BatteryCritical
Capacity loss on earlier 24kWh and 30kWh cars
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Check bar count and run a state-of-health report before you buy
- Typical repair
- Major mechanical repair · £800–£2,500
Is the 2013–2024 Nissan Leaf reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
3.5/ 10
Buy with cautionOn our documented-fault scoring the Nissan Leaf rates 3.5 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 1 of them are rated critical and 2 high, so a bad example can be expensive. The weak points cluster around battery, brakes and electrical. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Walk unless the history is spotless
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 1
- High
- 2
- Medium
- 4
- Low
- 1
Weak points cluster around battery, brakes, electrical, suspension.
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Build the inspection planThe faults that decide it
BatteryHigh
Rapid-charge slowdown when the pack heats up
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Try a rapid charge and note whether the rate drops sharply
- Typical repair
- Significant repair · £400–£1,400
Climate ControlHigh
No hot air blowing into the cabin despite the temperature being set to maximum, indicating a failed PTC heater element.
- Typically appears
- 5-8 years
- What to inspect
- Turn the climate control to maximum heat, ensure the A/C button is off, and check if warm air blows from the vents within 60 seconds.
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
BrakesMedium
Rear disc corrosion from regenerative braking
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Inspect rear discs for heavy scaling
- Typical repair
- Brakes (discs, pads, caliper) · £200–£800
ElectricalMedium
12V battery failure causing false warning lights
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Test the 12V battery separately from the traction pack
- Typical repair
- Starting & charging parts · £150–£650
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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