2012 Nissan Leaf
This year had at least 30% fewer 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
- 57
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Service brakes
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 57 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.
Service brakes
39% · 22 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Drove car into driveway with slight incline, pressed button to engage car into park, got out of vehicle, plugged in car to charge it. Walked up 2 steps to house, car rolled back nearly striking 9 year old. Rushed to the car to try to stop it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-30
Driving my 2012 Leaf on a secondary road on Sunday afternoon, at 45 MPH, I applied my brakes to turn right on to another street. After moderately pressing the brake pedal the brakes locked, bringing the vehicle to a complete stop in the roadway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-07-10
This is an all electric vehicle. When applying the brakes at slow speeds the vehicle pulsates.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-18
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
26% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing traction battery.
Show complaint excerpts
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 trying to get help to do the...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-02-21
Lithium batteries Depletion
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-01-14
Nissan Leaf. Consumer writes in regards to a number of concerns: electronic key problems, failed night lights in the driver door controls and mileage issues.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-25
Air bags
19% · 11 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-23
Vehicle speed control
7% · 4 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Nissan Leaf. The contact was parking the vehicle with his foot on the brake pedal when the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The vehicle went over a curb and crashed into a bush.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-02
Visibility/wiper
5% · 3 reportsSafety 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 →
-
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
2012 Nissan Leaf — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 22 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 11 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Nissan Leaf reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Nissan Leaf is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Leaf?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 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.