The Nissan LEAF has earned the title of the UK’s most reliable used electric car for another year. The ranking comes from a Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) study of 1,000 real-world repair claims on EV warranties issued between January and December 2025.
Highlights
- Nissan LEAF recorded a claim rate of just 1.52%, the lowest among all EVs studied
- WSG analyzed 1,000 real-world EV warranty repair claims from 2025
- A new LEAF model with up to 386 miles of range is arriving at UK dealerships
- The new model qualifies for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant discount
What the Data Shows
The WSG analysis revealed notable differences in fault rates and repair costs across popular UK electric models. The LEAF’s 1.52% claim rate placed it at the top of the reliability chart. That figure offers a data point for buyers weighing total cost of ownership.
Martin Binnee, Operations Director at WSG, credited the LEAF’s track record to its mature powertrain design.
“The Leaf’s long-established electric drivetrain, straightforward engineering and proven track record for durability have all contributed to its standout reliability, continuing to translate into dependable ownership and fewer faults,” Binnee said.
Three Generations of LEAF
Nissan first launched the LEAF in the UK in 2011. Production began at the Sunderland plant in 2013. A second-generation model arrived in 2018 with added technology and increased range. That history means a wide selection of used models is available across multiple price points.
The all-new third-generation model offers up to 386 miles of range on a single charge. It is built at Nissan’s Sunderland facility as part of the EV36Zero project. That initiative aims to transform the plant into a hub for EV manufacturing, renewable energy, and battery production.
Repair Costs Remain a Concern
Binnee noted that while some EVs demonstrate strong reliability, repair costs can be significant when faults do occur. Premium models and vehicles with complex electrical and thermal systems tend to carry higher repair bills.
“For consumers, this means looking beyond fuel savings and factoring repair severity into the total cost of ownership,” Binnee said. “For dealers and warranty providers, it reinforces why EV-specific warranty cover is no longer optional, but essential to protect customers and maintain confidence as electric adoption continues to grow.”
Industry Context
James Taylor, Managing Director of Nissan GB, pointed to the survey’s real-world methodology as a key differentiator.
“This survey uses feedback from real-world customers about the reliability of their cars, and it shows consistently strong performance from the Nissan LEAF,” Taylor said.
Nissan employs around 7,000 people across the UK. Its operations include a design center in London, an R&D engineering center in Cranfield, and the Sunderland manufacturing plant. Sunderland is the UK’s largest single car plant.
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