Nissan Leaf years to avoid and best years
Newer Nissan Leaf years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2015 has the most complaints per year, at 11 (110 complaints). From 2018 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2020 at 3 (from 165 complaints), 2014 at 4 (from 34 complaints), and 2016 at 4 (from 36 complaints). The Nissan Leaf 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2015 Nissan Leaf, 62 of 110 complaints name Service brakes.
Data as of .
2020
2014
2016
2025–26
Nissan Leaf reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Nissan Leaf. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 112.7 |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 110 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 110 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | 110 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 4 | — | 107.7 |
| 2021 → | 4 | 55 | 4 | Electrical system | 107.7 |
| 2020 → Fewest | 3 | 165 | 6 | Electrical system | 107.7 |
| 2019 → | 5 | 259 | 5 | Electrical system | 108 |
| 2018 → | 5 | 66 | 4 | Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance | 112 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 112 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 4 | 36 | 4 | Service brakes | 113 |
| 2015 → Most | 11 | 110 | 4 | Service brakes | 114 |
| 2014 → Fewest | 4 | 34 | 6 | Service brakes | 114 |
| 2013 → | 11 | 81 | 5 | Service brakes | 115 |
| 2012 → | 8 | 57 | 0 | Service brakes | 99 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Hatchback
- Tire size
- 205/55R16, 215/50R17 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 17V-253 covers certain 2015-2017 LEAF and certain Sentra vehicles: due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in a crash. Dealers replace the front passenger air bag inflator. The campaign also names Sentra model years, so published totals are shared. Recall 16V-119 covers certain 2013-2015 LEAF vehicles where, during very cold temperatures, the relay inside the electronic brake booster may fail.
- Body styles
- Hatchback
- Tire size
- 205/55R16, 215/50R17 (trim dependent)
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Leaf years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2020 at 3 (from 165 complaints), 2014 at 4 (from 34 complaints), and 2016 at 4 (from 36 complaints).
Which Nissan Leaf year has the most owner complaints?
2015 has the most complaints per year, at 11 (110 complaints). On the 2015 Nissan Leaf, 62 of 110 complaints name Service brakes.
How do Nissan Leaf owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Nissan Leaf years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2018 on, complaints per year fall.
Which Nissan Leaf years are too early to compare?
The Nissan Leaf 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
Does the Nissan Leaf use engine oil?
Battery-electric versions have no conventional engine oil change; follow the owner's manual for reduction gear and other fluids.
What generation is the 2019 Nissan Leaf?
2nd generation / ZE1 (2018-on).
What tire sizes does a Nissan Leaf use?
Common US sizes include 205/55R16 and 215/50R17 depending on trim.