The pioneer EV, now a used bargain
The original mainstream electric car, offering ultra-low running costs and surprising reliability. Mk1 models are among the cheapest EVs on the used market, while the Mk2 (2018+) brings a usable real-world range of 128-217 miles depending on battery size.
We track 6 known issues across the Nissan LEAF range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Nissan LEAF? Enter the reg to see which of our 6 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
1st Gen (2011–2017) — Engine options included the 80kW Electric Motor. Our database flags 4 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Service brake pedal travel issues (£200–£600 to address).
2nd Gen (2018–2024) — Engine options included the 110kW Electric Motor, 160kW Electric Motor (e+). Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Service brake pedal travel issues (£200–£600 to address).
MOT data shows brake pedal travel defects at 4.2x fleet average, with NHTSA complaints describing sudden excessive braking force and pedal feel issues. The Leaf's regenerative braking system integrates with conventional hydraulic brakes, and the brake-by-wire system can develop faults that affect pedal feel and braking consistency. This represents a significant safety concern as braking behaviour becomes unpredictable.
Unpredictable braking behaviour poses an immediate safety risk. The vehicle should not be driven until the fault is diagnosed and repaired. Issues may require brake system bleeding, brake line replacement, or brake servo unit replacement depending on the underlying cause.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The Leaf exhibits accelerated wear of front suspension bushes and ball joints compared to conventional vehicles of similar weight. MOT data shows failure rates 4.7x higher than fleet average, with some components becoming detached (9.2x fleet average). The additional 200-300kg battery weight concentrated low in the chassis increases loading on suspension components. Later 2nd generation cars show similar patterns despite revised suspension geometry.
Components becoming detached pose an immediate safety risk and will cause MOT failure. Worn bushes and joints cause poor handling, irregular tyre wear, and eventual failure of adjacent components. Typical repair involves replacing multiple bushes, ball joints and potentially wishbone arms. The car remains driveable with minor wear but should be repaired promptly when play is detected.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The Leaf shows multiple parking brake defects at rates well above fleet average - inoperative on one side (5.6x fleet average), insufficient efficiency (3.7x fleet average), and excessive lever travel (3.8x fleet average). The regenerative braking system means the conventional brakes see light use, leading to corrosion of parking brake cables and mechanisms. Rear brake shoes and adjusters also suffer from lack of regular use.
An ineffective parking brake will cause MOT failure and presents a safety risk on slopes. Seized cables can cause brake binding and premature pad wear. Most issues are resolved by cable adjustment or replacement. In severe cases, rear brake shoe replacement and wheel cylinder overhaul may be required.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The passenger seat occupancy sensor fails, causing the airbag warning light to illuminate and potentially preventing correct airbag deployment. NHTSA received 87 complaints specifically about this issue, with many owners reporting B1018 diagnostic codes. Nissan issued TSB NTB18-071 and recall 18V-325 to address the problem, but not all vehicles have been updated.
A faulty occupancy sensor may prevent the passenger airbag from deploying in a collision, creating a significant safety risk. The sensor and seat mat assembly require replacement. This is not a DIY repair and must be completed by a qualified technician with proper airbag handling procedures.
Check all electrical functions systematically: windows, mirrors, lights, infotainment, heated seats, air conditioning. Look for any warning lights on the dashboard. A diagnostic scan before purchase can reveal stored fault codes.
Air-cooled battery packs degrade over time, with capacity typically dropping below 80% State of Health by 50,000-100,000 miles depending on charging habits and climate exposure. Unlike actively cooled battery systems, the Leaf's passive air cooling provides limited thermal management, accelerating degradation in hot weather or with rapid charging. Battery replacement costs can exceed the vehicle's market value on higher-mileage examples.
Severe battery degradation significantly reduces usable range and may make the vehicle unsuitable for longer journeys. Battery replacement typically costs £5,000-£10,000 and may not be economically viable on older or higher-mileage vehicles. The car remains usable with degraded batteries for shorter local journeys.
Check all electrical functions systematically: windows, mirrors, lights, infotainment, heated seats, air conditioning. Look for any warning lights on the dashboard. A diagnostic scan before purchase can reveal stored fault codes.
For the full breakdown of all 6 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Nissan LEAF common problems page.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 60k miles) typically costs £150–£250 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include coolant flush (battery and motor) (£200–£300).
See the full Nissan LEAF service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Nissan LEAF has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2019-2022 Mk2 models with the 40kWh or 62kWh battery are the sweet spot, offering usable range and modern features without the degradation concerns of early Mk1 cars.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Nissan LEAF, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 6 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 6 known Nissan LEAF issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.