2017 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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Common 2017 Nissan Leaf problems
The Nissan Leaf, particularly the 2017 model, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most significant issues is related to the battery, with numerous owners reporting problems such as rapid battery depletion, reduced battery capacity, and battery failure. These issues can lead to a significant reduction in the vehicle's range and, in some cases, require expensive battery replacements.
Another common problem with the 2017 Nissan Leaf is related to the in-car electronics. Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system, including problems with the touchscreen and the navigation system. These issues can affect the overall usability and convenience of the vehicle.
The climate system has also been reported as a problem area for the 2017 Nissan Leaf. Some owners have reported issues with the air conditioning and heating systems, including problems with the fan and temperature control. These issues can affect the comfort of the vehicle, particularly in extreme temperatures.
The EV charging system has also been reported as a problem area for the 2017 Nissan Leaf. Some owners have reported issues with the charging cord, including failures and malfunctions. These issues can affect the vehicle's ability to charge, which can be a significant inconvenience for owners.
The steering and suspension system has also been reported as a problem area for the 2017 Nissan Leaf. Some owners have reported issues with the steering, including problems with the power steering system. These issues can affect the handling and safety of the vehicle.
The brakes have also been reported as a problem area for the 2017 Nissan Leaf. Some owners have reported issues with the brakes, including problems with the brake pads and rotors. These issues can affect the safety and performance of the vehicle.
Finally, the drive system has been reported as a problem area for the 2017 Nissan Leaf. Some owners have reported issues with the electric motor and transmission, including problems with the power and acceleration. These issues can affect the performance and efficiency of the vehicle.
In summary, the 2017 Nissan Leaf has been reported to have several common problems, including issues with the battery, in-car electronics, climate system, EV charging system, steering and suspension, brakes, and drive system. These issues can affect the safety, performance, and convenience of the vehicle, and some can be quite expensive to repair.
What is the most common problem of Nissan Leaf?
Most Common Nissan LEAF Problems
- Nissan LEAF Battery Degradation.
- Problems with the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System.
- Power Inverter Failure.
- Diminished Range During Low Temperatures.
How long will the 2017 Nissan LEAF last?
around ten years
Generally, you should expect the Nissan Leaf to last for around ten years. Because electric car batteries last so long, many outlast other components of the car, so you might get a new car before your battery's condition becomes an issue.
What is the disadvantage of 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.
Does the Nissan Leaf have battery problems?
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.
2017 Nissan Leaf complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2017 Nissan Leaf.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2017 Nissan Leaf recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2017 Nissan Leaf.
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2017 LEAF vehicles. The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
- Consequence: Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Nissan will mail an addendum with updated instructions on how to operate the defroster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23A1.
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag doesn't deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury to passengers.
- Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Negative 2017 Nissan Leaf car reviews
Positive 2017 Nissan Leaf car reviews
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We brought our 2015 Leaf home in October 2014 and it has been a miracle ever since. With 17000 miles on the clock and no need to go back to the dealer, it has been the most reliable car we have ever owned. The Leaf is powerful and smooth, with adequate range for our daily commute. Recharging at home is a plus and is simpler than pumping gas. It's been almost three years and 30k miles and we have had no repairs or maintenance to speak of, and it still feels like new. Even after 44k miles in February 2018, there has been no need for repairs or battery degradation. It's truly a remarkable car!
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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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The Leaf is such a joy to drive! It handles like a dream and feels incredibly sturdy and well-crafted. I personally find it quite zippy, so I'm not sure where Edmunds is coming from with their 'slow acceleration' comment. I adored my previous car, but I decided to switch to the Leaf to take advantage of new technology. I opted to lease instead of purchase, as I like the flexibility of being able to upgrade to a higher range vehicle in a few years. I'm eagerly anticipating Nissan's release of a 150-200 range version in 2018 - I'll definitely be first in line! And if you're not a fan of the Leaf's unique appearance, that's all the more reason to drive it - you won't have to look at it! Inside, it's a spacious and beautifully appointed car. And charging it is a breeze - I simply plug it into a standard outlet in my garage and it charges overnight, just like my iPhone and iPad. It's become a regular, nightly routine for me. I absolutely adore it! I leased it in January 2016, and I have to say, leasing is definitely the way to go over purchasing.
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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!
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This is my second Leaf! My first one was unfortunately totaled when I was rear-ended. I purchased both cars used from an EV specialist outside Atlanta. My first car was a '13 S, while my current car is an SV with a larger capacity battery, much better heating and A/C. Both cars use less power and the heat is more effective. My present car has Navigation and alloy wheels, but offers essentially the same quiet, peppy (at city speeds) driving experience. Before I bought my first Leaf, I kept a record of how far I drove each trip and miles per day. I found that I seldom went more than 30 miles a day with multiple short trips most days. The 240v charging station that I provided for when we had the house built restores 100% charge from a usual discharge of around 50% in just a few hours, so my car is usually fully charged. I note that charging is slower than in my first Leaf, but there is no 80% recommended setting to maintain battery life. My current Leaf has just over 38,000 miles and has lost 2 battery bars. When fully charged without use of heat or AC, it results in a predicted 85-90 miles. It requires virtually zero maintenance and is versatile enough for me to haul home a standard upholstered armchair in the trunk well with the hatch closed. It wouldn't fit in my BMW X1!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2017 Nissan Leaf problems:
Potential leaf owner here. Any major concerns to be aware of? : r ...
Jul 19, 2021 ... The biggest problem is that the LEAF is the only EV that does not have a liquid cooling system for the battery. This means that if you use ...
2017 Nissan Leaf Reliability - Consumer Reports
What Owners Say · Electric/hybrid battery pack replacement. "Car charge depletes quickly and battery capacity has been reduced. · "turtle with an exclamation ...
2017 Nissan LEAF Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2017 Nissan LEAF? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Sudden Motor Power Loss resulting in car stalled on the side of the ...
Dec 8, 2022 ... My Nissan Leaf ... Nissan Leaf Facebook Group · LEAF Ownership · Problems / Troubleshooting ... Nissan Leaf 2017 30 kWh Battery Pack. Thread ...
Here Are The Nissan Leaf Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Jul 21, 2023 ... Another common problem with the Nissan Leaf is that the passenger sensors start to fail. That can be a serious safety concern since the ...
Other years of Nissan Leaf
Are you having problems with your 2017 Nissan Leaf?
Mohamed Gerhold 2025-06-11
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.
Luigi Herman 2025-04-10
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.
Dewitt Nicolas 2025-02-08
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.
Dereck Shields 2024-05-09
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!
Lafayette Mueller 2024-04-29
The range promised did not match the range delivered. When driving at 65 mph, the range is only 45 miles before needing to search for a charging station. This may not meet the expectations of some drivers. It is important to consider your driving needs before making a purchase. While this car may not be suitable for long distance travel, it may be a good option for short commutes. It is important to do your research and consider all options before making a decision. We understand that this may have been a difficult experience for you, and we hope that you are able to find a vehicle that meets your needs in the future.