2021 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.
Social links
Common 2021 Nissan Leaf problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2021 Nissan Leaf, several common problems have been reported:
- Price Point Concerns: One major issue highlighted by owners is the price point of the Nissan Leaf Plus model, which can be a significant factor for potential buyers considering other competitive electric vehicles in a similar price range.
- Charging and Battery Overheating: Complaints have been raised about the charging system and battery overheating during long trips, leading to extended charging times and limitations on fast charging due to battery temperature issues.
- Driver Assistance System Problems: Some owners have reported issues with the driver aids, such as the lane monitoring system and front camera, displaying warnings or malfunctions while using features like ProPilot Assist and cruise control.
- Range and Battery Degradation: Concerns have been raised about the range, power, and battery degradation of the 2021 Nissan Leaf, with comparisons to other electric vehicles in terms of performance, charge times, and overall driving experience.
- Interior and Infotainment: Feedback on the interior features of the Nissan Leaf Plus model includes comments on the infotainment system, steering wheel controls, visibility, and overall comfort and usability of the cabin.
- General Reliability: While some owners have reported positive experiences with their Nissan Leaf, others have expressed worries about the reliability of the vehicle, especially in terms of long-term performance and potential issues that may arise over time.
These reported problems provide insights into the challenges faced by owners of the 2021 Nissan Leaf, ranging from battery-related issues to concerns about pricing, charging efficiency, and overall driving experience.
What is the common issue with Nissan LEAF?
Other common Nissan LEAF problems include automatic emergency braking (AEB) system issues, power inverter failure, and diminished range during low temperatures.
How long will a 2021 Nissan Leaf last?
Nissan Leaf owners should expect it to last around ten years. Depending on which model of the EV you own, you should be able to get between 84 - 145 miles from each charge. Lithium-ion batteries in EVs slowly degrade over time, and with each charging cycle, they get a little worse.
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.
Why is Nissan discontinuing the Leaf?
LONDON -- Nissan is stopping European production of its Leaf battery-electric compact car as it prepares for the replacement model, expected in 2025. The Leaf was one of the first commercially available BEVs globally, but European sales have fallen steeply as newer competitors offer greater range and better technology.
2021 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
- Back over prevention problems
- Power train problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Nissan Leaf vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Nissan Leaf complaints
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Nissan Leaf.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-16
- 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-13
- VIN: 1N4AZ1BV7MC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Component: High Beam Assist Safety issue: The High Beam Assist system that is enabled by default with the neutral "Auto" switch on the control stalk has a faulty "light detection" system that cannot be overridden by manual driver input. The light detection system is designed to disengage high-beams when another car becomes visible, then re-engage the high-beams when the car passes. However, this system is overly sensitive and will very often disengage high beams based on street lights, reflective mail boxes, pavement reflectors, moonlight, and more. There is no available control to reliably override this disengagement. The system also prevent engagement, not just falsly triggering disengagement. For example, if you see an obstacle while using low-beams, and attempt to quick engage high-beams by pushing the control stalk, the system will not engage high-beams because the sensor falsely detected a light source. You can flick the control stalk back and forth repeatedly, and the high-beams will not engage in Auto. Reproducible: always reproducible, and reported by numerous owners in online forums Inspection: N/A Warnings: None
BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-25
- VIN: 1N4AZ1CV6MC
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V071000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while attempting to reverse, the back over prevention camera failed to function. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-09
- VIN: 1N4AZ1CV3MC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: This is a report of what I think is a safety issue with the Leaf vehicle but has not caused an accident or incident for me, yet. If the Start button is pressed and then the Shift Control is changed to quickly the car will be put into Neutral instead of the desired Drive or Reverse. If the driver does not realize this and removes their foot from the break when the car is on a steep hill the car could roll into a vehicle, pedestrian or other obstacle before the surprised driver has a chance to break. The Leaf vehicle should not go out of Park if it is not ready to go into Drive or Reverse when the driver is trying to shift it into Drive or Reverse.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-01
- VIN: 1N4BZ1CV7MC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Intermittent problem with the backup camera. The Nissan dealership not able to see it because it started working again. When camera fails I am not able to see people or surroundings behind me. No warning just Intermittent failure. Thank you
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-19
- VIN: 1N4AZ1BV9MC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: When backing up after opening or closing the trunk the backup camera flashes blue and green with lines on the screen. It sometimes worked again when the trunk is slammed or the car is restarted. The safety was put at risk because I was not able to see the ground when reversing and there was a blind spot that the camera usually fills in.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-01
- VIN: 1N4BZ1BV4MC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: When placing the vehicle in reverse, the display screen shows either a distorted view or no view at all, or a solid pink color across the screen. This result in zero visibility out the rear of the vehicle.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-03
- VIN: 1N4BZ1CV1MC
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The error occurred on [XXX]. The car got me to my destination. Error occurred past the 1/2 way point. The next day was busy w/ personal issues. Later in the afternoon, I was by the vehicle, I called the Nissan Roadside Assistance number. It was at this point that I was informed that no one was available or that my location was out of network. I was then instructed to find my own tow & arranged everything. I did. The vehicle completely died en route to the Nissan Dealership. The EV Motor locks the wheels & there is no way to disengage the motors lock on the CV axle. The vehicle is in the Nissan service department at Flagstaff Nissan currently. My Nissan LEAF SV Plus is currently has 33,258 miles on it. It is currently covered under the basic warranty of Nissan North America. The LEAF was purchased on Saturday, [XXX]. As of11/16/2023, there is no estimated time of repair. I do try & call everyday. The Dealership has issued me a Loaner to use during the absence of my malfunctioned vehicle. The Dealership is solid & I do recommend them. There are several flaws with this 2021 Nissan LEAF SV Plus and they are as follows: 1. The LEAF has an outdated Level 3 charger that is being fazed out in North America. 2. The LEAF has no Active Thermal Management for the Battery. 3. The LEAF’s passive cooling is negated as the battery is too large to enable proper air flow. 4. The LEAF nearly stranded me out in the middle of Nowhere. 5. The LEAF’s battery will degrade at a high rate as there is no ATM for the Battery. Based on the listed evidence, you can see that my confidence in the LEAF has been shattered. I thought the LEAF would be super reliable & would never let me down. After this incident, I realized that the “hate” was actually hard & heavy concerns that I thought was invalid. I have Buyers remorse, BIG Time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-01
- VIN: 1N4BZ1DV4MC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The back up camera failed. It shows a blank grey screen. The other side and front cameras work but not the most important camera, the rear, back up camera. This is becoming a more and more frequent problem to the point now where its failing more often than not.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-17
- VIN: 1N4BZ1CVXMC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Back up camera failure, image is either: distorted; pink; blank; or scrolling. This is the 2nd occurrence after failing in December 2022. Original fix was to replace the wiring harness.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-03
- VIN: 1N4BZ1CVXMC
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The resolution for recall 22V-048 provided by Nissan is unacceptable. In order how to properly run the defroster for conditions you have refer to manual or supplement manual. I would expect just turn on defrost and not worry if it going to work in the weather condition I am driving in.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-04
- VIN: 1N4BZ1CVXMC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Intermittent failure of the rear view camera system. Triggered and corrected by opening and then closing firmly rear hatch. Display with show a pink screen, blue screen, scrolling blank screen, or image misaligned/split in half (top half on bottom of screen, bottom half on top of screen.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-05
- VIN: 1N4BZ1BV4MC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My car got stuck in a snowbank and became unresponsive. I attempted to gently rock it back and forth by putting it into drive and reverse two or three times. The car began to smoke. I took my foot off the accelerator and attempted to exit the vehicle, but the door was locked and did not automatically unlock. I tried to press the child safety lock button in case the child safety lock had been activated, but accidentally pressed the button to open the window. Smoke started coming into the car. I manually unlocked the door, pressed the button to put the car into park. I evacuated the car, and it was engulfed in smoke and making a very loud noise. I had the neighbor call 911 as I left my phone in the car and I was afraid the car would explode. I left the neighbor's house and waited for the fire trucks. My car's wheels were still spinning extremely fast and pieces were coming off of them. A firefighter was able to enter my car in protective gear and turn the car off. The wheels were burned off my car. The car eventually cooled down and I had it towed to the dealership. The dealer does not know why the wheels kept spinning after I was no longer in the car, so we do not know what malfunctioned. My safety was put at risk as I would have been unable to control the car if it had not been stuck in a snowbank. The problem has not been reproduced. The dealer examined the car and has repaired the tires and rims, but still does not give an answer as to why the wheels kept spinning long after I had exited the vehicle. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the incident.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-21
- VIN: 1N4BZ1DV7MC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Vehicle showed a message "Service EV system - Unable to restart after power off". Took to my local Nissan dealer on Oct/21 and had the car serviced and message cleared. On my way back home from dealer, same message showed up again and shut off the car. Next morning the same message remained on dashboard and was unable to start the vehicle. Through an internet research, the same issue is happening with Nissan Leaf all over the world (Japan, UK, etc)
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1N4BZ1DV8MC
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: This vehicle failed to have airbags deployed in this accident on 3.23.2022, as photographs that are larger than 10MB will upload, but the Estimate did upload. BUT the car was spun nearly if not fully 360 after hit by a truck in a lane change of a blind spot that spun the car and into concrete barriers. HORRIBLE. Totaled Vehicle. this is the SECOND accident both under USAA on September 03, 2021, with another Police Report and Freeway accident from Front End when freeway traffic came to a sudden stop, and into the barrier. AGAIN no Air Bag Deployed. Warning systems failed.
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-03
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1N4BZ1DV8MC
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: 9.3.2021 Freeway comes to a complete stop. Front end collision into vehicle in front at an angle to avoid full collision and into the barrier on Passenger side. NO AIRBAGS deployed! Police Report Filed.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-05
- VIN: 1N4BZ1DV2MC
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Our FEB system lights came on and then went off 3 times on our way home tonight. Will call Nissan on Monday to have it checked out. February 5 2022.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-20
- VIN: 1N4BZ1DV1MC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: On June 20, 2021, the electric car front hood section area to charge the vehicle flew open while driving the vehicle on the highway. There was no indication that there was a problem with the charging hood at any time.
2021 Nissan Leaf recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2021 Nissan Leaf.
- 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.
Negative 2021 Nissan Leaf car reviews
Positive 2021 Nissan Leaf car reviews
-
I've had it for almost 3 months and I'm really happy with my choice. The seats are super comfortable and I haven't experienced any back pain while driving. Plus, there's no wind noise like other trams, so the ride is really quiet and feels safe on the road. I also love that it uses pedal 1 and is fun to recover energy. Overall, it's definitely great value for money!
-
The cosmetic wasn't neat, however, after the detail and buffer, it changed completely. The car runs perfectly with so much power compared to the 2013 model... You can't imagine how happy I am with this purchase!
-
It was wonderful to meet Jennifer Carroll! She runs an excellent dealership with a fantastic team. They offer a wide selection of cars to choose from.
-
You might assume that because this car is economical to drive, it would be dull, basic, and unattractive. However, you would be mistaken! This car is not only practical, but it's also incredibly fun to drive.
-
We've been driving the Leaf EV+ for a year now and we absolutely love it! The car has some great features, including an electric driver's seat, which is a rarity in the market. As someone who is on the larger side, I find the Leaf to be incredibly spacious and comfortable to drive. My wife also enjoys driving it and finds it easy to enter and exit. We hardly ever need to fill up on gas for our other car, having only purchased about 30 gallons in the last year. Since we don't usually drive more than 50 miles, we never have to worry about running out of charge. Overall, it's the perfect car for our everyday needs!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 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 ...
2021 Nissan Leaf Problems, Issues & Complaints - Is Your Car A ...
Reported issues for the 2021 Nissan Leaf include electrical & airbag problems. Is your car a lemon? Lemberg Law can help you get justice!
Is the Nissan Leaf a reliable vehicle? : r/electricvehicles
Jan 23, 2022 ... They are quite reliable and overall a very good EV, however they do have a shortfall. The battery has no thermal management which means you ...
Nissan VIN Lookup: Safety Recall & Service Info | Nissan USA
Manufacturers are required to fix the problem by offering repairs, replacement or a refund to owners of the problem vehicle. Rear Visibility System Recall ...
Nissan LEAF: Battery Degradation and Other Common Problems - In ...
Aug 30, 2023 ... Other common Nissan LEAF problems include automatic emergency braking (AEB) system issues, power inverter failure, and diminished range during ...
Other years of Nissan Leaf
Are you having problems with your 2021 Nissan Leaf?
Tod Cole 2024-09-01
This car may not be for everyone, but it does have some great features. However, the S Plus options could use some improvement.
Jamie Bahringer 2024-08-22
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, but that's understandable. Lastly, we put clear tubing around the hatchback cover, as it was very sharp and cut me a few times.
Lester Macejkovic 2024-06-20
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 avoid this adult-sized RC car and get a hybrid instead.
Elias Upton 2024-05-28
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.
Jordan West 2024-05-22
The car has a decent range, especially if you have the PLUS model. The higher trim will get you more features and there’s enough room for both front and back passengers, as well as a decent size trunk similar to a small SUV. As with typical EVs, it has many pros such as being torquey, quiet, and low maintenance. However, the infotainment system is outdated and slow, and gives errors quite often. The handling and brake feel are not great, and the one pedal drive may not be for everyone. The build quality is lacking and you may find imperfections throughout the body and trims. Overall, it is a reliable car that will get you from point A to point B.