2022 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.

2022 Nissan Leaf

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Common 2022 Nissan Leaf problems

Based on the information from the sources provided, here are some common problems reported by owners of the 2022 Nissan Leaf:

  • Limited Interior Features: Compared to other EVs, the Nissan Leaf's interior is described as plain and lacking futuristic elements. It does not offer features like a white interior, full-length sunroof, or advanced touchscreen controls found in some competitors.
  • Charging Infrastructure: Some owners have raised concerns about the limited range of the Nissan Leaf, making long road trips challenging due to the need for frequent charging stops. This can be a drawback for those who rely on their vehicles for extended travel.
  • Battery Overcharging: There have been instances where owners experienced issues with the 12-volt battery in the 2022 Nissan Leaf, potentially due to overcharging. This recurring problem has led to the replacement of the 12-volt battery multiple times for some users.
  • Audio System Quality: Complaints have been made about the audio system in the Nissan Leaf, particularly the Bose branded system, which some users find lacking in terms of bass and depth. This can be disappointing for those who value high-quality sound in their vehicles.
  • Brake Feel: Another reported issue is related to the brake feel in the Nissan Leaf, with some users finding it more akin to a golf cart than a sporty sedan. This aspect of the driving experience may not meet the expectations of drivers looking for a more dynamic feel.

These common problems highlight areas where the 2022 Nissan Leaf could be improved to enhance the overall ownership experience for users.

2022 Nissan Leaf engine

What is the problem with Nissan Leaf?

The Nissan Leaf may have been the world's best-selling EV at one time, but the specs on the 2024 version suggest it might be on its way out. The 2024 Nissan Leaf will be slightly more expensive despite not updating its two biggest problems: a dismal, 149-mile range; and outdated CHAdeMO charging port.

How long will a 2022 Nissan LEAF last?

2022 Nissan LEAF Battery and Charging

New for 2022 is the standard quick charge port that can get you to 80% charge in 40-45 minutes, depending again on your choice of model. Your battery is rated to last about 10 years or 100,000 miles, but there are steps you can take to lengthen its lifespan.

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.

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.

2022 Nissan Leaf complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2022 Nissan Leaf.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2022 Nissan Leaf recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2022 Nissan Leaf.

2024-02-02
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2022 LEAF vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
  • Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23D7.
2023-07-17
  • 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.
2023-02-02
  • 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 2022 Nissan Leaf car reviews

  1. Thad White 2025-09-14

    The price of this entry-level electric vehicle is fair, and it comes with a driving range of 220 miles per full charge. With the clean air and tax rebate, it's a great buy compared to many other competitors. However, we had a nightmare experience owning it. Our typical commute is about 100 miles a day, and with gas prices at an all-time high, we were saving money each time we drove the car. Unfortunately, the car broke down within 6 months and sat in the shop for about 1 and a half months to fix. We had to tow it into the shop twice and fix a minimum of 10 things to get it running again. With that aside, the cargo room practicality is very reasonable with a big trunk and folding seats. The seats aren't as comfortable as some other Japanese brands, and the on-board infotainment screen is unresponsive and laggy. Apple Carplay is hit or miss, and according to the dealership serviceman, there are no fixes; simply not using Carplay will be the fix. Compared to some other new EVs in the market, everything seems lacking. Overall, if you just want to save gas and get some good incentives, this will satisfy that aspect. However, if you are looking for more, I don't recommend the Leaf or Nissan based on my current experience.

  2. Haleigh Durgan 2024-08-20

    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.

  3. Lorenza Heidenreich 2024-08-03

    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.

  4. Freeman Dibbert 2024-07-16

    While it may not be the fastest charger and has limited range, this car is perfect for getting around town.

  5. Demarcus Rice 2024-06-21

    The LEAF is a great car to drive, performing well with room for improvement in its range. However, the cost for replacement parts is shockingly high. Recently, I had to replace my headlight and the dealer quoted me $3500 for a new assembly. Fortunately, I found one on E-bay for $400 of the same quality. The same goes for a new charge cable, with the dealer quoting me $3000, but I found one on Amazon for $400. This seems to be a common issue with Nissan dealers in Canada, and it's disappointing that they resort to charging such exorbitant prices for replacement parts. It's a shame because I enjoyed driving the LEAF, but I won't be purchasing another Nissan EV due to this issue.

Positive 2022 Nissan Leaf car reviews

  1. Jasper Skiles 2025-10-14

    The Nissan LEAF is a reliable car, and we have personally experienced this with our 2013 and 2020 models. However, we have noticed that the Traction Battery is not heated or cooled, which is a major flaw. This has resulted in a loss of over 6% of the original Battery capacity in just 9800 miles. The fit and finish of the car is good, but there are some hard plastics used inside. We have also noticed that the material used for the Cloth Seats and armrests on Door Panels doesn't wear well. We were told that it's made from recycled Pop Bottles, but we are not sure if this is true. We don't fully charge or fully drain the Battery, so we are not sure about its maximum range. The car is rated at 150 miles, but the range drops off significantly in cold weather. For example, when we left the car outside in 25 degree weather and charged it to 90%, we only got 78 miles of range instead of the expected 105 miles. We have also noticed that the Chademo charging interface for 440 volt DC charging is slowly being phased out, which could pose a problem long-term. However, we were able to sell our Leaf for a good price after our 2-year lease ended. We would have kept the Leaf if it was the We currently do not have plans to purchase an EV again. We found that the driving range, battery degradation, charging times, expensive insurance and registration were all significant challenges. We have decided to return to driving our old car. Every time we pass a charging station and see people waiting for hours for their batteries to fill up, we feel content with our decision to switch back to an ICE vehicle.

  2. Nat Tillman 2025-10-03

    You've owned this EV for over a year and it's great to hear that you haven't had any issues with it. It's a comfortable and reliable car that provides great value for your money. It's also impressive that you consistently get over the EPA range listed. Keep up the good work!

  3. Guillermo Bernhard 2025-10-02

    We bought a Nissan SL Plus a few months ago and it's been a great car! We only need to charge it about once a week, and the 225-mile range is perfect for our needs. Installing the level 2 charger (which was included) was a breeze after we upgraded our garage outlets. The interior is very comfortable and offers great visibility. The media and dashboard are simple to use and feel more like a traditional car. Even the EV-related menus are easy to navigate. While the back seat isn't exactly limo-sized, it's good enough for ad hoc travelers and our furry friends. Plus, the back seats do fold down, despite what some reviews may say. The rear storage is what you'd expect from a compact car. Overall, we would definitely buy this car again. Nissan offers an affordable and reliable option.

  4. Omari Beatty 2025-09-08

    I got the leaf back in November and it's been a great investment. I drive 50 miles a day round trip, but I don't have to worry about gas prices because I charge at work. Plus, I get to use the carpool lane solo, which saves me 15 minutes in my commute each way. Recently, I even received my rebate check! At first, I was a bit paranoid about keeping up the charge, but now I'm used to it. The car has some power too when you hit the gas. Overall, it's definitely worth it. While it may not be the prettiest car, it reliably gets me from point A to point B. Even now, in September 2022, I still feel the same way.

  5. Isadore Boyle 2025-08-26

    Just a heads up, the battery life is limited to around 200 miles on a full charge, so it's important to plan ahead and know where you can get battery refills. I totally get it, I'm retired too so I don't put on a lot of miles myself. 😊

Leave your review of 2022 Nissan Leaf

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2022 Nissan Leaf problems:

Potential leaf owner here. Any major concerns to be aware of? : r ...
Potential leaf owner here. Any major concerns to be aware of? : r ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/nissanleaf/comments/onayfg/potential_leaf_owner_here_any_major_concerns_to/

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 ...

2022 Nissan Leaf Reliability - Consumer Reports
2022 Nissan Leaf Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/leaf/2022/reliability/

Owner Reported Trouble Spots · EV Battery · Electric Motor · Climate System · Steering And Suspension · Brakes · In-car Electronics · Drive System · Body ...

I'm likely buying a 2022 Used Nissan Leaf this week or next as a ...
I'm likely buying a 2022 Used Nissan Leaf this week or next as a ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/leaf/comments/18577vi/im_likely_buying_a_2022_used_nissan_leaf_this/

Nov 27, 2023 ... Issues? None known. The only regular service items are tire rotation every 7500 miles and cabin air filter every 15,000. If you buy your tires ...

2022 Nissan LEAF Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2022 Nissan LEAF Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/nissan/leaf/2022/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2022 Nissan LEAF? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

I've been driving the Nissan Leaf for over a year — and it's not aging ...
I've been driving the Nissan Leaf for over a year — and it's not aging ...
https://www.tomsguide.com/opinion/ive-been-driving-the-nissan-leaf-for-over-a-year-and-its-not-aging-well-at-all

Jun 11, 2022 ... Other little things seem indicative of the Leaf's age. 2022 Nissan Leaf parked on street ... They're generally pretty minor problems, but they are ...

Other years of Nissan Leaf

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Leaf 2023
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3

24

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Leaf 2010
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Leaf 2011
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93

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23

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Leaf 2012
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55

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34

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Leaf 2014
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34

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2022 Nissan Leaf photo