2021 Nissan Leaf
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.
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
61% of complaints: electrical system — 31 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20251215
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, 20250924
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, 20250902
16% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 8 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 6 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: engine — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 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.
Campaign 25V655000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Nissan Leaf — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- 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 25V655000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 61% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Leaf have?
4 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.