Nissan Leaf problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 806 owner complaints and 20 recalls on file for the Nissan Leaf (2011–2026). The 2019 Leaf has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.

Complaints
806
Recalls
20
Model years
16
Worst year
2019

Complaints by model year

23201114201212201310201455201518201612201755201825520191672020562021952022202023520247202522026
NHTSA complaints per Nissan Leaf model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Nissan Leaf years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2019 Nissan Leaf — 255 complaints, 4 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Electrical System
  2. 2020 Nissan Leaf — 167 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Electrical System
  3. 2022 Nissan Leaf — 95 complaints, 7 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System
  4. 2018 Nissan Leaf — 55 complaints, 8 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System
  5. 2021 Nissan Leaf — 56 complaints, 2 crashes, 5 fires; top problem: Electrical System

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2012 (14 complaints).

Every Nissan Leaf model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2026 Leaf20002Electrical System
2025 Leaf70000Electrical System
2024 Leaf50000Electrical System
2023 Leaf206003Acceleration & Cruise Control
2022 Leaf957134Electrical System
2021 Leaf562514Electrical System
2020 Leaf1671006Electrical System
2019 Leaf2554255Electrical System
2018 Leaf558134Electrical System
2017 Leaf121012Airbags
2016 Leaf180104Electrical System
2015 Leaf552014Brakes
2014 Leaf102006Brakes
2013 Leaf121015Airbags
2012 Leaf140000Electrical System
2011 Leaf231000Airbags

Most common Nissan Leaf problem areas (all years)

  • Electrical System
    459 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    125 complaints
  • Brakes
    109 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    55 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    51 complaints
  • Engine
    43 complaints
  • Airbags
    37 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    36 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    29 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    12 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Nissan Leaf received by NHTSA each month.

Nissan Leaf recalls

  • Recall 26V425000Jul 1, 20263,788 vehiclesModel years 2026

    Risk: An improperly secured child restraint system may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

  • Recall 26V188000Mar 25, 202651 vehiclesModel years 2026

    Risk: A short circuit in a high voltage battery module increases the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 25V655000Sep 30, 202519,077 vehiclesModel years 2021–2022

    Risk: A quick charging battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 24V700000Sep 19, 202425,704 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020

    Risk: A quick charging battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 24V071000Feb 2, 202457,914 vehiclesModel years 2018–2022

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V494000Jul 17, 202366,159 vehiclesModel years 2018–2023

    Risk: Unintentional acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V362000May 22, 2023758 vehiclesModel years 2023

    Risk: A brake fluid leak can reduce braking performance and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V296000Apr 26, 202394,343 vehiclesModel years 2013–2017

    Risk: Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V048000Feb 2, 202364,732 vehiclesModel years 2018–2023

    Risk: Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 20V570000Sep 22, 2020150 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 20V412000Jul 17, 20206,157 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V654000Sep 12, 20191,228,830 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019

    Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 17V253000Apr 13, 201730,038 vehiclesModel years 2015–2017

    Risk: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag doesn't deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury to passengers.

  • Recall 16V436000Jun 15, 20164,355 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the wiring harness disconnects, the passenger air bag may not to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 16V244000Apr 26, 20163,296,947 vehiclesModel years 2013–2016

    Risk: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

  • Recall 16V119000Feb 29, 201646,859 vehiclesModel years 2013–2015

    Risk: If the brake relay fails, longer distances or additional brake effort would be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V263000May 16, 2014196 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: An unexpected vehicle shut down increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V192000Apr 16, 2014211 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: Missing welds may effect the vehicle's integrity in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the vehicle's occupants.

  • Recall 14V138000Mar 25, 2014989,701 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014

    Risk: If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.

  • Recall 13V069000Mar 1, 201382,038 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash necessitating airbag deployment and the passenger airbag is suppressed, there may be an increased risk of personal injury.

Other Nissan models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology