2016 · 8 years old at test · Mixed fuel mostly

2016 Nissan Leaf MOT pass rate and common faults

3,993 MOT tests in 2024. 71.8% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time71.8%
Failed or needed repairs28.2%
Typical mileage at test54,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,993 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn8.5%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%
    163 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.5%
  6. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side1.5%
  7. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.2%
    54 marked dangerous
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.1%
  9. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.1%
    52 marked dangerous
  10. Position lamp: not working1.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Suspension13.4%
  2. Brakes9.8%
  3. Tyres9.1%
  4. Lights & electrics5.8%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.1%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.6%
  7. Body & chassis0.4%
  8. Wheels0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.6%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened18.2%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn11.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.6%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Nissan Leaf?

In 2024, 71.8% of 2016 Nissan Leaf cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,993 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 Nissan Leaf?

The most common failure reasons were suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2016 Nissan Leaf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 94, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).