Nissan Leaf Mk2 (ZE1) (2018-present) reliability
Nissan Leaf Mk2 (ZE1) built around 2018: more fails still not passed 3 days later
Nissan Leaf Mk2 (ZE1) models built around 2018 fail an MOT and still haven’t passed 3 days later more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.
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Key figure
3.5% of MOT tests on Nissan Leaf Mk2 (ZE1) models built around 2018 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 2.3%.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Nissan Leaf Mk2 (ZE1) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 36,177 tests of Leaf models registered 2018+.
About 1 in 12 electricity Leaf cars registered in 2022 (9%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 7,760 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 30 Leaf Mk2 (ZE1) MOTs (3.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 3,761 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 20 Leaf Mk2 (ZE1) MOTs (5.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 3,761 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk2 (ZE1) fail rate by age
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 7 years old.
How the Leaf Mk2 (ZE1) compares
At each age below, see how the Leaf Mk2 (ZE1) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 148,484 tests across 14 Nissan models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
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 priorityAsk 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 priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck 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 Mk2 (ZE1).
- 1
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 17.0% for the Nissan Leaf Mk2 (ZE1), both built around 2018.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Toyota Prius
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 11.1%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.9%
- Dangerous
- 3.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 94.4%
Lower fail rate: 11.1%, against 17.0% for the Nissan Leaf Mk2 (ZE1), both built around 2018.
5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
17,367 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Lexus CT
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.1%
- Dangerous
- 4.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 88.2%
Lower fail rate: 10.5%, against 17.0% for the Nissan Leaf Mk2 (ZE1), both built around 2018.
3,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.5%
Lower fail rate: 13.5%, against 17.0% for the Nissan Leaf Mk2 (ZE1), both built around 2018.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
3,314 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 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.
Recall context
6 recalls in all3 of the 6 Leaf Mk2 (ZE1) recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 3 recalls
Top concerns
- Juke (F16) qashqai (J12) and Leaf (ZE1) VIN scan
- A potential concern affecting the vehicle control module (VCM) logic of some vehicles has been identified whereby in spe
- The welded joint on the actuator plate within the reducer may be of poor quality and the park lock may not engage
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on Leaf Mk2 (ZE1) cars built around 2018
The share of electricity cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 410 cars.
How Leaf Mk2 (ZE1) cars have aged
How Leaf Mk2 (ZE1) 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.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as Mk2 (ZE1) cars age
How each part holds up as Mk2 (ZE1) cars age
The share of electricity cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 4% | 7% | 12% | 16% |
| Brakes | 3% | 5% | 10% | 12% |
| Tyres | 15% | 17% | 24% | 29% |
| Lighting | 2% | 5% | 4% | 8% |
| Drivetrain | No figure | No figure | 1% | No figure |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 1% | 1% |
Based on electricity cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 392 to 493 cars at each age.
Mk2 (ZE1) variants compared
Most common issues on Nissan Leafs of this age
This list covers every Nissan Leaf built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (ZE1) on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 118.4%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 216.3%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 315.3%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 413.9%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 58.9%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
Based on 5,682 tests
Looking at a Nissan Leaf Mk2 (ZE1) right now?
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Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Nissan Leaf Mk2 (ZE1) (2018-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 3,761 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.