2020 Nissan Leaf
This year had more than double the complaints 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
- 167
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2020
Opened by NHTSA
74% of complaints
Complaints per year
2020: 167 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
74% · 124 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and fan.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle: 2020 Nissan Leaf SV, VIN [[XXX]], ~55,000 miles Recall: R24B2 / NHTSA campaign 24V700000 (battery may overheat during Level 3 charging â fire risk) I brought my vehicle to Conicelli Nissan (Conshohocken, PA) for the R24B2 recall software...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-24
SAFETY COMPLAINT / INCIDENT DESCRIPTION Vehicle presented to Dennis Dillon Nissan on June 20 2026 for a factory high voltage battery recall software update intended to fix Level 3 fast charging safety risks.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-16
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-23
Fuel/propulsion system
21% · 35 reportsPower train
8% · 14 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Regarding Nissan Safety Recall 24V-700 / Campaign R24B2. After the recall remedy was performed on my 2020 LEAF in June I experienced the "Service EV System" message during normal highway driving on 8/1/26.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-10
Engine
5% · 8 reportsForward collision avoidance
5% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
"Automatic braking system failed to engage" On a offramp lane from freeway 5 southbound to crown valley parkway off ramp while traveling approximately 25MPH I rear ended a vehicle that was at dead stop and that vehicle rear ended a second...
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-02-10
Also filed under Structure
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2020Complaint volume 167 complaints filed for this model year.
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2020-08-31Back over prevention20V412000 Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 LEAF electric vehicles. Under certain circumstances, the images for the back-up camera can disappear while in reverse.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. This recall began August 31, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
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2020-11-04Visibility20V570000 Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima, Maxima and Leaf vehicles. The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC752.
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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.
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2026-05-27Electrical system24V700000 Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging.
Remedy: Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed June 3, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R24B2, P4A38, and P5A22.
Buy-smart checklist
2020 Nissan Leaf — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 124 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 35 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 14 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V412000 · Back over prevention
- Recall 20V570000 · Visibility
- Recall 23V048000 · Equipment, visibility
- Recall 23V494000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 24V071000 · Back over prevention
- Recall 24V700000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2020 Nissan Leaf reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Nissan Leaf is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Leaf?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 74% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Leaf have?
- 6 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.