IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2025 Nissan Leaf (ZE1)

We've identified 2 known issues that can affect the 2025 Nissan Leaf (ZE1). None are considered critical, but they're worth knowing about before you buy.

2
Known Issues
0
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Rear Brake Disc Corrosion and Handbrake Caliper Binding

ModerateBrakes

With Nissan's e-Pedal technology delivering aggressive regenerative deceleration in daily driving, the rear friction brakes on the ZE1 see very little hydraulic actuation. In damp UK driving conditions with winter road gritting, the rear discs rapidly suffer from heavy circumferential rusting, surface pitting, and binding slide pins. This is the single most common MOT failure point recorded on ZE1 Leafs at three and four years old.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£480
Warning Signs:

Excessive squealing or grinding from rear wheels when coming to a complete stop, Visible deep concentric rust bands across rear disc surfaces, Electric handbrake slow to release or causing dragging sensation when pulling away

What to Inspect:
  • Visually check rear brake discs through the alloy spokes for rust pitting and pad contact coverage
  • Disable e-Pedal mode and perform several firm stops from 40 mph to assess braking friction
  • Review MOT history for advisories relating to rear brake disc deterioration or parking brake efficiency
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

ProPILOT Radar and Front Camera Sensor Calibration Drift

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The ProPILOT suite combines a windscreen-mounted optical camera and a forward millimeter-wave radar mounted behind the front Nissan emblem. Road debris, light bumper impacts, heavy UK road spray, or windscreen replacements frequently throw the radar or camera out of calibration. This causes false Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) warnings, random ProPILOT disengagements, or front radar unavailable error alerts on the cluster.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£450
Warning Signs:

Front radar unavailable error message in wet or cold weather, ProPILOT adaptive cruise control abruptly disengaging on motorway journeys, Phantom forward collision warning beeps with clear road ahead

What to Inspect:
  • Engage ProPILOT and adaptive cruise control on a dual-carriageway test drive to confirm smooth tracking
  • Inspect front radar emblem for physical stone chips, cracks, or loose mounting
  • Ask if windscreen has been replaced and whether optical camera recalibration was certified
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2025 Nissan Leaf (ZE1)

  • For 40kWh models, check if the "Rapidgate" software fix (NTB19-056 equivalent) has been applied by a dealer.
  • Check battery health via LeafSpy; 40kWh/62kWh packs are denser and run hotter than older ZE0 packs.
  • Keep a 12V trickle charger or battery monitor handy, as the ZE1 is sensitive to "vampire" drain while plugged in.
  • Inspect the rear brakes because lightly used EVs can corrode them badly in the damp UK climate.
2023–2024
Check a 2025 Nissan Leaf (ZE1) by Registration