2021 Nissan Leaf Electric · B4 FEA

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2021 Nissan Leaf was conducted on 28 January 2026 and resulted in a pass, with no advisories, minor defects, or failure items recorded. Reviewing the broader test history, the vehicle has secured consecutive passes at each annual examination on 24 June 2024, 24 June 2025, and 28 January 2026, with no recorded defects of any category across these three tests. The absence of advisory items in particular is notable, as advisories typically flag components nearing the threshold of failure, such as worn brake pads, aged tyres, or corroded suspension parts. The maintenance trend therefore reads as stable and consistent, with no observable deterioration between tests, suggesting the vehicle has been maintained to a standard that satisfies MOT criteria without borderline or marginal components being presented. With a recorded mileage of 21,654 miles over approximately five years of age, this Leaf has averaged around 4,331 miles annually, placing it firmly in the low-mileage category for a vehicle of its vintage. This figure is well below the typical annual accumulation for a passenger car and suggests either predominantly light urban use, a secondary household vehicle role, or extended periods of standing between journeys. From a mechanical perspective, low annual mileage carries its own considerations distinct from high-wear scenarios: brake discs and pads may have suffered surface corrosion or developed light pitting from infrequent use and moisture exposure, suspension components and bushes may have begun to dry or perish from lack of regular articulation, and the 12-volt auxiliary battery, which is known to be a common failure point on Leaf models that are not driven regularly, may be operating at reduced capacity. Tyre sidewalls can also suffer perishing and cracking from age even where tread depth remains adequate, given that the vehicle is now five years old. Given the clean MOT history and the low recorded usage, a prospective buyer should focus their inspection on age- and standing-related deterioration rather than wear-and-tear items. The tyres warrant close physical examination for both tread depth and, critically, sidewall condition including any hairline cracking, bulging, or perishing consistent with calendar ageing rather than mileage accumulation. The brake calipers should be checked for signs of binding or seizure, which can occur when a vehicle is left stationary for prolonged intervals, and the discs examined for lipping or heavy surface oxidation that may necessitate machining or replacement. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested or have its date code verified, as replacement on a five-year-old low-use electric vehicle is a likely and relatively immediate maintenance item, and the high-voltage traction battery state of health should ideally be confirmed via the dashboard energy information screen or a diagnostic tool, as this is the single most significant mechanical component on any used Leaf. Finally, although the MOT history is clean, time-based servicing items remain independent of mileage and should be verified through the service book or digital service record. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and generally requires replacement every two years regardless of use, meaning a fluid change would be due on age grounds alone, and the coolant circuit, including the thermal management system for the traction battery and inverter, should be inspected for condition and service intervals as specified by Nissan. A thorough test drive should include careful listening for any suspension clonks over uneven surfaces, which can indicate perished bushes on a low-use vehicle, and any pulling under deceleration that might suggest seized brake calipers rather than pad wear. Confirmation of the traction battery capacity reading and verification of all charging functions, including the Type 2 inlet and any rapid-charging capability, will provide a complete picture of roadworthiness and long-term reliability for this otherwise clean and consistently maintained example.