Nissan Leaf (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 807 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,130

£94/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

Electric

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £1,130/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Electric14 years old807 tests60k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Electricity

Home charging at about 7.5p a mile

£555

Road Tax

Band A (zero emission)

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,130

Per month£94/mo

Per week£22/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), home charging at about 7.5p a mile, GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.

74% of MOT tests on Nissan Leafs from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 807 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 59,543 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models547th of 650(bottom 16%)

Rank among Nissan models442nd of 635(bottom half)

vs average of all models-8%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average-4%(78% avg)

vs Nissan average-7%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

59,543

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Nissan Leaf had 59,543 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2012 scores 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Nissan Leaf by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2023	92%	52	21,206 mi
2022	94%	509	22,723 mi
2021	94%	14,453	23,743 mi
2020	92%	14,322	31,908 mi
2019	90%	8,050	42,255 mi
2018	89%	8,129	51,702 mi
2017	85%	8,129	50,339 mi
2016	80%	6,801	59,156 mi
2015	78%	7,227	58,723 mi
2014	74%	5,546	65,986 mi
2013	72%	2,284	69,990 mi
2012	74%	807	59,543 mi
2011	77%	811	63,108 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Porsche Cayenne

2010 · Electric

£980/year

89%

+15%

Renault Zoe

2014 · Electric

£1,130/year

73%

-1%

Tesla Model S

2014 · Electric

£1,130/year

79%

+5%

Perodua Myvi

2010 · Electric

£980/year

81%

+7%

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About the 2012 Nissan Leaf

The 2012 Nissan Leaf is an electric car. Our records list it as electric. 807 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 16% of 2012 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 59,543 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Leaf owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

What does it cost to own a 2012 Nissan Leaf?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,130 (£94/month), broken down as £555 electricity, £20 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 Nissan Leaf

At 14 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Battery Degradation

Watch out

After 14 years, expect some battery capacity loss. Check the battery health report for state of health (SoH). Below 80% significantly reduces range.

Charging Port

Medium risk

Charging connectors and ports can develop issues from regular use. Check both AC and DC charging work correctly before purchasing.

Software Updates

Medium risk

Older EVs may miss out on manufacturer software updates that improve range and features. Check the infotainment system is up to date.

12V Auxiliary Battery

Medium risk

EVs still have a standard 12V battery for accessories. These drain faster than in petrol cars and can leave you stranded if flat. Replacement is £100-£200.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2012 Nissan Leaf stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Nissan Leaf(2012)	74%	£555	£20	n/a	£1,130
Porsche Cayenne(2010)	89%	£555	£20	n/a	£980-£150
Renault Zoe(2014)	73%	£555	£20	n/a	£1,130same
Tesla Model S(2014)	79%	£555	£20	n/a	£1,130same
Perodua Myvi(2010)	81%	£555	£20	n/a	£980-£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2012 Nissan Leaf

Is the 2012 Nissan Leaf reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 2012 Nissan Leafs ended in a pass, from 807 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Nissan Leaf cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,130 a year (£94 a month): £555 electricity, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Nissan Leaf?

74% of 807 MOT tests on the 2012 Nissan Leaf ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 547th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom 16%).

Which year Nissan Leaf has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Nissan Leaf has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2013 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Nissan Leaf?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Nissan Leaf is 59,543 miles, 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.