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 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
72% of complaints: electrical system — 114 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
backup camera was intermittently not working. Dealer tested and found "rear camera image signal test at the avm connector 20-19, and the signal is not normal". Code U111A-00 was found.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231011
20% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 31 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: engine — 7 distinct reports on file.
3% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20210210
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 20V412000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V570000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
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.
Campaign 23V048000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 23V494000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V071000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V700000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Nissan Leaf — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (114 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V412000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V570000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V048000 (equipment, visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V494000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V071000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V700000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 72% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Leaf have?
6 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.