2012 Nissan Leaf reliability
NHTSA's file on the 2012 Nissan Leaf holds 57 complaints after 15 years, a rate of 8 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Leaf years here — over the median of the other years, which is 4. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
57
8
0
15
The complaints owners file most often name Service brakes (22 of 57), then Electrical system (15) and Air bags (11). Those filings include 6 that report a crash and 3 that report an injury.
The 2013 Leaf has 81 complaints, 11 per year. The 2012 has fewer complaints per year than the 2013.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2012 Nissan Leaf. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (57 total)
Show 6 more Show less
6
0
3
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Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"High voltage battery keeps shorting out stalling while driving on interstate almost got hit by 18 wheeler a few times it's a very unsafe car to drive and I keep smelling something like an odor from the battery I've been…"
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"Lithium batteries Depletion"
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"Dealer is Mike Erdman Nissan Merritt Island Fl 32953 Airbag warning light flashing red on console. Paid $260 for diagnostic check on July 21, 2024. They cannot fix it as an airbag sensor on the passenger side seat is…"
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"My Nissan Leaf is showing a warning sign that front passenger side airbag is disabled. I see that this is a common complaint from many 2011-12 Nissan Leaf owners. I would like to add my name to the list of owners who…"
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"Car stops completely due to a defective battery should be recalled by dealer manufacturer"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Nissan Leaf 5 HB FWD | 5 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf | — | Automatic (1-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 106 | 92 | 99 MPG / 73 mi range | $750 |
Specs and fitment
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Nissan Leaf reliable?
NHTSA's file on the 2012 Nissan Leaf holds 57 complaints after 15 years, a rate of 8 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Leaf years here — over the median of the other years, which is 4. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2012 Nissan Leaf?
The complaints owners file most often name Service brakes (22 of 57), then Electrical system (15) and Air bags (11). Those filings include 6 that report a crash and 3 that report an injury.
Is the 2012 Nissan Leaf more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2013 Leaf has 81 complaints, 11 per year. The 2012 has fewer complaints per year than the 2013.
Has the 2012 Nissan Leaf been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2012 Nissan Leaf.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Nissan Leaf?
Owners have filed 57 complaints about the 2012 Nissan Leaf with NHTSA.
What mpg does a 2012 Nissan Leaf get?
EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2012 Nissan Leaf is 99 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.
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.