2018 · 6 years old at test · Mixed fuel mostly

2018 Nissan Leaf MOT pass rate and common faults

5,018 MOT tests in 2024. 83.8% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

102About average
Passed first time83.8%
Failed or needed repairs16.2%
Typical mileage at test45,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 5,018 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.6%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.3%
    191 marked dangerous
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.3%
    80 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.9%
    69 marked dangerous
  7. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.7%
    41 marked dangerous
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.5%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.0%
  2. Brakes4.1%
  3. Suspension3.9%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.7%
  5. Lights & electrics2.8%
  6. Body & chassis0.4%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.7%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.8%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.3%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.8%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. 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 2018 Nissan Leaf?

In 2024, 83.8% of 2018 Nissan Leaf cars passed their MOT first time, across 5,018 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 Nissan Leaf?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2018 Nissan Leaf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).