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2010-2023 · 14 model years

Nissan Leaf Problems by year

Owners have filed 971 complaints about the Nissan Leaf across 14 model years, and it has 18 recalls. The 2019 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (261), while 2010 has far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the electrical system, followed by the brakes.

Most complaints for its age2019261 complaints · 5 recallsSee the 2019
Complaints
971
Recalls
18
Crashes
50
Fires
12
Injuries
29
Deaths
0

Leaf complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20230300-A
20220400-A
202159425Electrical systemD
2020168610Electrical systemF
2019261542Electrical systemF
201868491Electrical systemC
20170200-A
201636411BrakesB
2015111480BrakesD
201434632BrakesB
2013815111BrakesC
201257060BrakesC
201195050AirbagsC
20101000BrakesA

Most common Leaf problems

Nissan Leaf recalls 18

Latest Leaf complaints

2019 Nissan LeafElectrical systemFuel system

Vehicle: 2019 Nissan Leaf S, 40 kWh, VIN [[redacted]], ~110,000 miles. Recall 24V-700 / R24B2 applies to this VIN. On [redacted] the car was towed dead to Stevens Creek Nissan, [[redacted]]. The dealer recommends replacement of the main EV battery. Nissan Consumer Affairs denied coverage [redacted] as out of warranty (case no. [redacted]). On [redacted] the dealer installed the recall software. The original battery-failure trouble code then cleared, but diagnostics still show a battery problem and the dealer cannot...

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identify the exact fault. The dealer refuses to perform the 20-25 mile drive cycle and code check that Nissan's own recall remedy requires, citing vibration from a failed motor mount, and instead demands $1,100 from me for a teardown to determine whether the failure is recall-related. The dealer also withholds the diagnostic trouble code unless I pay a $350 diagnostic fee, although the DTC check is part of the free recall remedy. The dealer requires pickup by Tuesday [redacted] or a $250 storage fee applies. I am asking NHTSA to record a failure to provide the recall remedy: direct the dealer to complete the drive cycle / DTC check, or authorize and pay for the teardown, and release the DTC. The car is drivable - dealer staff drove it on the lot Nov 6. Buyback floor: I will accept a repurchase only at $6,500 or more. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11776825
2020 Nissan LeafElectrical systemFuel system

2020 Nissan LEAF, approx. 31,000 miles. On [redacted], the vehicle received the software update for NHTSA Recall 24V-700/Nissan Campaign R24B2, described as addressing battery overheating/fire risk during DC fast charging. On [redacted], while traveling at 70 mph on a flat highway with a 75 mph speed limit and cruise control engaged, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion without advance warning and slowed to approximately 30 mph. It would not accelerate normally. My children were inside. This abrupt loss of speed...

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created a serious rear-end collision risk. This is my [[redacted]] daughter's daily driver, and I am concerned about a novice driver experiencing the same failure. An immediate independent diagnostic scan showed P33ED-00 (HV Battery Parallel Diagnosis), P3180-97 and P317E-97. Battery telemetry showed SOH 88.51% and Hx 57.24%. I request investigation into whether a battery defect and/or the recall software caused this highway propulsion loss. These readings have not yet been evaluated by a Nissan dealer. On [redacted], Nissan Consumer Affairs/Roadside Assistance agents and supervisors refused complimentary towing from our residence, stating they would not accept third-party diagnostics and required dealer evaluation first. We were told to pay for towing or arrange transport ourselves. The vehicle remains at home with unresolved battery safety concerns. My daughter has lost her transportation; rental/loaner age restrictions prevent her from using a replacement. We still owe $12,158.09 on a vehicle that can not be driven because of a safety recall. I request NHTSA investigate the propulsion failure, adequacy of the R24B2 remedy and Nissan's refusal of towing assistance. I request Nissan provide safe flatbed transport, a permanent remedy and a vehicle buyback resolving the outstanding financing. Diagnostic records and recall service documentation are available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11776667
2021 Nissan LeafElectrical system

I purchased a 2021 Nissan Leaf used on 9/9/2026 from CarMax Burbank with unrepaired NHTSA recalls 25V-655 and 24V-700 documented in my sale paperwork. The salesman told us they were simple recall repairs, nothing to worry about. When I took the car in, the authorized dealer's service advisor warned that the recall reprogramming could likely leave the vehicle inoperable if a battery fault code appeared, and recommended returning the car to CarMax because it was on a stop sale with no batteries available. A CarMax...

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service consultant dismissed the warning as a scare tactic from that specific location, said they couldn't consider taking the car back unless we tried the recall repairs, and sent us to a different "partnered" Nissan dealer. On 10/21/2026, that dealership location recommended the LBC/VCM recall reprogramming, kept the vehicle eight hours, and released it as repaired and drivable. Less than 24 hours later, on 10/22/2026, while driving on the highway in heavy rain in moving traffic, the battery failed with [Warning, Service EV System, Power Reduced]. The vehicle was towed to the dealership on 10/23/2026, where the dealer confirmed the EV battery failed, the vehicle cannot be operated without a battery replacement, and batteries are unavailable nationwide. The vehicle has remained at Nissan since. Safety risk: sudden, complete loss of propulsion on a highway in rain creates an immediate crash and injury risk to occupants and surrounding drivers. The failure occurred one day after the recall remedy was completed and the vehicle was released as repaired, indicating the remedy process can leave affected vehicles in an unsafe state on the road. The recall at issue concerns battery cells prone to rapid heating and fire during Level 3 charging, so this vehicle carried an active fire risk as well. The manufacturer has since initiated a vehicle repurchase. The recall bulletin promises a complimentary rental during the remedy process. No rental was ever provided.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11775951
2015 Nissan LeafSteeringTransmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise control

I am reporting a serious and progressively worsening safety issue involving a 2015 Nissan LEAF with approximately 61,759 miles. The problem involves sudden, unintended jerking and apparent repeated braking while driving, accompanied by a forceful steering pull to the left. The exact cause has not yet been determined. Several years ago, the vehicle experienced a serious braking malfunction in which pressing the brake pedal did not stop the vehicle as expected. No warning light appeared during that incident. The...

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vehicle was taken to an authorized Nissan dealership, where the 12-volt battery was identified as the problem and replaced. The braking issue appeared to be resolved at that time. Beginning in early 2026, the vehicle began experiencing intermittent jerking while driving. Initially, the episodes were brief and infrequent. Over time, they became more frequent, violent, and unpredictable. The malfunction typically occurs while traveling straight on dry roads at approximately 35-50 mph. Without warning or driver input, the vehicle begins rapidly jerking as though the brakes are repeatedly engaging and releasing. At the same time, the steering wheel pulls forcefully to the left, requiring immediate corrective steering to maintain control. The jerking sometimes continues even after the accelerator pedal is released. During some episodes, the brake pedal pulsates when subsequently applied. On October 30, 2026, the front-right tire blew out during one of these violent jerking episodes. The vehicle was subsequently taken to a tire retailer, where the tire was replaced. The retailer did not identify or report any unusual condition. It is UNKNOWN whether the tire failure was caused by the underlying malfunction or was a separate event. These incidents create a serious risk of losing control of the vehicle, colliding with another vehicle, or leaving the roadway. The unexpected steering movement and apparent braking behavior are particularly dangerous at highway speed

Filed Incident Steering · Power train · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11775295
2021 Nissan LeafTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

My Leaf started displaying dramatic battery range reduction and charge fluctuation symptoms [redacted] at 98K miles. 1st available appt at dealership (as advised by Nissan) was [redacted], now at 115,000K miles. [redacted] I received recall notice in my mailbox from Nissan re 25V-655 - 8 1/2 months past the issuing of recall - explaining the defect and fire hazard while fast charging. I now realize the "hot" smell I detected while fast charging was the overheating of lithium - thank God it didn't catch fire back...

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then as I had been napping in my vehicle with my dog. At the dealership, service dept said my battery failed the post update test; sent me home in (ice) loaner car; said Nissan will reach out within a few days. Finally receive call [redacted] from [[redacted]] on behalf of Nissan North America; received 1st buyback email "offer" Sept 4, 2026 nearly a month after my car was deemed inoperable (this was a Friday at 4:59pm at the start of a major holiday weekend). They requested I pay them $9,411.11 so they can recover title from lender; same unchanged offer [redacted] after "escalation" review. A down payment + over 4 yrs of never missed consecutive payments - $33,000 later - and they are requesting I pay them because of a manufacturing defect which I didn't cause and had no control over. I was planning to drive it another 115K miles +. I want a FAIR resolution - on an inflated asset with Extreme depreciation due to a manufacturing defect and mandated recall. Nissan has not provided a warranty covered battery replacement to get my car running in a 'timely manor'. This [[redacted]]/old consumer is being treated UNfairly. ALL supporting documentation is organized, verifiable and securely filed. Any attorneys out there want to help ? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11774796
2018 Nissan LeafElectrical systemFuel system

My High Voltage battery failed on my car at ~50k miles in 2022. Nissan replaced the battery under warranty. It has failed again now at 110k miles and is way worse than the previous failure. The car will abruptly shut down under load on hills or high speeds on the highway and I will get a P33ED battery fault code. Nissan customer service told me they would offer assistance and after 2 months of waiting on them to find the part number for the battery, they now informed me they won't help. After doing some...

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research, there is a recall out for 2019-2022 Nissan leafs with possible fire related issues because of the batteries and the P33ED code that i am getting is directly related to this recall. I believe I have a recalled battery in my vehicle but Nissan won't offer any assistance because my VIN isn't necessarily recalled. I feel unsafe to charge or operate this car, especially under any type of speed or load and Nissan is offering no assistance in repairing the vehicle or even verifying the battery manufacturer date.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11774184

Questions about the Nissan Leaf

Which Nissan Leaf years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2019 (261), 2020 (168), 2015 (111). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2019 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Nissan Leaf years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2010, 2017, 2023 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other Leaf years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Nissan Leaf problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the electrical system (456), brakes (229), fuel system (116) most often.

How many recalls does the Nissan Leaf have?

NHTSA lists 18 recalls across all Nissan Leaf model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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