2016 Nissan Leaf Electric · SM16 OLR

The 2016 Nissan Leaf presents a pattern of intermittent roadworthiness challenges rather than consistent reliability, with two consecutive failed MOTs in early 2026 followed by another failure in late 2025. The most recent test on 2026-01-21 recorded a pass, but this result sits atop a history where nearside front suspension arm ball joints were found excessively worn in January 2025, and a similar failure occurred just weeks earlier in mid-January 2026 alongside windshield wiper performance issues and rear tyre tread depth violations. These back-to-back failures indicate persistent underlying problems that did not resolve between tests, suggesting either progressive deterioration of critical linkages or unresolved issues from the previous failure cycle that required further investigation before the 2026-01-21 passing result could be achieved. At 72,875 miles on a vehicle of approximately ten years old, the average annual accumulation of roughly 7,300 miles aligns with expected usage patterns for a model of this age, though the gap between the last two successful MOTs in 2023 and the first failure in November 2025 represents a notably accelerated increase in consumption. The subsequent failure window spanning January 2026 suggests that whatever systemic weaknesses existed continued to manifest under normal driving conditions, while the absence of MOT results between 2020 and 2023 indicates extended periods without regulatory verification. This irregularity in testing intervals combined with the presence of active faults during the 2025-2026 period implies the vehicle may have accumulated significant wear on components that were not previously flagged, making the current state of repair uncertain despite the recent passing result. The nearest front suspension arm ball joint appears to be the primary mechanical concern, having been identified as excessively worn in both the January 2025 and January 2026 failures, with accompanying advisory notes about slight play in the same assembly. On test drive, this would manifest as a noticeable knocking or clunking sensation when traversing bumps or uneven surfaces, particularly around corners or during hard acceleration, and potentially reduced ride comfort due to increased flexing of the suspension geometry. Given the severity rating of the original failure and the fact that the same component surfaced again shortly thereafter, replacement of the ball joint and associated bushings is strongly recommended before considering this vehicle further. The rear parking (secondary) brake system also requires attention, as the January 2026 failure noted inadequate braking effort on this single-line circuit, which could present a safety concern during emergency stops or low-traction situations. A test drive should focus on decelerating from moderate speeds onto a straight surface and observing whether the secondary brake engages fully and holds the vehicle appropriately; any hesitation, spongy feel, or lack of firm stopping power warrants immediate inspection of the brake pipe, caliper operation, and cable routing. Additionally, the repeated windshield wiper failures—documented as defective blades in both 2025 and 2026—should be verified by checking for proper blade clearance, smooth rotation without wobble, and adequate spray delivery through the washer reservoir, as ongoing wiper issues can affect driver visibility and contribute to fatigue during prolonged use.