2022 Nissan Leaf Electricity · EY72 MFP

A clean pass on 13 February 2026, immediately following a same-month failure for a windscreen defect affecting the driver's view, demonstrates a vehicle with no structural or mechanical shortcomings flagged by DVSA testing. The single recorded failure was a straightforward glazing issue under Section 3.2 (a) (ii), remedied within three days and accompanied by a clean pass with no advisories. There is no recurrence of repeated brake, suspension, corrosion, or emissions advisories across the documented history, and no advisory defects have been raised on either test entry. In a pure EV of this age and platform, the absence of any flagged advisories related to power steering components, wheel bearings, or underbody integrity is a reassuring indicator that the vehicle has not yet developed the wear patterns commonly seen on higher-mileage examples. With 30,573 miles recorded over a four-year life, the Leaf is averaging around 7,600 miles annually, which sits squarely in line with typical private and commuter usage for the model. There are no extended testing gaps, suggesting the vehicle has been in continuous road use rather than laid up for seasonal storage, which is favourable for the longevity of its high-voltage battery pack, 12V auxiliary battery, electric drive inverter, and lubricant-sealed bearings. The mileage progression between tests implies steady, modest use, which tends to keep brake disc corrosion, tyre perishing, and suspension component stagnation to a minimum compared with low-mileage cars that sit idle for long periods. Mechanical expectations should therefore centre on a vehicle that has been worked gently but consistently across its lifespan. On a physical inspection, pay particular attention to the windscreen for any residual chips, stress cracks, or distortion within the swept zone swept by the wipers, as even minor stone damage in the driver's line of sight can result in another Section 3.2 failure at the next test. Check the wiper blades for smearing or juddering across the glass, and confirm the washers deliver a clean, well-aimed jet, since obstructed washer performance can also attract a windscreen-related failure. The charging port flap, door seals, and bonnet struts should be examined for perished rubber, and the LED headlamp clusters checked for condensation or moisture ingress behind the lenses, which can be a common age-related issue on Nissan EVs of this generation. On the road, the Leaf should pull away smoothly and quietly with no unexpected vibrations through the steering column, which can otherwise indicate worn front suspension linkages or top mounts. Listen closely for any clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as MacPherson strut bottom arms and anti-roll bar drop links are known wear items and would typically appear here first. The regenerative braking system should provide a consistent, predictable deceleration feel when lifting off the throttle, and the friction brakes should bite firmly without pulling to either side or producing a grinding or scraping noise, particularly given the modest mileage and likelihood of light disc corrosion from urban driving. Finally, verify the dashboard range prediction against a full charge and observe whether the battery temperature gauge remains stable under load, as any sudden drops in indicated capacity or erratic thermal readings would warrant a diagnostic health check of the traction battery before purchase.