Owners have filed 71 complaints
about the 2012 Nissan Leaf with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 33
Against the median year of the Nissan Leaf. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 87
16.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
76% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
713.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1223.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1631.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
917.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
611.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
12.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2012 Nissan Leaf 5 HB FWD
11% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2012peak 3Feb 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Nissan Leaf
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
PE19015Opened 9 Oct 2019Closed 1 Jun 2020AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Front Occupant Classification System Mat
Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-015 was opened as a result of Defect Petition (DP) 19-002 which alleged that model year (MY) 2011 and 2012 Nissan Leaf were affected by the same defect addressed in an earlier recall, NHTSA Safety Recall 16V-244, but were not included in the scope of that recall.NHTSA 16V-244 involved a defect in the Occupant Classification System, a system intended to suppress deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag under certain specific conditions. Although the DP19-002 analysis determined the allegation that earlier MY Leaf vehicles should have been included in 16V-244...
DP19002Opened 16 Aug 2019Closed 16 Oct 2019AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Front Occupant Classification System Mat
A defect petition (see DP19-002) was received July 23, 2019 alleging that the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor (mat) in model year (MY) 2011 Nissan Leaf vehicles is defective and affects the proper deployment of the passenger front air bag. The petitioner provided a list of potentially related NHTSA reports and noted a Nissan recall involving later MY Leaf vehicles with OCS defect. NHTSA is granting the petition and opening a preliminary evaluation in response, please see PE19-015.Since receiving the defect petition, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has determined that the...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 72,264 milesGathersburg, MDCrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN LEAF. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AS EXPECTED. THE CONTACT FULLY DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE ABS FAILED TO ACTIVATE AND THE VEHICLE STILL FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AS EXPECTED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT AND THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE SUFFERED MINOR BACK PAIN, BUT NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THEM ABOUT SIMILAR BRAKE ISSUES. THE MANUFACTURER ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN TO A NISSAN DEALER, BUT NOTIFIED ANOTHER DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,264.
NHTSA complaint #10980862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,161 milesRenton, WA1 injured
SEATS
NEW CAR HEADRESTS ARE ANGLED TOO FAR FORWARD. I DO NOT WANT TO SLOUCH, SO I WOULD LIKE TO SIT WITH MY SEAT UPRIGHT. THIS FORCES MY HEAD INTO A VERY UNNATURAL POSITION, CAUSING ME PAIN. EVEN WITH THE SEAT TILTED BACK, THE HEADREST STILL FORCES MY HEAD FORWARD, AND CREATES A DIFFICULT DRIVING POSITION WITH MY SHOULDERS SLUMPED FORWARD AND MY HEAD TILTED. THIS CAUSES HEADACHES & DISTRACTION. THIS DISCOMFORT IS ALSO TRUE OF THE 2013 FORD FOCUS, THE 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS, AND THE 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK THAT I HAVE RECENTLY DRIVEN. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS AN EFFORT TO REDUCE WHIPLASH INJURIES, BUT IT IS CAUSING FLEXION/OVERUSE INJURIES IN OWNER'S NECKS!
NHTSA complaint #10690994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,890 milesSAN Pablo, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND IGNITION STARTED AND THRUSTED CAR FORWARD. IT SEEMED LIKE THE BRAKE GOT SOFT AND THEN WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THIS INCIDENT CAUSED THE CAR TO DAMAGE PRIVATE PROPERTY AND CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10632898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,890 milesSAN Pablo, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND IGNITION STARTED AND THRUSTED CAR FORWARD. IT SEEMED LIKE THE BRAKE GOT SOFT AND THEN WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THIS INCIDENT CAUSED THE CAR TO DAMAGE PRIVATE PROPERTY AND CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10632898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,890 milesSAN Pablo, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND IGNITION STARTED AND THRUSTED CAR FORWARD. IT SEEMED LIKE THE BRAKE GOT SOFT AND THEN WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THIS INCIDENT CAUSED THE CAR TO DAMAGE PRIVATE PROPERTY AND CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10632898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,000 milesNovato, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
EXITING FREEWAY, HIT BRAKES TO START A TURN. THE BRAKES COMPLETELY LOCKED UP SENDING THE CAR INTO A SLIDE AND INTO THE END OF A GUARD RAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10586811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Birmingham, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
High voltage battery keeps shorting out stalling while driving on interstate almost got hit by 18 wheeler a few times it's a very unsafe car to drive and I keep smelling something like an odor from the battery I've been trying to get help to do the door ship Nissan consumer affairs and seem to be getting nowhere and they're letting me drive a car with a high voltage battery problem that obviously has a short in it help me
NHTSA complaint #11719541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #11635786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merritt Island, FL
AIR BAGS
Dealer is Mike Erdman Nissan Merritt Island Fl 32953 Airbag warning light flashing red on console. Paid $260 for diagnostic check on July 21, 2024. They cannot fix it as an airbag sensor on the passenger side seat is malfunctioning and the entire passenger side seat must be replaced and part is not available or is no longer in stock. They MAY be able to locate an entire seat Nissan Leaf 2012 somewhere, but if they do (and they said probably not) it will cost $4000.00. The seat is no longer made by Nissan and after market seats would not meet safety standards (they said). There is a published complaint list of well over 2000 Nissan Leaf owners regarding 2011 and 2012 Leaf owners who say there should be a safety recall as this issue has been known by Nissan and the 2013 and later models had safety changes installed for this issue but no safety recall was made for 2011 and 2012 models. I believe a safety recall to fix this issue is imperative.
NHTSA complaint #11603953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Harbor, FL
AIR BAGS
My Nissan Leaf is showing a warning sign that front passenger side airbag is disabled. I see that this is a common complaint from many 2011-12 Nissan Leaf owners. I would like to add my name to the list of owners who had a similar complaint and please update if you make Nissan do a recall for this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11541074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palmetto, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car stops completely due to a defective battery should be recalled by dealer manufacturer
NHTSA complaint #11539574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palmetto, FL
ENGINE
Car stops completely due to a defective battery should be recalled by dealer manufacturer
NHTSA complaint #11539574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Largo, FL
AIR BAGS
The brakes on the vehicle jerk alot when going under 15, causing everyone in the vehicle to get jerked forward multiple times and are touchy resulting in almost being in an accident. Airbag sensor for front passenger also no longer works and Nissan refuses to repair any defect
NHTSA complaint #11529118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Largo, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The brakes on the vehicle jerk alot when going under 15, causing everyone in the vehicle to get jerked forward multiple times and are touchy resulting in almost being in an accident. Airbag sensor for front passenger also no longer works and Nissan refuses to repair any defect
NHTSA complaint #11529118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
AIR BAGS
The passenger occupancy sensor has failed and as a result the passenger airbag is now permanently off, as indicated on the console. The dashboard airbag and general error lights are now constantly flashing as well. The dealer indicated the failure is the mat in the seat, OBD code B1018, and there is no repair for this failure. I see there are mutiple complaints online about this same problem on 2011-2012 LEAFs, and that NHTSA had opened an investigation. Do I have some recourse here? I am concerned to have people ride in the vehicle with no airbag.
NHTSA complaint #11514951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mililani, HI
SEATS
I believe my newly purchased 2012 Nissan LEAF is suffering from the same passenger-side airbag faulty sensor problem that has been documented in NHTSA case id: 11234415. I am experiencing the same flashing warning lights when I operate the vehicle. There are no signs of damage or tampering with the passenger-side seat. I will do my best to make the vehicle available for inspection upon request. I am worried that the faulty senor, if unfixed, might be shutting off the whole airbag deployment safety system. If it is doing that, Nissan MUST recall these vehicles for repair! A previous owner took the vehicle to the dealership that originally sold the car and their service center reported that the problem was a known issue. [NOTE: Date of Incident in this report refers to date of purchase of the vehicle, NOT the date that the problem began to occur. I do not have that information available to me.]
NHTSA complaint #11473743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mililani, HI
AIR BAGS
I believe my newly purchased 2012 Nissan LEAF is suffering from the same passenger-side airbag faulty sensor problem that has been documented in NHTSA case id: 11234415. I am experiencing the same flashing warning lights when I operate the vehicle. There are no signs of damage or tampering with the passenger-side seat. I will do my best to make the vehicle available for inspection upon request. I am worried that the faulty senor, if unfixed, might be shutting off the whole airbag deployment safety system. If it is doing that, Nissan MUST recall these vehicles for repair! A previous owner took the vehicle to the dealership that originally sold the car and their service center reported that the problem was a known issue. [NOTE: Date of Incident in this report refers to date of purchase of the vehicle, NOT the date that the problem began to occur. I do not have that information available to me.]
NHTSA complaint #11473743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mililani, HI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I believe my newly purchased 2012 Nissan LEAF is suffering from the same passenger-side airbag faulty sensor problem that has been documented in NHTSA case id: 11234415. I am experiencing the same flashing warning lights when I operate the vehicle. There are no signs of damage or tampering with the passenger-side seat. I will do my best to make the vehicle available for inspection upon request. I am worried that the faulty senor, if unfixed, might be shutting off the whole airbag deployment safety system. If it is doing that, Nissan MUST recall these vehicles for repair! A previous owner took the vehicle to the dealership that originally sold the car and their service center reported that the problem was a known issue. [NOTE: Date of Incident in this report refers to date of purchase of the vehicle, NOT the date that the problem began to occur. I do not have that information available to me.]
NHTSA complaint #11473743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Collins, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
When applying the brakes at low speed the brakes grab suddenly causing the car to lurch to a stop. The problem is intermittent, and therefore difficult to predict, but occurs frequently. This behavior is an ongoing hazard to the driver and passengers while also increasing the risk of a rear end collision if someone is following too closely.
NHTSA complaint #11454699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunnyvale, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
As I am approaching a stop, and the car is under ~15mph, and I touch the brakes, the will grab strongly and slam the car to a stop; people in the car lurch forward, and the driver behind me is surprised by the sudden stop and has to slam on their brakes. I notice there are 2 campaigns for this issue, one just before my VIN, and one after my VIN, but it looks to be the same problem. It is dangerously strong and difficult to control.
NHTSA complaint #11430817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pocatello, ID
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
multiple times when I have been driving, the accelerator pedal has stayed in the depressed position when I remove my foot from the pedal after going up to about 35 MPH When I brake, the accelerator pedal stays in the depressed position and the vehicle resumes acceleration as soon as I remove my foot from the brake. Today the only way I was able to get it back to a normal position was to pull over and turn the car off.
NHTSA complaint #11430524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pocatello, ID
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
multiple times when I have been driving, the accelerator pedal has stayed in the depressed position when I remove my foot from the pedal after going up to about 35 MPH When I brake, the accelerator pedal stays in the depressed position and the vehicle resumes acceleration as soon as I remove my foot from the brake. Today the only way I was able to get it back to a normal position was to pull over and turn the car off.
NHTSA complaint #11430524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesTamarac, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN LEAF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC BATTERY WAS UNABLE TO BE RECHARGED, MAKING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITH THE REMAINING CHARGE IN THE BATTERY, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER CORAL SPRINGS NISSAN LOCATED 9350 WEST ATLANTIC BLVD, CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33071, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ONBOARD CHARGER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
NHTSA complaint #11351811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesTamarac, FL
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN LEAF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC BATTERY WAS UNABLE TO BE RECHARGED, MAKING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITH THE REMAINING CHARGE IN THE BATTERY, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER CORAL SPRINGS NISSAN LOCATED 9350 WEST ATLANTIC BLVD, CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33071, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ONBOARD CHARGER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
NHTSA complaint #11351811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesLuquillo, PR
SERVICE BRAKES
ON 3/3/20 I RETURNED TO ALLIED PARK AND FLY LOT IN SAN JUAN. MY CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN FROM THE LOT, IT HAD SUDDEN FAILURE OF BRAKES. CAR WAS TOWED TO ADRIEL NISSAN IN TOA BAJA, MAR4, WHERE IT REMAINS, UNREPAIRED AS OF TODAY. THE DEALER HAS NOT CONTACTED ME SINCE 3/13, WHEN IT CLOSED, UNDER ISLAND COVID 19 SHUTDOWN. SUDDEN FAILURE OF ABS BRAKE SHOULD NOT OCCUR ON A CAR WITH ONLY 42,000 MILES! I FEEL NISSAN SHOULD COVER ABS REPAIR COSTS.
NHTSA complaint #11319798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,340 milesKailua, HI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN LEAF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY BOX WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KING WINDWARD NISSAN LOCATED AT (45-568 KAMEHAMEHA HWY, KANEOHE, HI 96744, (808) 439-6901) AND WAS INFORMED THAT AN INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED AND FOUND EV BATTERY CASE AND BOLTS SHOWED SEVERE RUST AND THAT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE BOLTS FROM THE CASE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,340.
NHTSA complaint #11301191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brookhaven, GA
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON, AND THE DEALER HAS TOLD US THE ENTIRE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR $4,000 TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11286687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
AIR BAGS
WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES (CONTINUOUSLY FLASHING) AND CONTINUES TO FLASH WHILE DRIVING. ON 11/22/2019 THE NISSAN DEALER REPORTED THAT THE SEAT OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION MODULE HAS FAILED AND IS REPORTING A TROUBLE CODE B1018. THE REPAIR INVOLVES REPLACING THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY AT A COST OF $3938. THE COST TO REPAIR IS A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS KNOW ISSUE WITH LATER MY NISSAN LEAF AND IS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11282156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northridge, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR IT HAS NEVER GOTTEN A FULL CHARGE. EVEN WHEN I TURN OFF ALL THE TIMERS AND CHARGE FOR 2 DAYS I CAN ONLY GO 50 MILES TOPS AND THE POWER BATTERY BAR ONLY GOES TO 5 BARS. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR AND I'M SCARED TO PAY MORE FOR A NEW BATTERY. AS IT MIGHT AS WELL BE PURCHASING A NEW CAR😭😥
NHTSA complaint #11267582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,500 milesWaxhaw, NC
AIR BAGS
B1018 PASSENGER SEAT SENOSR NEEDS REPLACEMENT NISSAN SAYS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THERE 10 YEAR 100,000 MILE WARRANTY. WILL COST $3900.00 TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT. WHAT IS COVERED UNDER THE AIR BAG WARRANTY? THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY.
NHTSA complaint #11256669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
AIR BAGS
PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR (OCS) HAS FAILED. ONLY REPAIR OFFERED BY NISSAN IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE CUSHION SEAT ASSEMBLY, WHICH INCLUDES A SIDE AIRBAG AND SEAT HEATER, FOR OVER $4000 - THIS IS APPROXIMATELY THE VALUE OF THE CAR ON THE USED MARKET! A SIMILAR FAILURE FOR LATER MODEL YEARS (2013-2016) RESULTED IN A MANDATORY RECALL. USING PARTS IN A CRITICAL SAFETY SYSTEM THAT BARELY SURVIVE PAST THE CAR WARRANTY SHOULD BE CRIMINAL.
NHTSA complaint #11193091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
