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 44% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Leaf have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Nissan Leaf

▲ Better than typical

2016 Nissan Leaf
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:34.138Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 36
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2016: 36 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

44% · 16 reports

CRASH

Show 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, 2018-04-11

THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME intermittently AT FIRST ... NOW permanently AND CANNOT BE DIAGNOSED BY NISSAN.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-28

Electrical system

36% · 13 reports

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

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the consumer owned a 2016 Nissan Leaf. The consumer stated that while asleep at their residence, they were awoken by the police department who informed them that their vehicle was engulfed in flames. No injury was sustained.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-22

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, 2023-10-09

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and power train

Fuel/propulsion system

22% · 8 reports

Power train

8% · 3 reports

Engine

8% · 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 →

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

2016-08-09Air bags, electrical system16V436000 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.

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

2016 Nissan Leaf — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 16 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V244000 · Air bags
Recall 16V436000 · Air bags, electrical system
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 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 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 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.