2016 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 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
43% of complaints: service brakes — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
MY 2016 LEAF SL WAS DAMAGED IN A FAIRLY LOW SPEED COLLISION DURING HEAVY OFFICE RUSH TRAFFIC (AROUND 7:30AM IN THE MORNING). WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SUDDENLY STOPPED, I ALSO BRAKED HARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180411
31% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving at highway speeds (65mph) on a cold day (10-20F), the car lost all drive power with no warning. Driver was able to coast to the road margin. In another situation this could have been a catastrophic accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231009
23% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving at highway speeds (65mph) on a cold day (10-20F), the car lost all drive power with no warning. Driver was able to coast to the road margin. In another situation this could have been a catastrophic accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231009
9% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving at highway speeds (65mph) on a cold day (10-20F), the car lost all drive power with no warning. Driver was able to coast to the road margin. In another situation this could have been a catastrophic accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231009
9% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 model year 2016 LEAF vehicles manufactured February 24, 2016, to March 23, 2016, and Sentra vehicles manufactured February 9, 2016, to March 4, 2016.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness connector for proper engagement and, if necessary, replace the passenger air bag module and main body harness, free of charge. The recall began on August 9, 2016.
Campaign 16V436000 — 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
2016 Nissan Leaf — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V244000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V436000 (air bags, electrical system) 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 2016 Nissan Leaf reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Nissan Leaf is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Leaf?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 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.