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Certain Nissan Leaf models, particularly the 2011-2017 versions, have experienced issues with their AEB systems due to outdated software.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: 2022
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with the Leaf. While it may not be a Tesla, it's still a great car for my 130-mile daily commute. I've been driving a Prius Prime plug-in, which is also a fantastic car in many ways. However, the Leaf's one-pedal all-EV driving in ECO mode is a smooth and easy experience that I really enjoy. Plus, it's made with a lot of recycled and renewable materials, which is great for the environment. While it doesn't have leather seats or a leather steering wheel, it still has a heated steering wheel that's perfect for those cold New England mornings. Overall, I've realized that I was being a bit of a snob and this car is the right tool for the job. Thanks for listening!
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Vehicle year: 2015
I purchased my 2015 Leaf in November 2016 and it has been a great investment. Despite being a used car, the price was very affordable and it has proven to be a reliable mode of transportation. My daily commute is 35 miles each way, but I never have to worry about running out of charge thanks to the EV charging stations in my office parking lot. I usually charge for 2 hours to ensure a full charge for any side trips on the way home. The low maintenance of this car was a major selling point for me, especially since I already have 3 other high mileage vehicles that require frequent maintenance. With the Leaf, it's as simple as unplugging and going. I've driven 13,000 miles trouble-free in the past six months and the ride is smooth with brisk acceleration. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase and would highly recommend this car as the perfect commuter vehicle. Even after another 36,000 miles since my last review, I have had no issues or maintenance concerns, except for replacing the tires. I absolutely love this car!
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Vehicle year: 2017
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your Leaf! While the car's low environmental impact is definitely a plus, it's great to hear that you were able to get such a good deal on it. With the federal tax credit and rebate in MA, it sounds like you got an amazing price. And the fact that you have access to free charging is a huge bonus - it must be great to be able to drive without worrying about the cost of gas. I can definitely see why the Leaf would make a great second car, or even a first car for some people. It's amazing how much better EVs are than gas cars - they're quieter, smoother, and better for the environment. Plus, the heated steering wheel sounds like a really nice feature, especially in the winter. Of course, there are a few downsides to the Leaf, like the limited range and some design quirks, but overall it sounds like you're really happy with your purchase. Thanks for sharing your experience with me!
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Vehicle year: 2016
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 there are two chargers available downtown 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 make a stop at the Nissan Tech Center for their fast charger, which takes only 20 minutes to charge up to 80%. It's a nice 20-minute walk in the summer. We really enjoy having the car and I always look for a reason to drive it. If I could find a low-priced one with a low battery, I would use it to drive to work (a 1.7-mile round trip) and around town. ORIGINAL REVIEW: If you are considering a LEAF, do your homework. Figure out how many miles you drive a day to help you decide 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 that 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 that 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: 2011
I'm currently in Pennsylvania, so I haven't yet experienced the reduced range that comes with cold winter temperatures. However, I can confidently say that this car makes for a much better commuter than I initially anticipated. My daily drive to work is about 12 miles, taking around 30 minutes each way. It fits perfectly into my lifestyle and would be a great fit for most urban commuters. Although I didn't intend for this car to do much more than take me to work and back, it has quickly become my go-to for anything within 20 miles of my home - which is most of what I do on a day-to-day basis. If this car fits your lifestyle, I would highly recommend considering it. I'm still exploring the range limits to see what I can and can't do, but so far, it has exceeded my expectations.
Are you having problems with your Nissan Leaf?
Brayan Ullrich 2025-06-21
Vehicle year: 2011
We are in TN, so only Nissan dealers are supplying the charging stations. This can make 'range anxiety' a very real concern for me after hours of driving. However, with a bit more planning, I can adjust to it. Once DC quick charging stations become more widely available, range anxiety will be much reduced. On the bright side, the car handles very well.
Mohamed Gerhold 2025-06-11
Vehicle year: 2017
I wanted to share my experience with my Nissan Leaf. After owning it for two years, I noticed that the battery started degrading rapidly, which was disappointing. On a full charge, the mileage range was approximately 85 miles, but now, after two years, it's approximately 70 miles on a good day. Unfortunately, I can't use my radio, heater, or a/c because the mileage range will drop to 55 on a full charge. However, I do appreciate that I have the 220 outlet for the charger at home, which gets a full charge within about 3 hours. If you use the 110, it will take up to 12 hours or more for a full charge. Although I'm disappointed with the battery life, I still like the car. I'm considering selling it, but I've learned that it's worth less than what I still owe on it.
Rowan Lindgren 2025-06-08
Vehicle year: 2012
Hey there! I recently purchased a Nissan Leaf SL and wanted to share my thoughts with you. In this review, I'll go over the pros and cons of the car. I had a bit of trouble getting the full cost from the dealer, Koon's Nissan in Virginia, but I managed to get all the details. The standard MSRP is $38,100, with a processing fee of $499, tax of $1,157.97, filing fee of $10, business license tax of $72.40, and plates costing $105.50. All in all, the total price comes to $39,944.88, not including floor mats. It's a bit of a bummer that you have to pay an extra $175 for floor mats, but it's worth it for the overall experience. Plus, you can look forward to the Federal E.Car subsidy of up to $7,500 in April (tax return) if you buy, or it's taken off immediately if you lease. While I do wish I hadn't waited 16 months to purchase it and paid a bit less, I still think it's a great car. The only downsides are the Nissan proprietary GPS and the lack of floor mats, but it's definitely a fun car to drive!
Xzavier Mertz 2025-04-19
Vehicle year: 2014
NOTE 2018 - Hello! It's been 10 years since Nissan started making batteries for their LEAF model, now manufactured by LG. Unfortunately, these batteries do not have liquid cooling and tend to fail quite often. They wilt and lose capacity 10 times faster than any other Electric. However, they are okay in cooler areas. We had a 2013 LEAF and we used to have the 2011 for 2 years. Many features have been added to the 2013 model, such as ECO mode staying on, braking mode, and a better estimate of range. The Air Cond is also more efficient. The only BIG problem is the battery degrades in the heat. The 2011 thru 2014 have the same fatal problem. We lose 5-10% capacity a summer. It's lost forever. The warranty is sticky, you have to lose 4 bars about 40% within 60K miles and 5 years. They changed the software so that doesn't work and you lose 3. Yet range is bad and you can't drive. We used to love our LEAF. We lease and every 2 years can't wait to see how they improve it and lower the cost. Our daily commute is 44 miles round trip. It's easy with 50 60 left each trip. I can go about 70 miles on city streets when needed. Just lease so you don't get stuck with a LEAF with a low capacity battery pack. New models get lower pricing so selling your old one would be hard. The new 2018 LEAF will have more range. Near the end of 2018 it may top 200 miles but they haven't added Thermal battery control so I would not buy one. We now have a 2015 KIA SOUL EV that has Air Battery cooling. It is also failing. Only vehicles with liquid cooling like the Chevy SPARK EV, Bolt, or FORD FOCUS EV and world Leader Tesla model S, X and 3 have long long battery life and no heat problems. We finally got a Tesla model 3 in March 2018. It is amazing with no battery loss in over a year, even in the Phoenix heat. The range is about 350 miles on a charge or more if we just do city driving instead of Highways most of the time. PS Nissan still hasn't fixed the fatal flaw in their LEAF. We recommend not buying one in the Southwest USA or any HOT climate.
Luigi Herman 2025-04-10
Vehicle year: 2017
I purchased a 2016 Leaf with an extended range of 108 miles after owning a 2013 Leaf for 2.5 years with no noticeable battery degradation. Unfortunately, my 2016 Leaf has lost 31% of its original battery capacity after 19 months and 7000 miles. A full charge now indicates 74 miles, however, during my last drive, I traveled 44 miles round trip and was left with only 12 miles of capacity when I returned home. Before purchasing this car, it's important to consider if it will meet your needs. Nissan has stated that battery degradation is normal and my car currently charges at 9 out of 12 bars on their charging scale. They won't replace the battery until it reaches 8 out of 12 bars. While I'm disappointed with the current range of my car, it's important to note that this may not be an issue for everyone. Would this car work for you? I can only drive 22 miles from my home if I want to make it back home. It's important to consider all factors before making a decision.