Nissan Leaf reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 1,108 complaints about the Nissan Leaf with NHTSA since 2010, most often about electrical system and brakes. Nissan has filed 1 warranty extension and 31 service campaigns for it, and there are 20 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Nissan Leaf? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Leaf a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 1,108
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 1
- Filed by Nissan
- Service campaigns
- 31
- Filed by Nissan
- Safety recalls
- 20
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Leaf with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | Electrical system (100%) | 2 | 0 |
| 2025 | 7 | Electrical system (43%) | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | 5 | Other or unspecified (80%) | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 | 20 | Other or unspecified (40%) | 3 | 1 |
| 2022 | 95 | Electrical system (64%) | 4 | 1 |
| 2021 | 56 | Electrical system (57%) | 4 | 1 |
| 2020 | 167 | Electrical system (74%) | 6 | 1 |
| 2019 | 259 | Electrical system (68%) | 5 | 7 |
| 2018 | 66 | Brakes (29%) | 4 | 4 |
| 2017 | 17 | Electrical system (24%) | 2 | 5 |
| 2016 | 36 | Brakes (44%) | 4 | 5 |
| 2015 | 110 | Brakes (76%) | 4 | 12 |
| 2014 | 34 | Brakes (53%) | 6 | 12 |
| 2013 | 81 | Brakes (40%) | 5 | 16 |
| 2012 | 57 | Brakes (39%) | 0 | 13 |
| 2011 | 95 | Airbags (37%) | 0 | 15 |
| 2010 | 1 | Brakes (100%) | 0 | 0 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Leaf model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Nissan
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Nissan filed with NHTSA for the Leaf, in its own words. A warranty extension means Nissan pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2017· Engine and cooling· model years 2013–2015
2016 Titan High Pressure Turbo- Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign - Dealer Announcement The announcement from December 15th, 2016 has been revised to include: - High pressure turbo kits and additional service parts for diesel engine repair are no longer on restriction and may…
- Service campaignOct 2024· Visibility and wipers· model years 2018–2025
*****Dealer Announcement***** Nissan is conducting a service campaign on certain specific MY2018-2025 Nissan LEAF vehicles identified in Service Comm and National Service History – Open Campaigns.
- Service campaignSep 2021· Electrical system· model years 2011
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2011 LEAF; SOFTWARE UPDATES Service Campaign ID # P1273 is no longer active.
- Service campaignSep 2021· Electrical system· model years 2011–2012
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2011-2012 LEAF; SOFTWARE UPDATES Service Campaign ID # P1274 is no longer active.
- Service campaignSep 2021· Electrical system· model years 2012
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2012 LEAF; SOFTWARE UPDATE Service Campaign ID # P1272 is no longer active.
- Service campaignSep 2021· Body and structure· model years 2011–2012
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2011 - 2012 LEAF®; APRON LOWER BRACKET Service Campaign ID # P2501 is no longer active.
- Service campaignJul 2021· Electrical system· model years 2011
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2011 LEAF®; VCM REPROGRAM Service Campaign ID # P1213 is no longer active.
- Service campaignMar 2021· Electrical system· model years 2011–2015
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2011-2015 LEAF; 2G TELEMATICS HARDWARE DEACTIVATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- Service campaignJan 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2019
Radiator Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is committed to the safety, security and satisfaction of our customers and their passengers.
- Service campaignJan 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2019
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2019 LEAF; RADIATOR INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign on certain specific model year 2019 LEAF vehicles.
- Service campaignDec 2019· Electrical system· model years 2019
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2019 LEAF; POWER DELIVERY MODULE INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign on certain specific model year 2019 LEAF vehicles to replace the power delivery module (PDM).
- Service campaignJul 2019· Electrical system· model years 2011–2019
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2011-2019 LEAF; LITHIUM-ION BATTERY BONDING PLATES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- Service campaignJul 2019· Equipment and accessories· model years 2011–2019
Lithium-ion Battery Bonding Plate Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is committed to the safety, security and satisfaction of our customers and their passengers, as well as the safety of Nissan technicians.
- Service campaignJul 2019· Electrical system· model years 2011–2019
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2011-2019 LEAF; LITHIUM-ION BATTERY BONDING PLATES This bulletin applies to 2018-2019 vehicles equipped with a 40kWh lithium-ion battery.
- Service campaignJun 2018· Electrical system· model years 2016–2017
30 kWh Lithium-ion Battery Controller (LBC) Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to reprogram the 30 kWh Lithium-ion Battery Controller (LBC) in 2016-17 model year LEAF vehicles.
- Service campaignJun 2018· Electrical system· model years 2016–2017
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2016-2017 LEAF LITHIUM-ION BATTERY CONTROLLER REPROGRAM INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign on certain specific model year 2016-2017 LEAF vehicles to reprogram the Lithium-Ion Battery Controller (LBC).
- Service campaignJul 2017· Electrical system· model years 2011–2015
Disabling the 2G TCU Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain specific 2011-2015 LEAF vehicles to disable (turn off) the 2G Telematics Control Unit (?2G TCU?).
- Service campaignJul 2017· Electrical system· model years 2011–2015
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2011-2015 LEAF; 2G TELEMATICS HARDWARE DEACTIVATION INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign (in the U.S.
- Service campaignJul 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2013–2015
Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign on certain specific 2013–2015 LEAF vehicles to replace the high pressure pipe and the high pressure flexible hose for the AC system.
- Service campaignJun 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2013–2015
Nissan is conducting a voluntary service campaign on approximately 39,968 MY 2013-15 Nissan sgrade leaf vehicles sold in the united states, canada, guam, and puerto rico to replace the air conditioning (A/C) system line and remove a bracket.
- Service campaignMay 2016· Mobility equipment· model years 2013–2015
INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign on certain specific 2013 2015 LEAF vehicles to replace the high pressure pipe and the high pressure flexible hose for the AC system.
- Service campaignNov 2015· Brakes· model years 2013–2015
Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on Certain 2013-2015 LEAF vehicles to reprogram the Electrically-driven Intelligent Brake Control Unit.
- Service campaignOct 2015· Brakes· model years 2013–2015
Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on Certain 2013-2015 LEAF vehicles to reprogram the Electrically-driven Intelligent Brake Control Unit.
- Service campaignDec 2013· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013
Nissan is conducting a voluntary service campaign on certain Model Year 2013 LEAF vehicles to reprogram the Power Delivery Module (PDM).
- Service campaignNov 2013· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013
Nissan is conducting a voluntary service campaign on certain Model Year 2013 LEAF vehicles to reprogram the Power Delivery Module (PDM).
- Service campaignNov 2013· Electrical system· model years 2013
Nissan is conducting a voluntary service campaign on certain Model Year 2013 LEAF vehicles to reprogram the Power Delivery Module (PDM). This service will be performed at no charge for parts or labor. See this bulletin for further detail. Campaign ID# P3259
- Service campaignNov 2013· Electrical system· model years 2013
Nissan is conducting a voluntary service campaign on certain Model Year 2013 LEAF vehicles to reprogram the Power Delivery Module (PDM).
- Service campaignJun 2013· Backup camera and rear sensors· model years 2011–2012
Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign which is providing a new software enhancement for model year 2011-2012 LEAF vehicles, updating them with the software currently used in production for 2013 model year LEAF vehicles.
- Service campaignJun 2013· Electrical system· model years 2011–2012
On some vehicles, to improve the accuracy of battery capacity level gauge, the lithium ion battery controller is reprogrammed and is intended to expand on board charger and number of compatible chargers. Models 2011-2012 Leaf.
- Service campaignJun 2013· Equipment and accessories· model years 2011–2012
INTRODUCTION This voluntary service campaign provides complimentary update of certain vehicle software in MY11-12 LEAFs to match current MY13 production specifications.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Leaf model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Electrical system524 (47%)
- Brakes230 (21%)
- Other or unspecified164 (15%)
- Fuel and propulsion132 (12%)
- Airbags82 (7%)
- Transmission and drivetrain53 (5%)
- Cruise control and speed control49 (4%)
- Engine43 (4%)
Safety recalls
20 recalls cover at least one Leaf model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The outer rear seat belt automatic locking retractors (ALR) may deactivate early, which can prevent a child restraint system (CRS) from securing properly.
The high voltage battery may have internal damage that can cause a short circuit within the battery module.
The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging.
The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging.
Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image.
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.
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.
The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions.
The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect, and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions.
The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.
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.
Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles.
Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.
The wiring harness connector may disconnect from the dual-stage passenger air bag.
In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied.
And 5 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- DP22005Defect petition· opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023· Electrical system· model years 2011–2022
Pedestrian alert sounds
Led to recall 22V063000.
- PE19015Preliminary evaluation· opened Oct 2019, closed Jun 2020· Airbags· model years 2011–2012
Front Occupant Classification System Mat
- DP19002Defect petition· opened Aug 2019, closed Oct 2019· Airbags· model years 2011–2012
Front Occupant Classification System Mat
- EA15004Engineering analysis· opened Aug 2015, closed May 2017· Airbags· model years 2013–2014
Occupant Classification System Failure
Led to recall 15V681000.
- RQ15001Recall query· opened Mar 2015, closed Sep 2015· Airbags· model years 2013–2014
Occupant Classification System Failure
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 Nissan Leaf has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Nissan Leaf reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 1,108 owner complaints, 1 warranty extension and 31 service campaigns Nissan filed, and 20 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2019 (259), 2020 (167), 2015 (110). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Nissan Leaf?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name electrical system (47%), brakes (21%), other or unspecified (15%). Nissan has filed 1 warranty extension covering the Leaf, listed on this page.
Which Leaf model years have the most complaints?
2019 (259), 2020 (167), 2015 (110). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Leaf with each other rather than with other models.
Has Nissan extended the warranty on the Leaf?
Yes: engine and cooling (model years 2013–2015). A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Leaf?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 20 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.