2021 Nissan Leaf Electric · YA70 AWY

A consistent pattern of front suspension bush wear, combined with emerging tyre edge wear and cosmetic cracking on a rear tyre, defines the mechanical profile of this 2021 Nissan Leaf heading into early 2026. The most recent test on 30 January 2026 initially resulted in a failure due to an insecure rear registration plate, though this was a straightforward PRS item rather than a structural or safety-critical concern, and the vehicle subsequently passed the same day with the same set of advisories still recorded. The 2026 advisories are particularly noteworthy because they represent the first appearance of any component concerns on the record, breaking a clean run of pass-with-no-defects results in 2024 and 2025. This transition from a two-year clean sheet to multiple advisories on a single test suggests that wear items are beginning to accumulate at a predictable service-life interval, and any prospective buyer should anticipate further deterioration of these same components over the coming twelve to twenty-four months. The recorded mileage of 48,123 miles over approximately five years equates to an annual accumulation of around 9,625 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and is consistent with the yearly MOT submission pattern visible in the DVSA record. There are no unusual gaps or missing tests, and the mileage progression between tests appears linear rather than clustered, indicating steady, regular usage rather than periods of inactivity or sudden long-distance accumulation. For an electric vehicle such as the Leaf, this steady usage profile is generally favourable for the longevity of the high-voltage battery and the regenerative braking system, as both benefit from consistent thermal cycling and regular operation rather than prolonged standing. However, the rate of use is high enough that suspension joints, bushes, and tyres will have accumulated meaningful wear, which aligns with the advisories observed. The front suspension advisories on both sides are the primary inspection focus, specifically the nearside front arm front bush showing perishing and the offside front arm rear bush noted as slightly worn. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed bumps, potholes, and uneven surfaces, and pay attention to any vagueness or delay in steering response that might indicate excessive movement in the worn bushes. With the tester's observation that movement was not yet excessive, a thorough inspection on a ramp or over a pit would be advisable to gauge how close the components are to requiring replacement, as perished rubber bushes tend to deteriorate quickly once cracking is visible on the surface. The tyre-related advisories warrant close attention during any physical inspection. The front tyres were noted as worn close to the legal limit on both edges, which can suggest an issue with camber alignment, incorrect tyre pressures, or simply age-related wear, and the offside rear tyre was recorded as showing slight cracking. Check the tread depth across the full width of all four tyres with a calibrated gauge, and inspect the sidewalls and shoulders for any signs of sidewall cracking, bulges, or uneven wear patterns that would indicate alignment or suspension geometry issues. Additionally, verify that the insecure registration plate issue from the failure has been properly rectified, and confirm there are no warning lights present on the dashboard, particularly any drivetrain or high-voltage system alerts, as the MOT record addresses roadworthiness items only and does not capture the operational health of the electric powertrain.