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Nissan Leaf Mk1 (ZE0) (2011-2017) reliability

At a glance

Nissan Leaf Mk1 (ZE0) built around 2017: more fails still not passed 3 days later

Nissan Leaf Mk1 (ZE0) models built around 2017 fail an MOT and still haven’t passed 3 days later more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the suspension on any car you view.

Looking at a Nissan Leaf Mk1 (ZE0) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

4.1% of MOT tests on Nissan Leaf Mk1 (ZE0) models built around 2017 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 2.8%.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Nissan Leaf Mk1 (ZE0) models built around 2017 involves the suspension.

Nissan Leaf Mk1 (ZE0)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2011-2017HatchbackELECTRICITY

Based on 23,248 tests of Leaf models registered 2011-2017.

About 1 in 25 Leaf Mk1 (ZE0) MOTs (4.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2017 (8 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 6,193 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 Leaf Mk1 (ZE0) MOTs (6.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2017 (8 years old).

Based on 6,193 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (ZE0) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,92118.1%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
6,19321.7%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
5,07526.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
5,03726.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
3,02530.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,18629.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
53526.2%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
27629.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 11 years old.

How the Leaf Mk1 (ZE0) compares

At each age below, see how the Leaf Mk1 (ZE0) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 195,702 tests across 15 Nissan models, built around 2017 (8 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateNissan average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,92118.1%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
6,19321.7%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
5,07526.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
5,03726.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
3,02530.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,18629.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
53526.2%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
27629.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Leaf Mk1 (ZE0).

  1. 1

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 13.7%, against 21.7% for the Nissan Leaf Mk1 (ZE0), both built around 2017.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    54,388 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  2. 2

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 12.6%, against 21.7% for the Nissan Leaf Mk1 (ZE0), both built around 2017.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    18,269 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  3. 3

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 12.8%, against 21.7% for the Nissan Leaf Mk1 (ZE0), both built around 2017.

    3,414 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  4. 4

    Suzuki SX4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.8%

    Lower fail rate: 15.8%, against 21.7% for the Nissan Leaf Mk1 (ZE0), both built around 2017.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,903 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

80%of all Nissan Leaf cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

6 recalls in all

4 of the 6 Leaf Mk1 (ZE0) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 4 recalls

Top concerns

  • A potential concern affecting the vehicle control module (VCM) logic of some vehicles has been identified whereby in spe
  • Engine push start switch may malfunction
  • Loss of steering control

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Leaf Mk1 (ZE0) cars have aged

How Leaf Mk1 (ZE0) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%468101214Age at MOTBuilt around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.7% (4,242 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (4,182 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (4,032 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (4,114 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (4,093 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (3,227 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.5% (3,113 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (3,111 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (3,078 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.9% (3,024 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (3,257 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (3,252 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (3,246 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (3,218 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (3,225 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 21.6% (2,421 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (2,446 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (2,392 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (2,301 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (2,265 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (1,056 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (1,039 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (1,016 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (952 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (910 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (357 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.9% (352 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (350 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (320 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (300 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (374 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (373 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (326 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (317 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (276 tests, 2025 data)2011
First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014
Mk1 (ZE0) variants compared
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Nissan Leafs of this age

This list covers every Nissan Leaf built around 2017, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (ZE0) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    22.7%
    Advisory: 1,570Fail: 543 (26% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    21.3%
    Advisory: 1,806Fail: 184 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    17.6%
    Advisory: 1,509Fail: 19 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    14.3%
    Advisory: 1,189Fail: 197 (14% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    8.1%
    Advisory: 566Fail: 72 (11% of the times it was found)

Based on 6,193 tests

Looking at a Nissan Leaf Mk1 (ZE0) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2017 (8 years old), the Nissan Leaf Mk1 (ZE0) (2011-2017) fails MOTs slightly more often than typical for this age. This is based on 6,193 8-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 23,248 MOT tests on Nissan Leafs first registered between 2011-2017. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.