2021 · 3 years old at test · Mixed fuel mostly

2021 Nissan Leaf MOT pass rate and common faults

9,000 MOT tests in 2024. 90.4% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time90.4%
Failed or needed repairs9.6%
Typical mileage at test22,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 9,000 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.8%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.7%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.9%
    109 marked dangerous
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.9%
    129 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.8%
    87 marked dangerous
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.6%
  7. Headlamp aim: too high0.4%
  8. Headlamp aim: too low0.3%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding0.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres5.2%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.8%
  3. Lights & electrics1.6%
  4. Brakes1.2%
  5. Suspension0.3%
  6. Wheels0.3%
  7. Body & chassis0.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.0%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.2%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.3%
  4. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.6%
  5. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre1.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. 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 2021 Nissan Leaf?

In 2024, 90.4% of 2021 Nissan Leaf cars passed their MOT first time, across 9,000 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Nissan Leaf?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 Nissan Leaf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).