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    2016
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

    Nissan Leaf Change Vehicle

    The Leaf is the first widely available and affordable all-electric car. Overall, it's a civilized vehicle with very low running costs. It's very quiet, rides comfortably, and is easy to get in and out of. The Leaf's main drawbacks are a limited driving range of only about 75 miles per charge and long recharge times. That makes it best used as a commuter car or an urban runabout.
    Alerts
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
    2016
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

    Nissan Leaf

    Reliability

    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

    Overall Reliability
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot
    See all 2016 Potential Trouble Spots
    The 2016 Nissan Leaf has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Research Years *Redesign year
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    16
    17
    18*
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    Potential Trouble Spots
    Engine Major
    Engine Minor
    Engine Cooling
    Transmission Major
    Transmission Minor
    Drive System
    Fuel System
    Electric System
    Climate System
    Suspension
    Brakes
    Exhaust
    Paint/Trim
    Body Integrity
    Body Hardware
    Power Equipment
    In-car Electronics
    Show More Trouble Spots
    Show Fewer Trouble Spots
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 500,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2018 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

    Learn more about car Reliability.

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Nissan Leaf owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Climate System

    Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    “The cabling had become corroded from 2 weeks of non use. Fixed under warranty”

    Jeffrey J., VA (2016 Nissan Leaf SL Electric)
    Blower (fan) motor

    “windshield defroster not working”

    Anonymous, CA (2016 Nissan Leaf Unsure Electric)
    Heater system

    “The passenger side heat from the front didn't work (the heated seat was ok). The Nissan dealer installed a new one on warranty”

    Anonymous, MA (2016 Nissan Leaf S Electric)

    Body Hardware

    Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

    What Owners Say

    Locks and latches

    “The door handle plastic cover kept coming out of its connection so that then you couldn't touch the button to unlock the door, so it had to keep having to be pushed back in. Every time I opened the door it would pop loose. So I took it and and Nissan replaced it under warrantee”

    Anonymous, OR (2016 Nissan Leaf SV Electric)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

    Brakes

    Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

    Fuel System

    Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

    Electric System

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

    Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Power Equipment

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

    Body Integrity

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

    In-car Electronics

    CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

    Compare 2016 Models

    No Data Available
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    AIR BAGS
    Apr 13 2017
    In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag doesn't deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury to passengers.
    Read Recall Details
    Summary:
    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.
    What should you do:
    Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V253000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 30038
    Hide Recall Details
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
    Jun 15 2016
    If the wiring harness disconnects, the passenger air bag may not to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Read Recall Details
    Summary:
    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 LEAF vehicles manufactured February 24, 2016, to March 23, 2016, and Sentra vehicles manufactured February 9, 2016, to March 4, 2016. The wiring harness connector may disconnect from the dual-stage passenger air bag.
    What should you do:
    Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness connector for proper engagement and, if necessary, replace the passenger air bag module and main body harness, free of charge. The recall began on August 9, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V436000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 4355
    Hide Recall Details
    AIR BAGS: OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM - OCS (FRONT PASSENGER)
    Apr 26 2016
    If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
    Read Recall Details
    Summary:
    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
    What should you do:
    Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V244000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3296947
    Hide Recall Details
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