A 2013 Nissan Leaf is now 13 years old, so an average example has covered around 175,500 miles. This is the first model year of the generation · early-build cars carry the highest share of teething faults and the most recall activity, so check the service history for completed recall work. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2013 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
The 2013 Nissan Leaf is 13 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 175,500 miles. At that mileage 2 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
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Build the inspection planDocumented onset mileage is at or below the ~176k miles an average 2013 car has covered.
Creaking or clunking noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds due to rusted top strut mount bearings.
Metallic clicking or clunking noise from the front axle when engaging drive or lifting off the throttle, caused by dry driveshaft splines.
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
Capacity loss on earlier 24kWh and 30kWh cars
Rapid-charge slowdown when the pack heats up
Rear disc corrosion from regenerative braking
12V battery failure causing false warning lights
No hot air blowing into the cabin despite the temperature being set to maximum, indicating a failed PTC heater element.
Damp boot carpet, excessive cabin condensation, or a musty smell caused by failing rear bumper pressure relief vents.
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Build my inspection planState of health. A car with heavy degradation is a trade unit, not a retail one, whatever the mileage says.
Yes as cheap second cars, provided you are honest about real-world range.
It is a characteristic of the air-cooled pack, but buyers must be told before purchase.
A UK Leaf should ideally come with two cables: a Type 1 or Type 2 to Type 2 cable for public AC charging, and a three-pin domestic charger for standard sockets. Ensure both are present, undamaged, and that the domestic charger's brick shows no signs of overheating or melted plastic.
On older models, check the climate control panel; cars with a heat pump usually have a dedicated 'Heat' button rather than just an A/C button. Alternatively, look under the bonnet at the front left for a complex array of silver air conditioning pipes and a larger manifold indicating the system.
Introduced on the ZE1 generation, the e-Pedal allows one-pedal driving. When activated via the centre console switch, lifting off the accelerator should apply noticeable regenerative braking, bringing the car to a complete stop without touching the brake pedal. It should hold the vehicle stationary even on an incline.
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