2020 Nissan Leaf problems
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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 2020 Nissan Leaf problems
The common problems reported by owners of the Nissan Leaf 2020 include issues with the in-car electronics, EV battery, climate system, steering and suspension, brakes, EV charging, body hardware, and paint and trim.
- In-car Electronics: Owners have reported problems with the infotainment system, rear entertainment system, backup camera/sensors, and head-up display. For instance, some complaints mention issues with the volume control on the dash not functioning properly, interference with pairing due to devices like the Apple watch, and sensitivity problems with the volume button leading to erratic changes in volume levels.
- EV Battery: Battery degradation is a common concern among Nissan Leaf owners. While the 2020 model is relatively new, long-term battery performance and degradation over time are key issues for electric vehicles. Early signs of battery degradation can impact the driving range and overall performance of the vehicle.
- Climate System: Complaints related to the climate system may involve heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) issues. Problems with maintaining desired cabin temperatures, defrosting, or cooling could affect the comfort and usability of the vehicle.
- Steering and Suspension: Issues with the steering and suspension components can lead to handling problems, uneven tire wear, and a compromised driving experience. Any abnormalities in steering responsiveness or suspension performance should be addressed promptly to ensure safety.
- Brakes: Brake problems can pose serious safety risks. Complaints about brakes may include premature wear of brake pads, brake locking, or other issues affecting braking performance. Proper maintenance and timely inspection of the braking system are crucial for safe operation.
- EV Charging: Charging-related problems can impact the convenience and usability of an electric vehicle. Issues with charging ports, cables, or the charging system itself can lead to difficulties in recharging the vehicle, affecting its daily functionality.
- Body Hardware: Problems with body hardware such as door handles, locks, or exterior components can affect the vehicle's aesthetics, security, and overall functionality. Any issues with body hardware should be addressed to maintain the integrity and appearance of the vehicle.
- Paint and Trim: Complaints related to paint quality, chipping, or trim issues can impact the vehicle's appearance and resale value. Maintaining the exterior finish and addressing any paint or trim problems promptly can help preserve the vehicle's aesthetics.
These reported problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance, timely repairs, and addressing any issues promptly to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of the Nissan Leaf 2020.
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 a 2020 Nissan Leaf last?
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 are the weaknesses of the Nissan Leaf?
Cons
- Limited small-item storage.
- The back seats don't fold flat.
- Less range than many other EVs.
- The Leaf's type of fast-charging port isn't widely supported.
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.
2020 Nissan Leaf car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Nissan Leaf problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Back over prevention problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Nissan Leaf vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2020 Nissan Leaf complaints
The NHTSA has received 21 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Nissan Leaf.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-06
- 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-07
- VIN: 1N4AZ1BP4LC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My back up camera is having issue, like becoming dark, multicolored and pink. It is not safe to back up especially when it rains. I purchased this car two months ago (December, 2023) and this problem started a month ago, sometimes it works fine but mostly is not working. I contacted the Nissan dealer I purchsed from but they did not confirmed the issue and I know a lot of people (in Facebook group) who has the same issue with their Nissan Leaf even with new 2023 models, mine is 2020. When I called the dealer to inspect they are charging me $130 just to inspect. It's 25,000 miles on this car, this is pretty new car. Thank you!
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-18
- VIN: 1N4BZ1CP5LC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: About 3 months ago, I took this car in after receiving a recall notice for unexpected acceleration while on adaptive cruise control even though this was an issue I had never experienced before. But on monday, driving in stop and go traffic in light rain (intermittent wipers on slow setting), all of a sudden the car started accelerating directly towards the car 20 feet or so in front of us; the brakes had to be manually slammed on to bring the car to stop with now only 2-3 feet or so between the two cars. This was very alarming. When I spoke to the dealership about them needing to fix this safety issue and how I thought it must be related to the recall, they said it could not be given it first happened 3 months later and I would have to pay for an evaluation and if they found anything wrong for the repair. I am reporting this and would like to know if other Nissan Leafs are seeing the same issue post-recall repair. I will say it doesn't happen all the time since I like and use adaptive cruise control regularly. I carefully tried it after this event but with much more distance between me and the car in front and it did slow the car down as it normally does when traffic slowed, but again, I never got as close to the car as this time and it was not raining so who knows. I have reported this to Nissan corporate and was told someone would call me back in the next few days.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-01
- VIN: 1N4AZ1BP5LC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I was driving on Interstate Highway H-3, uphill at 55 mph, when the % charge on the high-voltage battery instantaneously dropped from 18 to 5%. The warning light also came on. I was not using the A/C at the time. Over the next 30 seconds or so, the gauge quickly went from 5...4...3...2....1. By dumb luck, as the gauge hit 1%, I hit peak elevation on the mountain pass, and was able to coast in neutral until the freeway starts going downhill. Normally, an 18% charge would have been more than enough to comfortable complete my trip home from where I was on H-3 at the time. A sudden drop in battery % could lead to a cutoff of the motor, which at high-speed on a highway could cause a serious accident. I have subsequently done a battery health test and found the State of Health rating to be 90%. There don't appear to be any bad cells in the battery that would explain the sudden drop while driving. My hunch is that this problem is related to the firmware update I received at the Nissan dealer to address NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V494000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-09
- VIN: 1N4BZ1DP1LC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: backup camera was intermittently not working. Dealer tested and found "rear camera image signal test at the avm connector 20-19, and the signal is not normal". Code U111A-00 was found. Camera was replaced under extended warranty with $100 deductible, code was cleared and camera is now working. Vehicle has been in service for 2.5yrs and has 40k miles. I've seen several Nissan backup Camera recalls, but my vehicle was apparently not included? Submitting in case others are experiencing and a recall might be needed?
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-17
- VIN: 1N4BZ1CP6LC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 1. Unexpected acceleration, AC power, Computer dash controls, and Computer programming for GPS coordinates for charging stations out of date and or tampered with (status was "out of range" and did not match range number on the odometer. Computer Programming for charge stations is a dynamic feature when it works right. Its a component of the vehicle to be able to operate and get people to where they need to go, and it was malfunctioning on a recent road trip and gave me bad intel, etc. Again, the intel did not match the instrument panel located under the steering column. 2. This vehicle has been serviced with a software update that was supposed to correct the Issues. It did not work. 3. Nissan put the situation back in my lap and asked me to drive them around (three times now to "replicate")?! I did on the second or third visit, and could not get the unexpected acceleration to replicate during that 45 minute drive. The other issues they have completely dismissed. Please note: These issues have been well documented by your website and EV Insiders (see recalls), and by ME (the consumer and purchaser of that car). 4. The chief network architects for Nissan according to LinkedIn are: Juan Valdez Cybersecurity and network architect, Shane Callahan CISO, and or Arnold Hahamyan Cheif Enterprise Architect (Nissan Americas). Can someone reach out to these guys to see what is chiefly responsible for the flaw in their gateway/software. And why a 2020 Leaf why the programing to find charging station is flawed and or corrupted? 5. Last, since whatever software change occurred and or cyber attack (assuming), Emode is the safest way to drive the car, economy drive has had the problem with unexpected acceleration. Note: Car sped up after taking foot off accelerator and between foot pedal breaking, this occurred coming up to Red lights, parking, car wash, etc. 6. Theres something wrong with the cruise control too, and it does not always work right.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-01
- VIN: 1N4BZ1CP6LC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Makes clicking sound when changing from Park to Drive mode or Drive to Park, Park to Reverse, etc. The click is loud enough to hear with windows closed. The clicks are also heard when starting to accelerate or when decelerating. I first noticed this a few months ago, but these clicking sounds seem to be getting louder.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-01
- VIN: 1N4BZ1CP7LC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Nissan claims that a previous recall for Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, Rear Visibility could be fixed with a system update (recall 20V412000). This does not appear to be the case. I had the system update run already in December 2022 and it didn't fix the problem. The rear backup camera still goes pink and is not visible. I believe this is a hardware issue and should be fixed because it is a major safety problem.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-12
- VIN: 1N4BZ1BP3LC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: A yellow warning ️ and two cars crashing comes on and during driving the car applies sudden breaking. I took the car in for repairs but no time line was given for repairs or parts. Also even though it's under warranty the dealer and the headquarter would not give me a rental car until the repairs are made.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-15
- VIN: 1N4AZ1CP9LC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The backup camera of my 2020 Nissan Leaf does not consistently work. Often, the screen is bright pink and does not show the view of behind the vehicle. Clearly, it is a safety issue to have a malfunctioning backup camera. I am getting it serviced by a Nissan dealer next week. The failure seems to be related to opening and shutting the rear hatch, because sometimes the camera would work and sometimes it failed. It is consistently broken now.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-29
- VIN: 1N4AZ1BP5LC
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? AEB may have malfunctioned. Yes, I will provide the car for official inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Possible injuries from abrupt braking; possible and likely rear-end collision if drivers behind me. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. I have not contacted Nissan. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. I have not contacted any gov agency or insurance carrier. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. I saw three red flashes and associated sounds warning of imminent collision - even though NOTHING was in front of the car that would cause the AEB to engage. Below is my incident description: My work has an underground garage. I was entering the garage, went down one level, and then on my way back up the next level. There are speed bumps going down and going up, so you cannot go very fast. On my way back up (incline), the AEB unexpectedly activated with red buttons flashing about three times with sound (as if I was about to crash into something) and then the car abruptly stopped. I stepped on the accelerator to try and go and it would not budge. I'm still on the incline. If there were cars behind me, I would have most likely been rear-ended because this incident came out of nowhere and my car just stopped. There were no moving cars in front of me that would indicate a near collision, only parked cars. I had driven this route in the past so I don't know what was different today. Car just stopped. I am still on incline; placed car in park; waited few seconds; placed car in drive and was finally able to move the car.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-25
- VIN: 1N4BZ1DP9LC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH in the rain, a tree branch fell and struck the passenger’s side of the vehicle causing the air bags to deploy. The contact stated that he lost control of the vehicle when the air bags deployed. Additionally, the vehicle lost steering and braking functionality. There was an unknown warning light illuminated during the failure. The vehicle then lost electrical and motive power and rolled to a complete stop. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was still awaiting the needed repairs. Neither a dealer nor the manufacturer had been contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-29
- VIN: 1N4AZ1BP8LC
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Defroster is not working at all. Spoke to dealer, needs new part and Nissan corporate. Nothing moving. Live in denver, having a working defroster is extremely important.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-01
- VIN: 1N4BZ1DP0LC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA - RECALL NO 20V412000 - For a week at a time on a monthly basis the back-up camera will disappear while in reverse. And therefore our vehicle no longer complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111 "Rear Visibility". - Yes the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. - My safety and the safety of others continues to be put at risk due to the lack of an image in the back-up camera display which increases the risk of a crash. - We have taken the vehicle into the Nissan dealership 4 times and every time they state they cannot recreate the error even though the error is occurring as I am dropping the vehicle off at the dealership. - There has been no other warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. This has been a re-occurring problem since vehicle was purchased in December 2020.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-23
- VIN: 1n4bz1dp0lc
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: When putting my car in reverse my back up camera intermittently will not work. I have called the dealership that I purchased the vehicle (Rossen of Madison on the Beltline). I have taken the car multiple times, I have called multiple times. Nissan has yet to include my vehicle make and model into the recall. Even though it is a 2020 model. My car is at the dealership today as my camera stopped working last week and was still not working this morning. However the dealership is now telling me "it worked when it arrived and they have been unable to recreate the issue". This is frustrating and needs to have an official recall PLEASE!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-08
- VIN: 1N4BZ1BP3LC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated that the battery gauge was reading incorrectly. The contact stated that while doing a 70-mile roundtrip with 173 miles battery life, the battery gauge indicated the battery level was at 70 miles remaining. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-22
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1N4BZ1CP9LC
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: "AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED TO ENGAGE" ON A OFFRAMP LANE FROM FREEWAY 5 SOUTHBOUND TO CROWN VALLEY PARKWAY OFF RAMP WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 25MPH I REAR ENDED A VEHICLE THAT WAS AT DEAD STOP AND THAT VEHICLE REAR ENDED A SECOND VEHICLE. CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL WAS CALLED AND REPORT WAS DOCUMENTED WHICH IS ATTACHED. THIS HAPPENED ON DECEMBER 22,2020 AT ABOUT 7PM, DARK CLEAR EVENING IN THE CITY OF MISSION VIEJO. IT WAS ON THE STRAIGHT FREEWAY LANE LEADING TO THE OFFRAMP WITH OTHER LANES ON THE FREEWAY MOVING FREELY. UPON DISCUSSION WITH NISSAN INVESTIGATION (CLAIM NO. 42994813) 615 725 7590, THEY SUMMARIZED 10 PAGE DISCLAIMER FROM OWNERS MANUAL STATING THAT BRAKING SYSTEM IS NOT 100%. ITS UNDERSTANDABLE IF THE VEHICLE WAS OLD BUT THIS IS A NEW VEHICLE WITH WHAT IS ADVERTISED AS A AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM AND THAT SYSTEM DID NOT WORK. I MANUALLY BRAKED TO A CRASH.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-17
- VIN: 1N4AZ1CPXLC
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 NISSAN LEAF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS A THUMPING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER HARBOR NISSAN LOCATED AT 4336 TAMIAMI TRAIL, PORT CHARLOTTE, FL 33980 WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT AND CV JOINT WAS FAULTY AND THE AXLE NUT NEEDED TO BE RETORQUED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT YET RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE AND WAS CONCERNED THAT THE REPAIR FAILED TO ADEQUATELY ADDRESS THE SAFETY ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 720.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-26
- VIN: 1N4BZ1BP1LC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE REVERSE CAMERA SYSTEM THAT ACTIVATES WHEN THE CAR IS IN REVERSE IS SO BLURRY THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DISTINGUISH OBJECTS. YOU CAN'T TELL IF THAT'S A BOX IN THE DRIVEWAY BEHIND YOUR CAR OR A BABY SEAT WITH A BABY IN IT. FOR TEST PURPOSES A SIGN WITH 3-INCH LETTERS PLACED 48 INCHES FROM THE CAMERA IS COMPLETELY ILLEGIBLE ON SCREEN. NISSAN REPORTS THAT THIS IS NORMAL OPERATION FOR THE 2020 LEAF REAR CAMERA. I AM ATTACHING A PICTURE OF THE REAR CAMERA SCREEN ALONG WITH A PICTURE OF THE EXACT SAME SCENE TAKEN WITH A CELL PHONE. THE QUALITY DIFFERENCE IS QUITE STRIKING, AND ILLUSTRATES HOW POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS THE 2020 LEAF REAR CAMERA COULD BE FOR DRIVERS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-15
- VIN: 1N4BZ1DPXLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS IN BOTH RURAL AND SUBURBAN ENVIRONMENTS, REGARDLESS OF WEATHER TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE AND DURING NORMAL FORWARD DRIVING MOTION, THE CAR REPORTS THAT THE FORWARD CAMERA OVERHEATS AND IMMEDIATELY RENDERS THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM AND PROPILOT INOPERATIVE. DASH LIGHTS PICTURE INCLUDED.1ST OVERHEATING OCCURRENCE HAPPENED ON APRIL 15, 2020 AND THE AFTER 2 MORE OCCURRENCES I TOOK A PICTURE ON JULY 6, 2020. NISSAN SERVICE REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE AND DISMISSES THE ISSUE WHEN I REQUEST SERVICE, STATING THAT IT IS "NORMAL OPERATION."
2020 Nissan Leaf recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2020 Nissan Leaf.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The vehicle may accelerate unintentionally if the driving mode is changed ("D" to "B"; e-Pedal "On"; or "ECO" mode) after disengaging the cruise control.
- Consequence: Unintentional acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module (VCM), free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23A6.
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 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 April 1, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22C5.
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima, Maxima and Leaf vehicles. The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.
- Consequence: Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC752.
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 LEAF electric vehicles. Under certain circumstances, the images for the back-up camera can disappear while in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. This recall began August 31, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Negative 2020 Nissan Leaf car reviews
Positive 2020 Nissan Leaf car reviews
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Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with my new long range EV. I recently went on a 650 mile vacation and was pleasantly surprised that the Pro Pilot feature did 90% of the driving for me. I was able to charge my car for free at a Nissan fast charger and only had to pay a couple of bucks at an Electrified America charger. I opted for the heat pump package and it's been fantastic! I test drove a Model 3, but found the seats to be too low. The Leaf's higher seating position, especially with the + seat height, is much better for me. Plus, I prefer the convenience of a hatch over a trunk for an EV. Thanks for listening!
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Great car with peppy acceleration! Just know that it has mandatory sounds, both forward and reverse “warning” sounds that cannot be turned off. Otherwise, it's a very nice car. After driving the Leaf for 1 year, I found it to be a fun car to drive with responsive steering and solid road feel. However, I must admit that I really dislike the loud beeping sound while reversing. It's an extremely annoying sound and it's too loud!
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I absolutely love my first EV! It's such a joy to drive and I can't help but chuckle as I pass by gas stations. I don't think I'll ever go back to a gas engine again.
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I love the relatively long range of the Plus model, which is a significant improvement compared to our 24kWh LEAF. The increased horsepower provides great acceleration, and the quality interior, ride quality, and spacious trunk are all fantastic features. Personally, I find the adaptive cruise to be incredibly useful during highway driving, and it was a big factor in my decision to choose the LEAF over the Bolt EV. With the recent battery recall for the Bolt, I am even more confident in my choice. I believe the LEAF is an excellent choice for those living in non-desert climates such as the Pacific NW, Midwest, or Northeast. However, if you reside in Texas, CA, AZ, NM, Florida, etc., I would recommend passing on this model as the air-cooled packs are not suitable for the heat. With our 24 kWh battery, we managed to keep our 12 bars until 60k miles, and I expect to achieve the same with this battery, which is three times as large. With only 8k miles on the clock, I am looking forward to many years of worry-free driving ahead!
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This is a fantastic hatchback EV! It offers plenty of space, is very quiet, and easy to charge. Plus, the Plus model provides you with even more peace of mind when it comes to drive range.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 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 ...
2020 Leaf SV going bad at 32k miles? | My Nissan Leaf Forum
Jan 30, 2024 ... Well-known member ... Does Carvana have any kind of warranty or quality guarantee? I would be looking into that ASAP. Reply ...
Leaf reliability testimonies : r/leaf
Mar 14, 2022 ... I have owned Nissan for over 20 plus years. And they have been very reliable. I don't think any of them have had any issues. I now have a 2021 ...
2020 Nissan LEAF Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 Nissan LEAF? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Axel Kling 2025-01-17
If you're considering buying the Leaf again, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, make sure that there are EVGo fast-charging stations within 2-5 miles of your home, including at the dealer. It's also worth noting that the Leaf is primarily designed for city driving, as the range can be severely impacted on the highway. For example, during my recent trip from Irvine to San Diego (90 miles) at night (10PM), I drove the fully charged 2018 Leaf on Eco mode with no AC and no traffic, but it consumed 120 miles, which was disappointing. However, I'm sure Nissan would appreciate your feedback on this range issue. Can I help you with anything else?
Werner Bernier 2024-08-07
If you live in a city with a short commute and don't go out much, this car is perfect for you. However, if you want to travel a decent distance, it's better to save yourself some money and get a hybrid. The mileage to charging time ratio is 1:12, which means you can't drive for more than an hour and 20 minutes without having to sit at a plug for 8 hours. This can be a headache, especially if you live in a rural area with few charging stations. Finding a charger that works can be difficult, and you may need to download multiple apps to locate obscure charging stations. If you want to avoid these issues, it's better to get a cheap Prius. It has good mileage, and you won't have to sit at chargers for hours. You'll also be able to get to your destination without worrying about finding a charger. As a naive 19-year-old who made the mistake of financing this car, I can tell you that it feels like driving a toy car. So, if you want to save money on gas and drive a reliable vehicle, it's better to get a hybrid instead of this adult-sized RC car.
Ryann Becker 2024-07-11
This car may not be for everyone, but it does have some great features. However, the S Plus options could use some improvement.
Bell Huel 2024-03-18
The car is a lot of fun to drive! Although, it's worth noting that the tires may need to be changed out at 20k. Additionally, the fit and finish could use some improvement, as it has been in the shop a few times for this. Before Covid, there were some delays in getting parts. Lastly, the hatchback cover is quite sharp and has cut me a few times, but we've since put clear tubing around it.
Colten Metz 2024-03-16
I strongly advise against this vehicle. The road noise is unbearable, despite the lack of engine noise. Additionally, the battery usage is equivalent to that of an 8-cylinder gasoline engine, which can be costly. It is important to ensure a battery charge of at least 98% before leaving home, as charging stations are scarce and quick charging stations are difficult to find. At a rate of .35 per minute, charging costs can quickly accumulate. In my opinion, a gasoline engine would be a more reliable choice.