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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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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UPDATE: Hi there! I wanted to share some updates on my experience with the car after 7 months of use. Firstly, I upgraded the charging station by having an electrician run a 220 line to the garage and installing an electric meter in October. I found a Clipper Creek HCS 30 charger on eBay for a great price of $435 and had the electrician hook it up. From October 13 until March 15, we have used 1390 kW for charging and preheating the car. Secondly, for the winter season, we bought Michelin Ice tires which have worked really well. Although we lost a bit of miles per kW, dropping from 3.8 to an average of 3.5, my wife can still drive it to work and back, with side trips, for two days before we charge it. However, we ended up plugging it in most nights just so it could be warm for her drive to work. Then she just uses the seat and steering wheel heat. On trips across town, I used the heat and the energy display to tell how much mileage you lose - I'd rather be warm. Thirdly, I tracked how much electricity we used compared to how much gas we would have used for the first two months of usage. We would have paid 2.5 times more using gas at 22mpg. I saved $108.52. With the meter installed, which includes heating most days this winter, gas would have cost twice as much, saving just under $400.00. Our cost of a kW, including distribution and the like, is currently $.15. This savings paid for my Clipper Creek charger and part of the electrical work. Lastly, I wanted to share some information on charging. The Flint area is not the best for electric cars, unfortunately. Thanks for reading!Thankfully, there is a public charger for Consumers Energy just 3 miles away, and downtown has two chargers at the university, although I am not sure how accessible they are. The local Nissan dealer is only a mile away from my wife's workplace, so she could easily stop in and charge for 20 minutes if needed. If we were to take a trip to the Detroit area, we would stop at the Nissan Tech Center for their fast charger, which takes only 20 minutes to charge up to 80%. We greatly enjoy having the car and always look for a reason to drive it. If we could find a low battery one for a good price, we would use it to drive to work (a 1.7-mile round trip) and around town. ORIGINAL REVIEW: If you are considering a LEAF, it's important to do your homework. Figure out how many miles you drive per day to determine if this car will work for you. Batteries seem to be the biggest problem after a number of years of use, and there are forums for the LEAF that will tell you what to look for and how to check them. It's such a different car from your internal combustion engine car that you need to think differently. If you want to follow the manufacturer's recommended service, you take it in every 7500 miles, and they check a few things. Every 14,500 miles, they change the brake fluid. That's it. On my 2015 model, I estimate we have 85 miles to use, even though it says we have 110 miles available. That is more than enough to get to work, which is 10 miles away, and run errands along the way. We are now charging every other day. The day after we bought it, we had gone 75 miles and still had 20% of the battery left. As it gets cold, expect the mileage to go down, partly due to heating the car and partly due to how cold can affect a battery. For us, even if it is cut in half, it would still serve our needs. As with every electric vehicle, this one has a sweet spot: 38 mph. If you could drive that on a nearly level road, I have read you can get 134 miles out of it.Meanwhile in the real world, consider if the mileage it will normally achieve based on the number of bars left on the battery is suitable for your needs. If it is, then go ahead and get it. If not, it's entirely up to you. Please note that I have not rated the safety of the vehicle as we have not yet experienced it during winter, and I am unsure of what is meant by 'active safety'.
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If you plan on selling the vehicle, it's important to note that it depreciates quicker than any other car. However, there are some benefits to owning this car that you should consider. For example, you can receive a state rebate and save money on gas, oil, and repairs. It's important to keep in mind that the federal tax credit is a credit, not a rebate or refund, and you must owe that amount or more in taxes to receive the full credit. While the salesman may try to convince you that this makes the car cheaper, it's important to remember that you have to pay for the full amount of the car up front and interest accrues on the full amount. Additionally, the fast charging stations are limited, so it's important to plan your trips accordingly. On the bright side, owning this car has significantly reduced my fuel costs and electricity bill. Overall, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.No 35-45mph roads, so the dashboard reports a loss of 2-3 miles for every 1 mile driven. However, the sweet spot for this car is 37 mph. I can drive for free without losing any miles, even though I've driven 10-20 actual miles! Sometimes I'll go that distance and sometimes I actually gain miles! It's totally cool! :)
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**UPDATE** I have been driving my Leaf for about 5 and a half years now, and have covered around 62,000 miles. I am happy to report that the battery degradation is still at 10 out of 12 bars. On a 60-degree day, with a full battery, I can travel approximately 68-70 miles. The maintenance cost has been very low, and I have not had any repairs in the last few years. One thing to note is that my 14 and 17-year-old kids do not like the Leaf because they think it looks dorky and uncool. However, I still find it beautiful. On an unrelated note, the resale value of my Leaf remains low due to its low battery capacity compared to newer EVs with much more range. Despite this, I will have paid it off this December 2020, and it is still ultra-efficient, ultra-low cost to maintain, ultra-reliable, and beautiful to my eyes. : ) **UPDATE** My Leaf has been my primary daily-driver for almost 5 years now, and I am still very pleased with it. I rarely encounter any issues, and the last time I had a problem was probably 2-3 years ago. One thing to note is that the battery degradation has gone down to 10 out of 12 bars, which means that when I am 100% charged, my range is approximately 72 miles. Although I have Just wanted to share my experience with my Leaf! I've driven it for around 41K miles and even though it's been 3-4 years since I wrote this, I still get around 72 miles on a full battery on a 60 degree day. While I didn't buy it for environmental reasons, I have to say that the financial and efficiency aspects of this car are truly amazing. I received rebates from my local Nissan dealership, the federal government, the state of Texas, and even Austin Energy for a home charging station. Plus, with an average mixed hwy/city driving, it gets the equivalent of 115 mpg! Overall, I'm extremely happy with my Leaf and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cost-effective and eco-friendly option.
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I leased my 2016 LEAF about 900 miles ago and I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised at how great it is. It's the SL version, which means it's fully loaded with all options. The car is well-built and very solid. With all the incentives, I got a great deal and will be able to buy it in a few years at an awesome price. Fully charged, it is capable of 125 miles, which is plenty for my daily 40-mile round trip commute. I installed a 240 V level 2 charger myself with not too much difficulty. I'm fairly handy and have a newer home with 200 amp service and spare breakers. I bought the NISSAN charger or EVSE online. I charge the car on early Wednesday mornings and again on Sunday mornings during off-peak hours. It charges from empty in less than 5 hours, but I usually only need about 3 and a half hours to go from 20 miles to about 110. It costs me about 2 bucks per charge, which is easy to do because it's fully programmable. It's incredibly loaded with technology that makes it fun to drive. While searching for an alternative vehicle, I drove the VOLT and Prius. I was not impressed with either one. The VOLT has hardly any rear headroom and is a joke for tall people to sit in the back, plus it's a true four-seater at best. The Prius was interesting but seemed to lack any pep. The LEAF is deceptively large inside due to its height. It also has great acceleration due to its torque from the electric motors. Driving an electric car is a unique experience. It's silent and smooth. There is no drag when using the A/C and no strain from a gas motor. It accelerates effortlessly, quietly, and smoothly. I don't have trouble with range because there are many chargers available in my area plus at any NISSAN dealer. I still have gas cars for long trips though, but I don't travel much anyway. I love pulling into my garage silently, having no motor to heat up the garage, no smells from oil and exhaust, etc. It requires no maintenance except tire rotations. No belts, exhaust, oil, etc.I'm not a hypermiler either, but that's okay. I use the climate control liberally and drive at normal speeds on the highway every day. Plus, I'm a car guy and own a classic muscle car which I drive pretty hard on the weekends. I guess I'm not the typical electric car owner, but it's just a blast to drive the LEAF. It has a nice-sized hatch area for groceries, unlike the Honda Fit. The electronics are intuitive and easy to use, and the nav is great. The Bose sound is very good too. If you're on the fence, examine your driving practices and see if it's for you. I should add that the build quality is exceptional and the materials are excellent. I am very picky with cars and don't have any major cons for this car. I will say that the center armrest could be improved by making it adjustable to slide forward. There is a little more wind noise than I like, but it's a smaller car. There is no lock on the glove box, and there should be courtesy lights for rear passengers. I hope this review helps you. *UPDATE* Feb 2017: Okay, so I first reviewed this car in September of 2016, and I think it's time to update my review. I see some people saying some poor things about it, but it's not been my experience. I have almost 16,000 miles on the car from a new lease and have ZERO battery life degradation. All battery life bars are full as new. It does not charge to what it did when new (135), but it does charge up to 109, which is in line with Nissan's projections. I live in a Northern cold weather climate and will say that using this car in winter weather DOES affect the mileage rather significantly when driving at highway speeds. Cons: The use of all the electric accessories in winter weather (especially the climate control) can drain the battery quickly. At lower city speeds, however, I find the effects to be not as drastic. The A/C in the summer is a high drain on the battery also.Driving on snow or ice can be tricky due to the torque of the motors when accelerating from a stop. Although, the car has some cons such as terrible windshield washer sprayers, no daytime running lamps, and headlights that don't automatically turn off in the constant ON position, there are also some pros such as no gas or maintenance other than tire rotations, powerful headlights (SL), great Bose stereo (on the SL), effortless electric power steering, nice leather, excellent navigation, easy Bluetooth, lots of media options, and an awesome heated steering wheel. The car is surprisingly roomy because of its tall cabin and has jackrabbit acceleration. This car may not be for everyone, but it is ideal for close to home driving, running errands, grocery shopping, etc. However, unscheduled impulse drives may not be possible due to range limitations. If most of your driving is close to home, this car could be perfect for you.
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?
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.
Jeffry Kutch 2024-04-23
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that Nissan is replacing your battery free of charge, even though it's only down to 70 percent and it's still under warranty for 100,000 miles. I understand that you dropped off your car back in August and are still waiting for the battery, but I'm glad to hear that they've provided you with a loaner car during this time. Hang in there, and hopefully you'll have your car back soon!
Gerardo Sipes 2024-01-19
The Leaf is a well-made car that delivers on everything it claims to. However, the power source is a problem. There are just not enough places to charge the vehicle, and when you do find one, it takes several hours to charge. This makes it inconvenient, especially when you factor in weather conditions and highway driving, both of which drastically affect your mileage.