Nissan Leaf reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Nissan Leaf is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 113 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 189 of 442, and 11.7% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is wipers (2.4% of tests).
Ranked 189 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 2,236 Nissan Leafs aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 11.7% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Nissan Leaf is 12% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 11.4% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
11.7%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
11.4%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
10,100
Typical age at test: 3 years
Nissan Leaf MOT failure rate by age
Most common Nissan Leaf MOT faults
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.3% of tests
- Condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.2% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed1.1% of tests
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.7% of tests
What the Nissan Leaf fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 5.5% | About average |
| Visibility | 3.2% | About average |
| Brakes | 1.6% | ▼ 23% less often |
| Lights and electrics | 1.4% | ▼ 55% less often |
| Suspension | 0.8% | ▼ 12% less often |
| Wheels | 0.4% | ▲ 2.1× as often |
| Body and structure | 0.3% | ▼ 14% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.1% | ▼ 60% less often |
| Steering | 0.0% | ▼ 71% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.0% | ▼ 100% less often |
What MPG does the Nissan Leaf do?
Electric versions average 3 miles per kWh, with an official range of 109 to 239 miles.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Nissan Leaf?
Any Nissan Leaf first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
Work out tax for a specific carNissan Leaf specs and running costs
Official figures for 17 versions sold in the UK between 2013 and 2025.
Fuel types
Electric
Electric range
109–239 miles
Efficiency
3.0–4.1 mi/kWh
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEAF LEAF 40B ACEN MY21A1 · listed 2025 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| LEAF LEAF 40B NCON MY21A1 · listed 2025 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| LEAF LEAF 40B TEK MY21A1 · listed 2025 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| LEAF LEAF 62B NCON MY21A1 · listed 2025 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| LEAF LEAF 62B TEK MY21A1 · listed 2025 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| LEAF LEAF 40B ACEN MY21N/A · listed 2022 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| LEAF LEAF 40B NCON MY21N/A · listed 2022 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| LEAF LEAF 40B TEK MY21N/A · listed 2022 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| LEAF LEAF 62B NCON MY21N/A · listed 2022 | Electric | 3.3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| LEAF LEAF 62B TEK MY21N/A · listed 2022 | Electric | 3.3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Leaf 40KW 2018 40KWN/A · listed 2020 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | – |
| Leaf 2016 Leaf 24kWhN/A · listed 2019 | Electric | 4.1 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | – |
| Leaf 2016 Leaf 30kWhN/A · listed 2019 | Electric | 4.1 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | – |
| Leaf 40KW , 2018 40KWCVT · listed 2018 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | – |
| Leaf LeafN/A · listed 2016 | Electric | 3.6 mi/kWh | 0g | £20 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 17 versions.
What a Nissan Leaf costs to fuel
- Electric, typical official 3 miles per kWh…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out your charging costsBuying a used Nissan Leaf?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Nissan models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Nissan Leaf reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Nissan Leaf is 12% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 113 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Nissan Leaf?
The most common MOT fault is “Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively”, found in 2.4% of tests.
›What MPG does the Nissan Leaf do?
Electric versions average 3 miles per kWh, with an official range of 109 to 239 miles.
›How much is road tax on a Nissan Leaf?
Any Nissan Leaf first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
›How many Nissan Leafs fail their MOT?
11.7% of Nissan Leafs aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 11.4% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Nissan Leaf combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.