NISSAN LEAF (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 807 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests (2024)
807
Avg Mileage
59,543 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,540
Is the 2012 NISSAN LEAF reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 12 years old, 74% of NISSAN LEAFs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 807 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 59,543 miles.
How does the 2012 NISSAN LEAF compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 NISSAN LEAF has 59,543 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a NISSAN LEAF?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2012 sits between the two at 74%.
How much does a 2012 NISSAN LEAF cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
NISSAN LEAF by Year
Checking a specific NISSAN LEAF?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 NISSAN LEAF
The 2012 NISSAN LEAF is a city car with a 0cc petrol engine. 807 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 85% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 59,543 miles at 12 years old, NISSAN LEAF owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 NISSAN LEAF Fuel Costs
The modest 0cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2012 NISSAN LEAF?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,540 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
NISSAN LEAF Reliability Trend
Newer NISSAN LEAFs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 15 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 NISSAN LEAF
At 12 years old, the NISSAN LEAF is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Alternatives to the 2012 NISSAN LEAF
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- TESLA MODEL S (2014) 79% pass rate (+5%) from 1,157 tests