2011 Nissan Leaf
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 95 |
| 2012 | 57 |
| 2013 | 81 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 107 |
| 2016 | 35 |
| 2017 | 17 |
| 2018 | 62 |
| 2019 | 250 |
| 2020 | 158 |
| 2021 | 51 |
| 2022 | 88 |
| 2023 | 19 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
37% of complaints: air bags — 35 distinct reports on file.
Show 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, 20230925
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, 20180614
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, 20171205
29% of complaints: electrical system — 28 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20120824
17% of complaints: service brakes — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20140917
When applying brakes, at a point in the pedal travel the vehicle deceleration goes from too little to vastly too much.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240531
7% of complaints: seats — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show 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, 20230925
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20230604
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
Front Occupant Classification System Mat
Front Occupant Classification System Mat
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Nissan Leaf — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (35 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (16 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 "worse than 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.