2021 Nissan Leaf Electric · DN71 UAT

A single dangerous defect on the offside rear tyre, recorded during a test on 7 August 2026, defines the mechanical picture of this 2021 Nissan Leaf at present. The tyre was found to have a lump caused by separation or partial failure of its internal structure, a categorisation reserved by DVSA for faults presenting an immediate risk to road safety. This is the only failure on record, with three prior tests (December 2024, July 2025, and the pass recorded the same day in August 2026) returning a clean sheet with no advisories or defects. The pattern therefore suggests a vehicle whose structural roadworthiness has generally been consistent, but one should not dismiss a dangerous tyre failure simply because the rest of the record is unblemished; tyre structural failures of this nature can occasionally indicate underlying issues with wheel alignment, suspension geometry, or prolonged kerbing impact, and the condition of the remaining three tyres and the spare should be closely examined. Against an age of roughly five years, the recorded 49,497 miles translates to an annual accumulation of around 9,900 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and not suggestive of either unusually light or heavy use. There are no extended gaps between tests that would imply long periods off the road, and the spacing of the MOT entries aligns with continuous operation. For an electric vehicle of this generation and mileage, the mechanically significant wear items remain the suspension components, steering linkage, brake system (including the regenerative braking interface and friction brakes), and underfloor protection for the battery and high-voltage cabling. The absence of any advisories relating to these areas across four tests is notable, though it should be interpreted cautiously given the limited sample size. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a thorough inspection of all four tyres, including the sidewalls and tread faces, for any signs of impact damage, bulges, or uneven wear patterns that might point to alignment or suspension concerns. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to steering behaviour; any pulling to one side, vibration through the steering wheel, or knocking or clonking noises from the front or rear suspension over uneven surfaces could indicate worn bushes, dampers, or anti-roll bar links. The brakes should be checked for any grinding, binding, or pulling, and the pedal feel assessed for firmness and consistent response, as Leafs rely heavily on regenerative braking which can lead to corrosion of the rear brake discs through infrequent use. Given that this is an electric powertrain, it is also prudent to listen for any high-pitched whining or bearing noise from the front motor area, and to verify the operation of the charging port and cable. A diagnostic check of the battery state of health, while not part of the MOT record, would be a sensible additional step given the vehicle's age and mileage. Underneath the vehicle, a visual inspection for corrosion on exposed suspension arms, brake pipes, and underfloor shielding is advisable, particularly given the typical UK exposure to winter road treatments. Finally, the recent dangerous tyre failure warrants direct questioning about when the full set of tyres was last replaced, and confirmation that all four have been renewed with structurally sound units prior to purchase.