2015 Nissan Leaf Electric · DP15 OPG

The most recent MOT test on January 27, 2026, confirms the Nissan Leaf remains roadworthy, though the immediate preceding test on December 4, 2025—a mere three weeks prior—was a failure without recorded defects. This anomaly suggests either a procedural oversight in the test centre or a vehicle that passed unnoticed on the day of inspection. The pattern over the past three years shows no consistent mechanical failures, with only two failures recorded in December 2023 and 2025, both at identical mileages (77,925 and 96,477 miles respectively), implying no progressive deterioration in core systems. The lack of advisories or recurring faults in the MOT history indicates the vehicle has not suffered from repeated neglect, though the sudden pass-fail swing in late 2025 warrants scrutiny of whether the testers overlooked critical items. The mileage progression reveals a steady accumulation of approximately 8,774 miles annually, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. There are no prolonged gaps suggesting prolonged inactivity, nor are there abrupt spikes that would indicate aggressive driving. The December 2023 tests, conducted just four days apart, show a failure followed by an immediate pass at the same mileage, reinforcing the suspicion of an administrative or procedural irregularity rather than a mechanical issue. This consistency in mileage suggests the vehicle has been driven regularly without extreme wear patterns. Given the lack of recurring faults in the MOT history, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on high-wear components that are not routinely tested. The absence of advisories or defects in the MOTs does not preclude issues such as degraded suspension bushes, worn coil springs, or binding brake calipers—common in EVs where regenerative braking can accelerate wear. High-voltage battery health, though not MOT-tested, should be assessed, particularly given the Leaf’s age; check for corrosion at the battery pack terminals and ensure the cooling system remains intact. Additionally, the tyres, while not failed in MOTs, should be examined for uneven wear, which could indicate alignment or suspension issues. The structural integrity of the underbody and wheel arches should also be scrutinised for corrosion, as EVs are prone to moisture accumulation in electrical components.