2011 Nissan Leaf
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 95
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Air bags
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
37% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 95 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 95 |
| 2012 | 57 |
| 2013 | 81 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 110 |
| 2016 | 36 |
| 2017 | 17 |
| 2018 | 68 |
| 2019 | 258 |
| 2020 | 167 |
| 2021 | 56 |
| 2022 | 96 |
| 2023 | 22 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
37% · 35 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Supplemental air bag warning light started blinking on 9/24/2023. It blinks regardless of whether the front passenger seat is occupied. The OCS sensor for the passenger seat failed. This should have been covered by a recall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-25
Also filed under Seats
Passenger air bag seat pressure sensor fail. Passenger air bag off light illuminate when front passenger occupied the seat also flashing airbag light on the dash board. Error code B1018. Dealer wants whole seat replacement cost $3000.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-14
So, apparently the 2012 - 2014 Nissan Leaf had an issue with the passenger airbag sensor and is covered by recall, but not the first year models, 2011. Is this to assume that the sensor is different from the first to these subsequent years.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-05
Electrical system
31% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
I have run into what I believe is a small design flaw. While user error is clearly involved, a simple software fix could prevent this from happening. Scenario: 1) Leaf is parked in grocery store parking lot on a slight downhill slope.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-24
Also filed under Power train
Service brakes
23% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-09-17
When applying brakes, at a point in the pedal travel the vehicle deceleration goes from too little to vastly too much.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-31
Seats
7% · 7 reportsVehicle speed control
5% · 5 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On 05/28/23 while i was trying to park my 2011 Nissan Leaf in a parking lot, the car accelerated unexpectedly and hit a pole and fence and scratched an already parked car. Applying break did not slow down my car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-06-04
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
2019-08-16Defect petitionClosed 2019-10-16 Front Occupant Classification System Mat
-
I
2019-10-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 2020-06-01 Front Occupant Classification System Mat
-
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Nissan Leaf — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 35 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 29 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 22 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2011 Nissan Leaf reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Nissan Leaf is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Leaf?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Leaf have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.