2015 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
76% of complaints: service brakes — 81 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Brakes fail cause as a wreck while parking
NHTSA ODI report, 20220123
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, 20181205
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, 20151125
14% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The electronic braking system seems to have randomly failed due to some electrical glitch.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230923
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20221229
7% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY3% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 16V119000 — check if this car was fixed
Nissan North America, Inc.
Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors.
Campaign 16V244000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 17V253000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
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.
Campaign 23V296000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2015 Nissan Leaf — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (81 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V119000 (service brakes) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V244000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V253000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V296000 (equipment, visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 76% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 Nissan Leaf have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.