2018 Nissan Leaf
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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
- 68
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2018
Opened by NHTSA
29% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 68 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.
Electrical system
29% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
I purchased this EV in 2021 with ~30k miles on it. On cold days ~20 degrees, the battery would drop rapidly under a load (going uphill, high speeds, etc) It would continue to drop until you were not under load anymore.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-14
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and engine
This is the second high-voltage traction battery failure on this vehicle. The original HV battery failed and was replaced by Nissan under warranty at an authorized dealer on XXX, at approximately 59,000 miles.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-16
Car was fast charged on July 9th. 2026. After fast charging from 13% to 80%, and driving for a few miles, the overheating warning came on and car was forced to stop on the side of a busy highway until the engine cooled off.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-11
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Service brakes
28% · 19 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I was pulling slowly into a parking spot. The vehicle accelerated all of a sudden on its own very fast. I slammed on the brakes and the vehicle did not stop. It ran us on a sidewalk and crashed into a pole. Luckily no one hurt.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-07
Also filed under Engine
This Nissan Leaf has an ez-pedal feature. When enabled, taking your foot off the accelerator slows you down quickly until you come to a full stop. And then the car does not move. And this non-movement does not require depressing the brake.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-25
vehicle brakes went out on the driver during normal operation.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-03
Forward collision avoidance
25% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
Fuel/propulsion system
21% · 14 reportsVehicle speed control
18% · 12 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle at low speeds, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own. As a result, the vehicle jumped the wheel stop, coming to a complete stop after colliding with a tree.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-06
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2019-11-11Back over prevention19V654000 Nissan North America, Inc.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated.
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2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
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2023-03-30Equipment, visibility23V048000 Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 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 April 1, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
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2023-08-30Vehicle speed control23V494000 Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The vehicle may accelerate unintentionally if the driving mode is changed ("D" to "B"; e-Pedal "On"; or "ECO" mode) after disengaging the cruise control.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module (VCM), free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
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2024-08-09Back over prevention24V071000 Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2022 LEAF vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Nissan Leaf — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 20 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Forward collision avoidance: 17 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 19V654000 · Back over prevention
- Recall 23V048000 · Equipment, visibility
- Recall 23V494000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 24V071000 · Back over prevention
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2018 Nissan Leaf reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Nissan Leaf is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Leaf?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 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.