2017 Nissan Leaf Electric · YW17 AAF

The most recent DVSA examination on 10 November 2025 recorded a PASS, following a previous attempt on 7 November 2025 that resulted in a FAIL with both Major and Dangerous defects. The dangerous failure was attributed to a nearside front tyre with ply or cords exposed, while the major failure concerned an excessively worn offside front lower suspension arm ball joint. An advisory at the same time noted the offside front outer tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge. The defect appears to have been rectified, as the subsequent pass on 10 November 2025 was clean apart from an advisory concerning undertrays preventing full inspection of testable items. Looking at the broader history, the maintenance trend is broadly stable in terms of pass outcomes, but a recurring theme of tyre wear advisories has been present since 2022, alongside structural advisories relating to undertrays which obscure full mechanical inspection. The escalation from advisory wear to a dangerous tyre cord exposure and a major suspension defect in late 2025 indicates a sudden worsening in consumable condition, which warrants close attention from any prospective purchaser. With 43,748 miles recorded over approximately nine years, this Nissan Leaf has averaged around 4,861 miles per year, which is considerably below the typical annual mileage for a vehicle of this age. Such low usage is consistent with a vehicle that may have spent extended periods stationary, particularly relevant for an electric car where battery management systems, brake calipers, and underbody components can be affected by inactivity. The mileage progression through the recorded MOT history appears gradual and consistent, with no evidence of rapid accumulation or significant gaps, suggesting a lightly used example rather than a high-wear commuter vehicle. However, low annual mileage does not necessarily equate to a sound mechanical condition; calendar-based degradation of rubber, fluids, and electrical components must still be considered carefully. Given the defective ball joint and dangerous tyre condition recorded at the most recent test, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and steering geometry. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front end, particularly over uneven surfaces or when turning at low speed, as these are classic symptoms of worn lower arm ball joints or deteriorated suspension bushes. Uneven or accelerated tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges, would indicate persistent alignment or suspension issues that may not have been fully resolved. It is also advisable to jack the vehicle and physically check the offside front lower arm, bush condition, and any play in the ball joint, as well as inspecting the nearside front tyre and surrounding sidewall for damage or bulges, since the dangerous defect was only rectified shortly before sale. Beyond the recent test defects, the recurring tyre perishing and cracking advisories recorded from 2022 onwards suggest that the vehicle may have been standing for extended periods or exposed to conditions that accelerate rubber degradation. Tyres older than five years should be inspected closely for sidewall cracking, tread separation, and DOT date codes, and replacement of all four tyres should be budgeted if any are approaching or beyond six years of age. The fitted undertrays, while not a defect themselves, prevent full visual inspection of the underbody; a buyer should request their removal for a pre-purchase check or commission an independent inspection that includes lifting the undertrays to verify brake discs, lines, and high-voltage cabling. Given the low mileage, brake discs and calipers are likely to have suffered surface corrosion from standing, potentially leading to binding or juddering under pedal pressure, which should be evaluated on test. Finally, despite low mileage, the 12-volt auxiliary battery, brake fluid, and cooling system for the electric drivetrain all degrade with time rather than use, and confirmation of recent servicing or fluid replacement history is strongly recommended before purchase.