Is the 2015 Nissan Leaf reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 Nissan Leaf is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Nissan Leaf?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 78% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2015 Nissan Leaf have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2015 Nissan Leaf

◆ Worse than typical

2015 Nissan Leaf
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:43:58.627Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 110
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2015: 110 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

78% · 86 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Brakes fail cause as a wreck while parking

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-01-23

I was driving fown the highway and the car in front of me stopped. I was going 45 MPH. I was two car lengths behind him. I hit the brakes and the car wouldn't stop. I then slammed the brakes and the car slowed down, but I ended up rear ending him.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-05

Purchased a brand new 2015 Nissan Leaf on September 12TH, 2015 3 weeks later on oct 5TH, 2015 brakes failed on this brand new car while driving in traffic on the freeway. As a result I ended up hitting a truck in the rear end at 55 MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-11-25

Electrical system

16% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

Vehicle speed control

7% · 8 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

I was driving with one passenger going at very low speed. I began to turn into parking area and suddenly the car accelerated at an alarming speed. I applied total pressure on the brake to no avail, it did not override the acceleration.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-12-29

Air bags

7% · 8 reports

CRASHINJURY

Power train

3% · 3 reports

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2015Complaint volume 110 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2016-03-28Service brakes16V119000 Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 LEAF vehicles manufactured November 19, 2012, to July 31, 2015.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Intelligent Brake Control Unit software, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-06-10Air bags16V244000 Nissan North America, Inc.

Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-06-07Air bags17V253000 Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
R

2023-05-30Equipment, visibility23V296000 Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2017 LEAF vehicles. The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions.

Remedy: Nissan will mail an addendum with updated instructions on how to operate the defroster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2015 Nissan Leaf — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 86 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 18 reports on file for this year.
Vehicle speed control: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V119000 · Service brakes
Recall 16V244000 · Air bags
Recall 17V253000 · Air bags
Recall 23V296000 · Equipment, visibility

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2015 Nissan Leaf reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 Nissan Leaf is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Nissan Leaf?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 78% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 Nissan Leaf have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.