columns, and keyless cars built May 2013 to Mar 2015 for a switch that could cut the motor out.

  At the viewing: Ask a Nissan dealer to confirm the recalls were done.

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

• 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 2013 Nissan Leaf

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

1. Have the steering column and motor switch recalls been done?
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2013 Nissan Leaf as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2013 Nissan Leaf as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.1× as often on the 2013 Nissan Leaf as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?