Nissan Leaf (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 6,801 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£980

£82/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

Electric

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £980/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Electric10 years old6,801 tests59k 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

£350

Total per year£980

Per month£82/mo

Per week£19/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

80% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

80% of MOT tests on Nissan Leafs from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 6,801 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 59,156 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models454th of 539(bottom 16%)

Rank among Nissan models326th of 635(bottom half)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average-5%(85% avg)

vs Nissan average-1%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

59,156

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 Nissan Leaf had 59,156 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2016 scores 80%. 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

Volvo XC90

2018 · Electric

£1,160/year

89%

+9%

Hyundai Kona

2018 · Electric

£1,010/year

91%

+11%

Mercedes B-Class

2015 · Electric

£980/year

86%

+6%

Smart (MCC) Fortwo

2017 · Electric

£1,160/year

88%

+8%

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About the 2016 Nissan Leaf

The 2016 Nissan Leaf is an electric car. Our records list it as electric. 6,801 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 16% of 2016 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 59,156 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Leaf owners drive about as much as the UK average.

What does it cost to own a 2016 Nissan Leaf?

Total estimated annual running cost is £980 (£82/month), broken down as £555 electricity, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 2016 Nissan Leaf

At 10 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%. With 6,801 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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 10 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 2016 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(2016)	80%	£555	£20	n/a	£980
Volvo XC90(2018)	89%	£555	£200	n/a	£1,160+£180
Hyundai Kona(2018)	91%	£555	£200	n/a	£1,010+£30
Mercedes B-Class(2015)	86%	£555	£20	n/a	£980same
Smart (MCC) Fortwo(2017)	88%	£555	£200	n/a	£1,160+£180

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 2016 Nissan Leaf

Is the 2016 Nissan Leaf reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2016 Nissan Leafs ended in a pass, from 6,801 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 Nissan Leaf cost to run?

Our estimate is £980 a year (£82 a month): £555 electricity, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Nissan Leaf?

80% of 6,801 MOT tests on the 2016 Nissan Leaf ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 454th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (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 2016 Nissan Leaf?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Nissan Leaf is 59,156 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.