2015 Nissan Leaf Electric · MH15 AAE

The most recent MOT tests on this 2015 Nissan Leaf, conducted just three months ago on 9 December 2024, reveal a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite identical mileage readings of 55,718 miles. Both tests at this stage passed without defects, yet the record shows identical failures at 54,187 miles in November 2023 and 48,450 miles in November 2022—each time with no defects logged. This suggests either a persistent but undetected issue (such as intermittent electrical faults, battery degradation, or software glitches in the EV system) or a deliberate attempt to bypass testing through repeated test dates. The lack of advisories or defects in any of these tests implies the vehicle passed all visible inspections, but the repeated failures at the same mileage intervals raise suspicion of a systemic problem not captured by the MOT tester’s scope. The mileage progression of approximately 5,065 miles per year is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, particularly given the Leaf’s known susceptibility to battery and electrical wear. Between November 2022 and December 2024, the vehicle accumulated just 7,268 miles—less than 1,000 miles annually for two years. Such stagnation could indicate prolonged periods of non-use, which may have accelerated corrosion in critical areas (e.g., wheel arches, suspension mounts, or underbody components) or degraded the high-voltage battery beyond what routine checks reveal. The identical mileage readings for both pass and fail tests at the same dates further suggest the odometer may not have been tampered with, but the lack of movement over two years warrants scrutiny of the battery’s state of health and any potential for hidden corrosion or fluid leaks. Given the repeated failures at identical mileage intervals, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the high-voltage battery system, including its cooling and thermal management components, as well as the electrical connectors and wiring harnesses. The prolonged inactivity also necessitates a thorough check for corrosion in wheel arches, suspension mounts, and underbody panels, particularly around the battery tray and drivetrain interfaces. Binding brakes or uneven tyre wear—common in EVs with degraded regenerative braking systems—should be verified, as should the integrity of the suspension bushes and coil springs, which may have deteriorated without regular use. The absence of advisories in prior tests does not preclude these issues, so visual inspection of fluid levels (coolant, brake fluid, differential oil) and a test drive to assess responsiveness in acceleration and braking will be essential.