2023 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 2023 Nissan Leaf problems
Common Problems with the Nissan Leaf 2023
The Nissan Leaf 2023 has been reported to have several issues, primarily related to its climate system, charging, infotainment system, and battery pack. Here are the details of these problems based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Charging Issues: Several charging-related problems have been reported by Nissan Leaf 2023 owners. These include issues with home charging, compatibility with some public chargers, inability to fully charge, problems with the charge connection, and issues with the charge port door. These charging issues can significantly impact the usability and convenience of the electric vehicle.
- Infotainment System: The infotainment system of the Nissan Leaf 2023 has been reported to have problems such as the information screen going blank occasionally. This can affect the driver's ability to access important information while driving, potentially impacting safety and convenience.
- Electric/Hybrid Battery Pack Failure: Some Nissan Leaf 2023 owners have reported issues with the electric/hybrid battery pack, including failure, replacement, malfunction, or cooling problems. These issues can significantly impact the range and reliability of the electric vehicle.
- Suspension and Brake Issues: Nissan Leaf 2023 owners have reported problems with shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage, power steering, wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension, driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, and electrical failure. These issues can affect the handling, safety, and overall driving experience of the vehicle.
- Windows, Locks, and Latches: Nissan Leaf 2023 owners have reported issues with windows, locks, and latches, including problems with doors, sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect, paint, loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust, and other related problems. These issues can affect the appearance, convenience, and safety of the vehicle.
- Cruise Control, Clock, Warning Lights, and Other Electrical Issues: Nissan Leaf 2023 owners have reported problems with cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, and wireless charging pad. These issues can affect the convenience, safety, and overall driving experience of the vehicle.
- Squeaks, Rattles, Wind Noises, Seals, and Weather Stripping: Nissan Leaf 2023 owners have reported issues with squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals, and weather stripping, which can affect the comfort and overall driving experience of the vehicle.
- Electric Drive Failure: Nissan Leaf 2023 owners have reported issues with electric drive failure, replacement, or malfunction, which can significantly impact the range and reliability of the electric vehicle.
It is important to note that these issues are based on complaints from owners of the Nissan Leaf 2023 and may not represent the overall reliability of the vehicle. Consumer Reports expects the 2024 Leaf will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car, based on data from 2021, 2022, and 2023 models, plus the Nissan brand scores.
What is the problem with the Nissan Leaf 2023?
2023 Nissan LEAF Recalls
(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.
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.
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.
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.
2023 Nissan Leaf complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Nissan Leaf.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2023 Nissan Leaf recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2023 Nissan Leaf.
- 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: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 LEAF vehicles. The right-hand brake tubes may have been damaged during production and could corrode, possibly causing a hole in the brake line and a brake fluid leak.
- Consequence: A brake fluid leak can reduce braking performance and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right-hand brake tube, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 7, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC976.
- 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 2023 Nissan Leaf car reviews
Positive 2023 Nissan Leaf car reviews
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I’ve only had it for a month but so far it’s been great. With the Nissan Rebates, State and Federal rebates I ended up paying only $21k plus tax. UPDATE: 20,000 miles and still feels like new. No creeks or rattles. Just plug it in and go.
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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.
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I was able to lease this car for a great price by combining Nissan incentives and state rebates. It's a total no brainer! The car has a much greater range than it's rated for - at 85% charge, I can go up to 165 miles. I don't see any reason to get the 'plus' model given the extra cost. The base model has all the tech features that matter, like car play and safety features, and it's low tech where you don't care, like manual parking brake and seats. The ride is excellent for a small car and the seats are much more comfortable compared to the Chevy Bolt.
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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. The EV-related menus are also straightforward. 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, so some reviews are incorrect in that regard. 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 truly reliable option.
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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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2023 Nissan Leaf problems:
Problem with Nissan Connect Leaf 2023 | Inside EVS Forum
... problems with Nissan Connect EV and Services on a Leaf SV plus 2023 ... Nissan Connect EV and Services on a Leaf SV plus 2023 ... known issue. Not ...
2023 Nissan LEAF Refresh: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly ...
Apr 13, 2022 ... Lots of little things, like door handles, suspension parts, CV joints, and power lock actuators have failed for me. Talking to a couple of ...
So many problems... | My Nissan Leaf Forum
Dec 8, 2022 ... I haven't had any heater issues (although it is a common failure point in all leafs, especially 2011/2012) and touch screen failures are ...
Is the Nissan Leaf a reliable vehicle? : r/electricvehicles
Jan 23, 2022 ... This is a problem specifically with the leafs, and basically means their batteries lost capacity much more quickly than most cars. A 2011 leaf ...
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 ...
Other years of Nissan Leaf
Are you having problems with your 2023 Nissan Leaf?
Charles Kuhic 2025-01-08
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.
Lucas Stracke 2024-06-06
The car has a decent range, especially if you have the PLUS model. The higher trim offers more features and there is enough room for both front and back passengers, as well as a decent size trunk similar to a small SUV. As with most EVs, it is torquey, quiet, and low maintenance. However, the infotainment system is outdated and slow, often giving errors and making it difficult to navigate. The handling and brake feel leave something to be desired, and the one pedal drive may not be for everyone. The build quality is lacking and there may be some imperfections throughout the body and trims. Overall, it is a reliable car to get you from point A to point B.
Garrett Lueilwitz 2024-05-02
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.
Terrill Raynor 2024-04-09
While it may not be the fastest charger and has limited range, this car is perfect for getting around town.