Nissan Leaf problems
The Nissan Leaf (Japanese: 日産・リーフ, Hepburn: Nissan Rīfu), stylized as "LEAF," is a battery-electric powered compact car manufactured by Nissan, produced since 2010 across two generations. It has been offered exclusively as a 5-door hatchback. The term "LEAF" serves as a backronym to leading environmentally-friendly affordable family car.
The Leaf was unveiled on 1 August 2009 as the world's first mass market electric and zero-emission vehicle. Among other awards and recognition, it received the 2010 Green Car Vision Award, the 2011 European Car of the Year, the 2011 World Car of the Year, and the 2011–2012 Car of the Year Japan. A second-generation Leaf was introduced in October 2017. The Leaf's range on a full charge has been steadily increased from 117 km (73 miles) to 364 km (226 miles) (EPA rated) by the use of larger battery packs and several minor improvements.
Global sales across both generations totalled 577,000 by February 2022. As of September 2021, European sales totalled more than 208,000, and as of December 2021, over 165,000 had been sold in the U.S., and 157,000 in Japan. The Leaf was the world's all-time top selling plug-in electric car until it was surpassed in early 2020 by the Tesla Model 3.
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Nissan Leaf model years
Common Nissan Leaf problems
The Nissan Leaf, an all-electric vehicle, has been praised for its ease of maintenance compared to vehicles with internal combustion engines. However, it is not without its common problems.
One of the most prevalent issues is battery degradation, which is particularly noticeable in early models like the 2011-2013 Nissan Leaf.
Another common problem is related to the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system. Certain Nissan Leaf models, particularly the 2011-2017 versions, have experienced issues with their AEB systems due to outdated software. This can cause the brakes to apply unexpectedly, even without an obstacle in front of the vehicle.
The passenger sensors in the Nissan Leaf are also prone to failure. This can be a serious safety concern, as the sensor informs the vehicle which airbags to deploy based on where people are seated. The failure can be difficult to detect, as it often occurs without any warning signs.
There are also a few brake problems associated with earlier release years of the Nissan Leaf. The most common issues include premature brake pad wear and brakes that lock during use. These problems can make the vehicle more expensive to own and can potentially lead to serious safety concerns if not addressed promptly.
Lastly, the climate system in the Nissan Leaf has been reported to have issues, such as electrical failure and refrigerant leakage. This can affect the vehicle's ability to maintain a comfortable temperature, which can be particularly problematic in extreme weather conditions.
In summary, the Nissan Leaf, while generally reliable, is not without its common problems. Battery degradation, AEB system issues, passenger sensor failure, brake problems, and climate system malfunctions are some of the most frequently reported issues. Potential buyers should be aware of these problems and consider them when making a purchasing decision.
What is the problem with Nissan Leaf?
More Leaf owners with battery problems say Nissan has abandoned them. As more Nissan EV owners come forward to say they feel abandoned by the automaker and its failure to supply replacement batteries for the Leaf, one lawyer with a firm specializing in class actions says there might be a case.
What are the downsides of the Nissan Leaf?
Lows Lacks range, DC fast-charging limited to 50 kW, cheaper competitors offer more range. Verdict The Nissan Leaf is an easy way to get into an electric vehicle, but its lack of range and slow charging make it tough to live with.
Is Nissan Leaf a reliable car?
The 2024 Nissan Leaf has a predicted reliability score of 76 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Why is the Nissan Leaf battery so bad?
Early model years of the LEAF have been notorious for having poor battery life, mainly because their batteries aren't liquid-cooled.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Nissan Leaf years
We have researched Nissan problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Nissan Leaf cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Nissan Leaf model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Nissan Leaf model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Nissan Leaf years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Nissan Leaf car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Nissan Leaf , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Nissan Leaf vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Leaf model years
A total of 44 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Leaf model years
There were a total of 7 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Leaf model years
There were a total of 27 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 531 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Nissan Leaf . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Nissan Leaf vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Nissan Leaf 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- VIN: 1N4BZ1CP8KC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Received a notification from Nissan Corporation that my 2019 Leaf is the subject of a safety recall concerning risk of lithium ion battery fire during Level 3 charging. The notice explains that the vehicle's lithium-ion battery may experience "excessive lithium deposits within certain battery cells which could increase electrical resistance and result in a fluctuation in the state of the charge." The notice explicitly cites that the battery may contain excessive lithium deposits but the potential remedy (it has not been issued yet) relates only to a softwear update to prevent rapid heating of the battery. However, there is no remedy planned or addressed to the problem of "excessive lithium deposits" which increase electrical resistance and the impact of that damage to the battery life, performance, deterioration or efficiency. The NHTSA report actually cites specific batteries installed in the Leaf model years implicated in the resulting safety recall. It is essential that NHTSA evaluate the impact of these batteries, the effect of excessive lithium deposits on the car's general safety and performance and the necessity of requiring full replacement of batteries damaged by this defect. The issue of damaged batteries is inextricably related to the safety recall and fire risk. As the problem of damaged batteries is confirmed by Nissan Corporation's Recall Notice and cited in the Defect Information Report filed by Nissan with NHTSA (which reference the specific battery components involved), these defective batteries should be subject to replacement.
Nissan Leaf 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-09
- VIN: 1N4AZ1CP8JC
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: Enel X Way recently announced that they were terminating operations in North America. With that in mind my Juicebox level 2 charger now becomes a dumb charger with no app functionality to turn down the amps produced by the charger. The Juicebox model I have is a plug-in version rated at 32 amps max. My service panel/circuit breaker is only rated to 30 amps. With a constant 32 amps on a 30 amp circuit breaker there is a potential to start a fire at the plug socket end and/or the breaker end, at the very least the breaker might trip every time I charge. For fear of that happening, I'm reluctant to even use it. I'm filing an issue/complaint here because in recent days there have been others who have complained about Enel X Way shutting down and causing problems similar to mine according to an article I read at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Nissan Leaf 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1N4AZ1CP2KC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I am writing to report a serious safety issue with my Nissan Leaf that needs immediate attention. On two separate occasions, the brakes have failed completely without any warning while driving. A warning light appeared, stating "T/M System Malfunction Warning - See Dealer," but by that time, the brakes had already stopped working. The only way to stop the vehicle was by using the emergency brake, which is extremely dangerous and could easily lead to a fatal accident. The first incident occurred when I was able to quickly pull into a Walmart parking lot, luckily avoiding other vehicles. The second time, the car crashed into the side of my garage and hit a tree stump in my driveway, causing damage to the rear of the car and breaking the side mirror. I was fortunate enough to engage the emergency brake before the car entered the road, but it was a terrifying experience that could have ended much worse. Fortunately, did not happen while my teenage children and their friends were driving the car. After researching this issue, I was shocked to discover that many other Nissan Leaf owners have experienced similar brake failures dating back to 2012. This is not an isolated incident, and I am deeply concerned that it continues to happen without resolution. When I brought my car to the dealership, they informed me that the issue is related to the Intelligent Brake Unit Controller, and the repairs would cost $5,000. However, my vehicle is only five years old with 62,000 miles, and I believe this defect should be addressed by Nissan, not at the owner's expense. I urge you to take immediate action to investigate this dangerous defect. There is no warning before the brakes fail, and this puts drivers and others on the road at extreme risk. Does it really take a fatal accident for Nissan to address this issue? This problem has been ongoing for years, and it’s unacceptable that it has not been resolved. I hope that you will take this matter seriously and provide a solution befo
Nissan Leaf 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-04
- VIN: 1N4AZ0CPXFC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: Unintended Acceleration: Vehicle continue to accelerate even after the gas pedal is released or not slow down as expected.
Nissan Leaf 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-16
- VIN: 1N4AZ0CP0FC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The intelligent braking system control unit failed. The car is available for inspection, it is at the dealership for repair. I was driving downhill, towards a busy intersection and without any warning, there was no braking when I pushed the brake pedal. It was my two young children and myself in the car, we drove straight through a crosswalk (luckily empty), and towards a very busy intersection (luckily slightly uphill so we were able to stop in time). I cannot imagine what could have happened if losing our brakes would have happened any other time. We could have easily been injured or killed, as well as someone else. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. The vehicle has been inspected by the local dealer and service center, same one the vehicle was purchased from. No warnings, messages, or other symptoms whatsoever. Afterwards, the ABS warning lights did come on.
Nissan Leaf 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-13
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1N4AZ1CP0KC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: On 7/19/2024 while charging the car at Chargepoint Johns Creek, I heard a "clunk" sound as if something had popped off from beneath the body of the Leaf. At the same time, the charging emergency stopped. Smoke started to come out from under the Leaf. There was a smell as if something was melting, making me feel dizzy and nauseous. I felt a sense of confusion from inhaling the smoke. Since both my son and I were outside the car, we were able to quickly pull away and escape as soon as the smoke started. If we had been inside the car, or if this had happened while driving, we might have been unable to escape in time, lost consciousness from the smoke, and possibly died in the fire. The smoke continued for about 15 minutes, followed by a fire. At the same time, there was a sound of something exploding. The police arrived, followed by the fire truck. It took a long time to extinguish the fire, possibly because the lithium battery caught fire. Please refer to the video. ︎Mental and Physical Condition After the Accident Both my son and I are experiencing symptoms similar to PTSD. When we smell smoke or drive a car, we feel chills, nausea, and dizziness, which negatively affect our daily lives. This incident left burn scur to my son and has started having nightmares and crying at night. Seeing an electric vehicle scares us to the point that our bodies freeze and we can't move. Also, seeing fire or hearing car sounds suddenly makes us tremble, our hearts race, and we have difficulty breathing. We start crying uncontrollably in a panic, and it takes time to calm down. It is difficult to control our emotions. We are experiencing insomnia, likely due to the excitement of our nerves from the accident. We probably need mental treatment such as therapy and physical treatment to alleviate insomnia and tension.
Nissan Leaf 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-12
- VIN: 1N4AZ1CPXKC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The rear view camera, activated when the vehicle is in reverse, works on and off. The inconsistent nature of the rear cameras view presents a danger everytime I backup.
Nissan Leaf 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-08
- VIN: 1N4BZ1DP2LC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Approximately 20% of the time this vehicle is driven, the backup camera displays BLANK. A short term remedy has been to put the vehicle back in Park, exit the vehicle and apply a firm "smack" near the backup camera located on the rear hatch using a closed fist. This tends to temporarily solve the symptom of a BLANK backup camera output until inevitably the same thing happens again several days later during a subsequent drive. This is an active recall, this vehicle has been demonstrating this symptom for at least a year if not more, but even though the recall notice was received around February 2024, there is still no solution posted for us to seek repairs at the Nissan dealer.
Nissan Leaf 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-28
- VIN: 1N4AZ1CP3LC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Backup camera is not working. I know it’s got an open recall for this issue but it’s taking them so long to replace a cable. Just wanted this on record
Nissan Leaf 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-23
- VIN: JN1AZ0CP4CT
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Dealer is Mike Erdman Nissan Merritt Island Fl 32953 Airbag warning light flashing red on console. Paid $260 for diagnostic check on July 21, 2024. They cannot fix it as an airbag sensor on the passenger side seat is malfunctioning and the entire passenger side seat must be replaced and part is not available or is no longer in stock. They MAY be able to locate an entire seat Nissan Leaf 2012 somewhere, but if they do (and they said probably not) it will cost $4000.00. The seat is no longer made by Nissan and after market seats would not meet safety standards (they said). There is a published complaint list of well over 2000 Nissan Leaf owners regarding 2011 and 2012 Leaf owners who say there should be a safety recall as this issue has been known by Nissan and the 2013 and later models had safety changes installed for this issue but no safety recall was made for 2011 and 2012 models. I believe a safety recall to fix this issue is imperative.
Nissan Leaf 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-22
- VIN: 1N4AZ1CP8JC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Twice now - both times on the South Bound Richmond Bridge, the Automatic Emergency Braking lights came on and slammed on my brakes for me, as if I was about to crash when I was going 65 mils per hour, no one in front or behind me and no traffic, accident or reason. I almost lost control of the vehicle and would have caused an accident had anyone been closer to me.
Nissan Leaf 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-17
- VIN: JN1AZ0CP8BT
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: Please see thread: [XXX] My 2011 Nissan Leaf's OCS has failed randomly. I pulled the code via an Bluetooth OBD reader and the LeafSpy Pro app installed on my phone: B1018-00 09 AIR BAG Occupant Sens [Unit Fail] SRC-41. I took the car to a local dealership and was quoted over $4k for a full seat replacement with no ETA as the part is on back order. There is no option to simply replace the OCS alone and there is no workaround from Nissan to re-enable the passenger airbag without paying the $4k for the new seat. Opened a case with Nissan Consumer Affairs who advised they could do nothing for me. The repair is more expensive than the value of the vehicle. Because Nissan offers no workaround other than paying $4k for a new seat, consumers are incentivized to bypass the airbag sensor using a 3rd-party box (see here [XXX] rather than properly repair it. This is a safety issue and Nissan should do the right thing in making the repair affordable or making an official way to bypass the sensor/enable the airbags. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Nissan Leaf 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-17
- VIN: 1N4AZ1CP7JC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds with the cruise control activated, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle lunged forward. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V494000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100.
Nissan Leaf 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-09
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1N4AZ0CP2EC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: [XXX] - I was on the way to work on a clear and sunny morning. After stopping at a traffic light, vehicles started moving forward through the intersection. Traffic was building and the lady in front of me stopped very quickly. When I pressed the the brake pedal to stop behind her nothing happened. The brakes did not brake! The pedal went all the way to the floor. It didn't even try to slow down. I just rolled right into the back of her. The front end of my 2014 Nissan LEAF sustained significant damage and the rear bumper of her SUV sustained minor damage. Both of us had minor neck/back pain after. I am still recovering from spine surgery and I'm concerned about any long term issues that may be caused from this accident. We were in a very busy area of Atlanta and it is amazing that no one was seriously hurt. After calling 911 and being on hold for close to 30 minutes State Farm advised it was okay to swap info without an official police report. I don't want this accident to count against my accident free/good driver discount with my insurance. There were no warning lights on my dash or audible brake sounds. I have had similar problems in the past with the brakes not engaging. It has been to the dealership at least 4 times for brake related issues in the 10 years that I have had this car. The dealership and 1 independent garage have inspected my brake system, including fluid, pads and rotors. Everything is in good condition. In the past there was a correlation between the 12V battery power and the brakes not working. It has not been possible to recreate the problem on demand. I've reported this very serious safety issue to Nissan Consumer Affairs. They deny responsibility, but will not provide it in writing. A basic google search shows that I am not the only LEAF owner that has this problem. It is parked in my driveway and is considered unsafe to drive unless it is repaired per the dealership. I am glad that no one else in my family was injured because of this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Nissan Leaf 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-18
- VIN: 1N4BZ1DV0MC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The rear backup camera suddenly started showing a black screen on my 2021 Nissan Leaf. The camera that shows the vehicle from above still works.
Latest 5 recalls Nissan Leaf
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 45 recalls for different components of the Nissan Leaf.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Nissan Leaf 2019
- Report Received Date: 2024-09-19
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging.
- Consequence: A quick charging battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Owners are advised not to use Level 3 quick charging until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed in October 2024. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated in November 2024. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R24B2.
- Model: Nissan Leaf 2020
- Report Received Date: 2024-09-19
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging.
- Consequence: A quick charging battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Owners are advised not to use Level 3 quick charging until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed in October 2024. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated in November 2024. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R24B2.
- Model: Nissan Leaf 2020
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-02
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2022 LEAF vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23D7.
- Model: Nissan Leaf 2018
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-02
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2022 LEAF vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23D7.
- Model: Nissan Leaf 2019
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-02
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2022 LEAF vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23D7.
Latest negative Nissan Leaf car reviews
Latest positive Nissan Leaf car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2015
UPDATE: Hi there! I wanted to share some updates on my experience with the car after 7 months of use. Firstly, I upgraded the charging station by having an electrician run a 220 line to the garage and installing an electric meter in October. I found a Clipper Creek HCS 30 charger on eBay for a great price of $435 and had the electrician hook it up. From October 13 until March 15, we have used 1390 kW for charging and preheating the car. Secondly, for the winter season, we bought Michelin Ice tires which have worked really well. Although we lost a bit of miles per kW, dropping from 3.8 to an average of 3.5, my wife can still drive it to work and back, with side trips, for two days before we charge it. However, we ended up plugging it in most nights just so it could be warm for her drive to work. Then she just uses the seat and steering wheel heat. On trips across town, I used the heat and the energy display to tell how much mileage you lose - I'd rather be warm. Thirdly, I tracked how much electricity we used compared to how much gas we would have used for the first two months of usage. We would have paid 2.5 times more using gas at 22mpg. I saved $108.52. With the meter installed, which includes heating most days this winter, gas would have cost twice as much, saving just under $400.00. Our cost of a kW, including distribution and the like, is currently $.15. This savings paid for my Clipper Creek charger and part of the electrical work. Lastly, I wanted to share some information on charging. The Flint area is not the best for electric cars, unfortunately. Thanks for reading!Thankfully, there is a public charger for Consumers Energy just 3 miles away, and downtown has two chargers at the university, although I am not sure how accessible they are. The local Nissan dealer is only a mile away from my wife's workplace, so she could easily stop in and charge for 20 minutes if needed. If we were to take a trip to the Detroit area, we would stop at the Nissan Tech center for their fast charger, which takes only 20 minutes to charge up to 80%. We greatly enjoy having the car and always look for a reason to drive it. If we could find a low battery one for a good price, we would use it to drive to work (a 1.7-mile round trip) and around town. ORIGINAL REVIEW: If you are considering a LEAF, it is important to do your homework. Figure out how many miles you drive per day to determine if this car will work for you. Batteries seem to be the biggest problem after a number of years of use, and there are forums for the LEAF that will tell you what to look for and how to check them. It is such a different car from your internal combustion engine car that you need to think differently. If you want to follow the manufacturer's recommended service, you take it in every 7500 miles, and they check a few things. Every 14,500 miles, they change the brake fluid. That's it. On my 2015 model, I estimate we have 85 miles to use, even though it says we have 110 miles available. That is more than enough to get to work, which is 10 miles away, and run errands along the way. We are now charging every other day. The day after we bought it, we had gone 75 miles and still had 20% of the battery left. As it gets cold, expect the mileage to go down, partly due to heating the car and partly due to how cold can affect a battery. For us, even if it is cut in half, it would still serve our needs. As with every electric vehicle, this one has a sweet spot: 38 mph. If you could drive that on a nearly level road, I have read you can get 134 miles out of it.Meanwhile in the real world, consider if the mileage it will normally achieve based on the number of bars left on the battery is suitable for your needs. If it is, then go ahead and get it. If not, it's entirely up to you. Please note that I have not rated the safety of the vehicle as we have not yet experienced it during winter, and I am unsure of what is meant by 'active safety'.
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Vehicle year: 2017
We are thrilled with our 2017 Leaf SL! It has exceeded our expectations in so many ways, from its peppy performance to its impressively low operating costs. The ride is quiet and dignified, making for a truly enjoyable driving experience. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the vehicle's range is actually greater than advertised, at around 120 miles. Thanks to federal and state tax incentives, a generous discount from our local utility, and a great deal from our dealer, we were able to purchase the Leaf for just 60% of the sticker price. Even with our trade-in of a 2010 CRV, our out-of-pocket expense was less than $10K. The Bose sound system is top-notch, the seating is incredibly comfortable, and the handling is solid. But what really sets the Leaf apart is its energy savings - in just one month, we drove 581 miles and only paid $14.00 in electricity, even with a few free
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Vehicle year: 2023
I've had it for almost 3 months and I'm really happy with my choice. The seats are super comfortable and I haven't experienced any back pain while driving. Plus, there's no wind noise like other trams, so the ride is really quiet and feels safe on the road. I also love that it uses pedal 1 and is fun to recover energy. Overall, it's definitely great value for money!
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Vehicle year: 2020
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my 2012 Leaf that I bought in 2015. I got it at a great price from a local used car lot and I still love driving it after 5 years. However, I recently decided to upgrade because battery technology has advanced so much. I shopped around and even considered a Tesla, but I couldn't find a better quality vehicle at the price I got with my 2020 SL Plus. With three times the range and all the new tech, I'm looking forward to enjoying this car for years to come. Once you drive an EV, you never want to go back. The driving experience is just so much more refined. After that, ICE vehicles just feel like antiques. Thanks for listening!
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Vehicle year: 2020
This car is fantastic! You don't need a commuter car that runs on gas when you have something this nice. It drives wonderfully and we've only had to pay for charging once by plugging it in at our house. We use it to commute to and from work, as well as for short trips to the store or errands. We got a fantastic deal on it, so it's a no-brainer. For the price, nothing compares!
Are you having problems with your Nissan Leaf?
Agustin Jacobson 2025-10-24
Vehicle year: 2016
During winter days when the temperature is above 20 degrees, I am fortunate to get 50 miles on a single charge. However, I have noticed that the heating system is not very effective. Although the heated seats work fine, the feet and leg area remain cold and do not warm up, which can be uncomfortable during long commutes of 24 miles.
Selmer Schoen 2025-10-14
Vehicle year: 2013
Hey there! I totally understand the frustration of paying $80 per tank just to run errands around town and getting only 16 MPG. That's why I wanted to share my experience with the Leaf - it's been a game changer! Not only is it fun to drive, but it's also incredibly spacious. As someone who is 6'4'', I often struggle with finding cars that are comfortable, but the headroom in this car is fantastic. I've been a proud owner for 2.5 months now and I'm thrilled to report that I get a 90 mile range on a full charge. Plus, I've been able to take advantage of free charging at many Nissan dealerships. If you need a quick charge, the fast charger at dealerships will get you a full charge in just 40 minutes. I've noticed my electric bill has gone up about $50 per month from charging almost every night, but my utility company actually gives better rates for EV owners who use off peak power. Overall, I highly recommend the Leaf - it's been a great investment for me!
Halle Heller 2025-10-03
Vehicle year: 2012
The vehicle has not met the advertised performance standards. The cruising range with a 100% charged battery was only 70 miles on a good day and 60 miles on a windy day. Unfortunately, the battery has lost its capacity at a rapid rate, and after 5 years, the car can only be charged to 40%, resulting in a cruising range of 30 miles. It is worth noting that the extended warranty does not cover the replacement of the battery for capacity loss, which may have been a disappointment to some customers.
Crawford O'Conner 2025-09-29
Vehicle year: 2018
Despite being a leased car for just over 2 years and having driven 28k miles, this vehicle has had persistent issues since day 1. Despite multiple visits to the dealership, the noise coming from the front right wheel when turning has not been resolved. Additionally, the AC does not cool quickly enough and the steering wheel heating is unreliable. In real-life driving scenarios, the range is closer to 100-110 miles rather than the advertised 150 miles. Charging on the road is also not up to the standards promised by Nissan. The steering wheel has bubbled and requires replacement, and the front seat upholstery is already damaged despite being parked in a garage and wearing cotton clothes. The infotainment system is clunky and the mobile app is slow and unreliable. In comparison, my 2003 BMW with over 150k miles does not have any of these issues. However, the vehicle does have a nice drive, is very responsive and quiet, and has an attractive appearance. While charging at home is convenient, I would recommend spending your money elsewhere.
Okey Lockman 2025-09-21
Vehicle year: 2021
The car is perfect for local driving and my 18-mile round trip commute. With a level 2 charger installed at home and chargers available at work, keeping the car charged is a breeze. While the range is advertised as 150-160 miles, it's important to note that in colder weather, the range decreases to around 100 miles. Additionally, factors such as battery performance, heat, headlights, and speeds over 60mph can also impact the range. Unfortunately, an out-of-service Level 3 charger caused a significant delay during our 3-hour drive home from Thanksgiving, resulting in a 7-hour marathon of searching for working chargers and driving at 50mph without heat to conserve battery. For longer trips over 50 miles, we prefer to take our Honda Fit. If you can justify the extra $7000, I highly recommend getting the Plus.