Nissan Leaf Mk1 (2011–2017): what fails at MOT
Across 18,268 MOT tests of the Nissan Leaf Mk1 (2011–2017) in the DfT's 2023 MOT data (initial tests, retests excluded), 26.9% failed — about 1 in 4. The parts that fail most are suspension (10.8% of tests), tyres (7.8%), brakes (6.7%), lights and electrics (5.0%) and wipers, windscreen and mirrors (4.5%).
Allowing for age and mileage, the Leaf Mk1 has 21% more MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. That puts it last of the two Nissan Leaf generations on MOT results; the Leaf Mk2 (2018–2025) does best.
The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.
Leaf Mk1 (2011–2017)
MOT: 26.9% of 18,268 initial tests failed — 21% more failures than the average car of the same age and mileage
| # | Part / area | Share of MOT tests failing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | suspension | 10.8% |
| 2 | tyres | 7.8% |
| 3 | brakes | 6.7% |
| 4 | lights and electrics | 5.0% |
| 5 | wipers, windscreen and mirrors | 4.5% |
Questions
What fails most on a Nissan Leaf Mk1 at MOT?
The most common MOT failure is suspension: 10.8% of Nissan Leaf Mk1 (2011–2017) MOT tests in the 2023 data failed on suspension. Next come tyres (7.8%) and brakes (6.7%).
How often does a Nissan Leaf Mk1 fail its MOT?
26.9% of Nissan Leaf Mk1 (2011–2017) MOT tests in the 2023 data failed (about 1 in 4), counting initial tests only, across 18,268 tests.
Is the Nissan Leaf Mk1 (2011–2017) reliable?
On MOT results, the Nissan Leaf Mk1 has 21% more MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. MOT data covers safety and emissions items, not engines or gearboxes.
Does this Nissan Leaf Mk1 data cover engine and gearbox problems?
No. The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.