Is the 2021 Nissan Leaf reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Nissan Leaf is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Leaf?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Leaf have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2021 Nissan Leaf

▲ Better than typical

2021 Nissan Leaf
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:54:13.066Z

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: 56
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2021: 56 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

57% · 32 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

*High Voltage Battery defect/failure - this is what was believed to be the issue when it was towed to the dealership.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-12-15

Took car to dealership to charge. Got home and an hour later the battery ignited into a fire. Car was engulfed with smoke ,fire in front of our house. After 4 hours with fire dept trying to put out the fire within battery...

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-24

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Leaf. The vehicle was taken to a charging station, and while driving at 5 MPH, entering the driveway, the battery burst into flames. There were no warning lights illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-02

Fuel/propulsion system

18% · 10 reports

Show complaint excerpts

So on October 1st, my car, my nissan Leaf went into turtle mode for the first time.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-21

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Visibility/wiper

11% · 6 reports

Engine

9% · 5 reports

FIRE

Forward collision avoidance

7% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.

CRASH

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2026-06-10Electrical system25V655000 Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2022 LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to use Level 3 quick charging until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed June 16, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's Customer Service at 1-800-867-7669.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2021 Nissan Leaf — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 32 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 10 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 23V048000 · Equipment, visibility
Recall 23V494000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 24V071000 · Back over prevention
Recall 25V655000 · Electrical system

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2021 Nissan Leaf reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Nissan Leaf is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Leaf?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 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.