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Certain Nissan Leaf models, particularly the 2011-2017 versions, have experienced issues with their AEB systems due to outdated software.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: 2016
The Nissan Leaf is a great car for those with a moderate commute and/or mostly do errands within a radius of a few miles. While its limited range of 80-100 miles on a charge in warmer weather - or only 50-60 miles in Minnesota winters - makes it unsuitable as a primary family car, it is the perfect choice for those looking for a cheap and efficient commuter car. We purchased a 3-year-old Leaf with 25k on the odometer for a third of what it cost new, making it the cheapest car we could possibly own. Despite its soft, forgiving suspension, it corners remarkably well and is luxury-car quiet on the highway, and absolutely library quiet at city speeds. Its acceleration of 0-60 in 10 seconds might not sound quick, but it is wonderful for around-town driving. You can pick up 10-15 mph almost instantly at any time, with no waiting for a downshift and no dramatic engine roar to draw attention. While it starts running out of steam at highway speeds, it is a blast around town. Hybrids and EVs get much better mileage in town than on the highway, and that is very true of this car. Overall, the Nissan Leaf is a great choice for those looking for an efficient and reliable car for their daily commute.The biggest limitation of this car is the constant need to think about how much range you have left, and when and where you're going to charge it. Although we have Level 2 charging, it's only 3.3kW, which is the very low end of Level 2, and it takes 6-8 hours to fully charge the battery from as low as we'd dare let it get. Many Leafs were sold with the optional Quick Charge Package (6.6kW), but it uses the CHaDeMo connector which is rapidly being phased out in favor of CCS. Almost all the EV makers except Tesla are switching to CCS, and Nissan has also gone with CCS on its new Ariya. Yet bizarrely, even though they made significant design changes on the 2023 Leaf, they’re sticking with CHaDeMo on that car. It makes no sense, but then again we don’t even have the fast charge on ours. If you can manage the charge time, it may be an advantage. Fast charging is fine if you only use it occasionally for longer trips, but it generates a lot of heat, and the Leaf’s air-cooled battery may be the reason some people who fast-charge a lot have had their battery degraded a bit by 60-80k miles. I’ve heard many stories of batteries this age only charging to 9 or 10 bars instead of 12. However, we still charge to 12 bars and a full indicated 100% at 80k, and we have noticed no loss of range at all since we bought it. A lot of people are worried about the cost of replacing EV batteries as they age. That’s a concern, but battery prices are in free fall as technology improves, and the Leaf’s 24kWh battery is much smaller than the newer EVs. You could have your battery replaced today for $5k, or upgrade to one with 30% more range for $8k. Those prices will continue to drop, and it's unlikely that it will be necessary for most vehicles before 150k miles. It's pretty far down on my list of concerns. By the way, the concern about fast charging is only even an issue on the Leaf.Most new EVs, including Nissan's new Ariya, have liquid-cooled batteries that shouldn't be degraded by fast charging. In terms of energy costs, we live in Minnesota, which unfortunately does not have cheap electricity (about 15c/kWh after taxes), and we spend $40 a month to drive 1000 miles. Even a Prius would cost more than double that, at today's gas prices, and anything else would cost at least 3-4 times as much. As for maintenance costs, the only issue we've encountered has been with the brakes. Although the regenerative braking on hybrids and EVs means their brakes typically last a lot longer, longtime owners of these cars in snowy/salty climates know that they will rust up after 4-5 years on the road whether they are worn out or not. Last year, we spent about $1k having our brakes reconditioned and rustproofed (something the factory doesn't do), but other than a new set of tires, that is the only expense we have incurred. Speaking of winter, this car is fantastic for a 2WD vehicle in ice and snow. It has the weight of a Camry or Accord pushing down on tires the size of the Versa on which it's based. Skinny tires equal great traction. What's more, the traction control system is far more responsive than is possible with a gas engine. In snow, you just put your foot down and let the drivetrain sort it out. No roaring engine or violent wheelspin: the car adjusts power to the motor within fractions of a second depending on the amount of wheelspin, also applying brakes to whichever wheel slips more to ensure that they both have the right amount of power at all times. It just works. Like my Mazda, in a tight snowy turn, the stability control will bring the back end around slightly, helping tuck the car into the turn with less chance of the front end plowing wide. They might not advertise that their ESC does torque vectoring, but it does. Really great on snowy Minneapolis streets. More about winter: Our Leaf S only has a resistive heater, not the heat pump offered on the more expensive models.The heater uses a lot of power (about 3kW by my calculations) and will reduce your range even further than what I mentioned above. However, we have our Leaf set to preheat the car on house power before we get in in the morning. So we start out with a full battery in a warm car preheated to about 90 degrees, and even in the cold Minnesota weather, that lasts a while when you’ve also got a heated steering wheel and four heated seats (thanks to the Cold Weather Package that is the only option on our base Leaf). We don’t end up using the heater that much. Fortunately, the AC (or presumably the heat pump, if yours has that option) is a lot less thirsty than the heater. By my calculations, the AC only uses about 500-600 watts, and running it only takes 5-10 miles off the range. We use the AC all summer and don’t worry about it. In conclusion, it's a great car to drive around in, as long as you’re okay with not driving it very far, and we’ve saved a fortune. We love it for what it is, but also recognize that for most people’s demands (most families seem to want all their cars to be road-trip capable, even if one or two are only used for commuting) it has been made obsolete by the newer EVs with 2-3x the range and anywhere from 7 to 100 times the charging speed. As of the summer of 2023, after 5.5 years and 65k miles, it's still great with no major changes to the above, but we had to redo the brakes again. One of the downsides of driving in a salty winter environment.
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Vehicle year: 2018
I want to start by saying that I'm not your typical EV owner. I didn't buy this car to save the planet, but rather for its economic benefits. As a 6'3I find it easy to fit my two small children in their booster seats in the back, and the trunk has plenty of room for a Costco run. I receive compliments on the car's appearance almost every day. Although it's not a Tesla, it's still a sharp-looking car. I think this generation of Leafs looks much better than the previous ones, which I found to be kind of weird-looking. In my opinion, this car looks better than the Bolt. If your daily commute is less than 100 miles round trip and you have another car in the family for longer trips, I highly recommend the Leaf.
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Vehicle year: 2020
I purchased my used 2019 Nissan Leaf SL on 3/21 and have been enjoying it for the past four months. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I didn't need a level 2 charger, despite living in a rural area with no charging stations nearby. Instead, I used the 110v wall plug and the cable that came with the car for the better part of a year and added a 'dryer outlet' to the garage. This has resulted in faster charging and is better for the battery. Although I was disappointed with the quality of the carpet material, I have noticed a decline in the level of finishes in cars over the last decade. On the plus side, the car is beautiful, reliable, and easy to drive. It's super quiet and has great performance, with plenty of pick up. The Bose sound system is also a nice touch. I was initially skeptical about the Pro Pilot Assist, but it works very well, especially when I need to eat on the way to an appointment while driving on the highway. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase and have driven it more than 1,000 miles every month since I've had it. Although I feel that the price for a new one was too high, I still highly recommend it. In fact, it's the best car I've ever owned! An 11-month update: I still love this car and have had no problems with it. A 16-month update: I have driven it for 15k miles and have not noticed any perceptible battery degradation or other issues.The car market is currently very unpredictable. If you're considering buying a used car, it's important to do your research and check for any known issues with the model you're interested in. Websites like Consmr Rpts and check engine light dot com can be helpful resources for checking reliability ratings. While some newer models like the Bolt have had some minor issues, the Leaf has generally been a reliable choice. Don't let the fear of the unknown deter you from considering an electric vehicle - they can be fantastic options for saving money on gas and maintenance costs. I've personally saved a lot of money since switching to an EV, even with the added cost of a yearly highway tax. In fact, my child now uses it to commute to college. As for my own experience with the car, it's been great so far. It's the preferred choice for everyone in my household and still has 100% battery life after almost two years of daily use. While it's unfortunate that Nissan may be phasing out the Leaf for a newer model, I would still highly recommend it to anyone in the market for an electric vehicle. Who knows, maybe we'll even get the option to switch out batteries in the future!
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Vehicle year: 2021
I'm glad to hear that you haven't encountered any issues so far! It sounds like installing a level 2 charger in your garage has made your daily commute much easier. It's great that you still have plenty of battery life left after your round trip. It's also good to know that charging at home hasn't significantly increased your power bill. I understand your concern about the lack of a spare tire, but it's great that you've taken steps to prepare for any potential issues with the plug kit and compressor. Thank you for sharing your experience!
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Vehicle year: 2017
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my Nissan Leaf that I purchased new with the 30kWh battery on 12/31/16. I've driven it for 50k miles and have owned it for 4 1/2 years without any maintenance issues. Currently, my battery level is at an 11 and I usually get around 95 miles in range. I charge my car at home using a 120v outlet approximately 95% of the time, which may be slow but it has extended the battery life. Overall, it's a great car for short trips and commuting. Let me know if you have any questions!
Are you having problems with your Nissan Leaf?
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.
Royce Heaney 2025-03-28
Vehicle year: 2019
The car drives well and, as a long-time Nissan fan, I was excited to try the Leaf. However, there are a few drawbacks that make it hard to fully enjoy. Firstly, the seats are quite uncomfortable and the steering wheel is barely adjustable. These factors combined make even short drives uncomfortable and long drives unbearable. If you're considering a Leaf, I recommend taking it for a long test drive to see if it's the right fit for you. Additionally, while the app to connect to your car works relatively well, it's disappointing that there's a monthly fee after a few months. It would be great if this was included with the car. Overall, I hope Nissan can improve these issues because I really want to love the Leaf.
Gust Bernhard 2025-03-26
Vehicle year: 2012
Just a few things to keep in mind: it's unlikely that you'll achieve the EPA rated distances, especially at freeway speeds or with the heater on. This is probably true for the Volt as well. Other than that, the car performed well until I got a flat tire. It's important to note that the Leaf doesn't come with a spare tire, and Nissan hasn't yet found a solution for this. They do provide a small electric pump and sealant, but I would advise against using them as it can be quite expensive. Unfortunately, my car is currently not starting and the dealership has been unable to determine the cause for over a week now. It's a bit frustrating, especially since it seems to be related to the braking system and the computer isn't registering when the brakes are applied.
Joey Gleichner 2025-03-22
Vehicle year: 2016
Your battery pack will degrade over time, it's just a matter of time. Ours are failing and Nissan will do nothing to help. However, we want to help you avoid any potential issues, so please be aware of this. Consider yourself warned!