2022 Nissan Leaf E + N-Connecta Electric · RO22 TOV

A pattern of front tyre wear is the defining mechanical takeaway for this 2022 Nissan Leaf. The 2026 test on 15 July recorded a clean pass with no advisories, suggesting that whatever caused the previous concern has been resolved or replaced in the intervening month, but the 2025 history is worth weighing carefully. On 3 June 2025 the nearside front tyre was considered so severely worn that it was classified as a dangerous failure, with ply or cords exposed on the tread surface. The following day, on 4 June 2025, the car was retested and passed, though the offside front tyre was flagged with an advisory for being worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge. The recurrence of front axle tyre wear across two consecutive inspections points to a steering geometry or suspension issue rather than simple age-related degradation, and this warrants close physical inspection before purchase. The mileage profile is unremarkable for a four-year-old electric vehicle. At 41,635 recorded miles, this Leaf averages roughly 10,400 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the expected range for a modern EV used as general transport. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing history that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, and the consistent annual accumulation indicates regular use rather than the low-mileage stagnation that can affect standing battery health. Mechanically, EVs like the Leaf tend to experience less wear on drivetrain components compared with combustion equivalents, but the same annual mileage still places normal demand on the suspension, steering and braking components that the MOT scheme inspects, so the absence of related advisories on those systems is a relevant data point. Before committing to purchase, a prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering geometry, given the history of uneven front tyre wear. Camber, caster and toe settings should be measured professionally, as even small deviations from specification will cause shoulder or edge wear on the tyres. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over bumps, particularly from the wishbone bushes, drop links and anti-roll bar mountings, as these are common wear items on Nissan platforms. Any pulling to one side under braking, vague steering on centre, or uneven scrub from the front tyres during tight manoeuvres would suggest the geometry issue has not been corrected. Inspect the front brake discs and pads for lipping and uneven wear, as binding calipers on the front axle are a known contributor to asymmetric tyre degradation and should be ruled out. The tyres themselves merit direct scrutiny. Confirm that both front tyres are a matching brand, size and tread depth across the full circumference, not just in the centre, and check the sidewalls for any uneven bulging or feathering. Run a hand across the tread surface to detect stepped wear between the inner, centre and outer ribs, which would confirm a camber or tracking problem. It is also worth asking for evidence of a recent four-wheel alignment and documenting the date and mileage at which the front tyres were last replaced, as a fresh set on its own will not cure an underlying suspension defect. If the seller cannot produce alignment paperwork or the tyres are again approaching the legal limit despite being relatively new, treat this as a negotiating point or a reason to walk away, as the pattern observed in 2025 is likely to repeat.