2016 Nissan Leaf: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Nissan Leaf?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Nissan Leaf than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Ball joint6.3× usual
  Nissan Leaf

  14.5% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 1.2% of all 2016 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.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Nissan Leaf

  19.9% All 2016 cars

  11.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.5× usual
  Nissan Leaf

  12.3% All 2016 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.9% of all 2016 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.

• Wipers1.7× usual
  Nissan Leaf

  4.5% All 2016 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.6% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.9× usual
  Nissan Leaf

  2.3% All 2016 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.3% of all 2016 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 2016 Nissan Leaf MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Nissan Leaf MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  34% 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
  29% 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.

• Suspension
  29% 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 electrics
  9% 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2016 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 2016 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 6.3× as often on the 2016 Nissan Leaf as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2016 Nissan Leaf as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2016 Nissan Leaf as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?