2018 Nissan Leaf Reliability Report

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Leaf frequently report issues with the ProPilot Assist system, particularly its failure to detect stopped vehicles and unexpected acceleration towards vehicles in stop-and-go traffic. Complaints describe instances where the system does not recognize vehicles in front, leading to potential rear-end collisions unless the driver intervenes. Additionally, there are reports of physical issues with the steering wheel, such as paint chipping and dislodged materials causing lacerations. Some owners also note a grinding noise during turns, which persists even after attempted repairs. These issues sometimes occur within a few months of ownership and have resulted in at least two injuries. Safety implications include potential crashes due to system malfunctions and physical harm from steering wheel defects, which may be relevant for prospective buyers considering this model.

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Leaf report several issues, notably involving the EZ-Pedal feature, where the brake lights do not activate when the car is stopped using this feature, leading to at least one rear-end collision. Additionally, there are complaints about the backup camera intermittently failing to display the video feed, although guidance lines remain visible. Some owners also describe a gear shifting issue when the vehicle is booting up, where the car may unexpectedly shift to neutral, posing a potential risk on inclines. Another reported problem is the failure of the Power Distribution Module around 77,000 miles, which can leave the vehicle inoperable and is costly to repair. These issues suggest potential safety hazards and significant repair expenses, which prospective buyers should consider.

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Leaf report issues with the airbag system, particularly involving the passenger side. Complaints frequently mention a faulty passenger airbag sensor, with the airbag warning light staying on when the seat is unoccupied and the airbag status light remaining on when occupied. One incident involved a crash where the airbags did not deploy, though no injuries were reported. Mileage for these issues ranges from 13,000 miles upward, and some owners note ongoing problems with seatbelt and occupancy sensors, requiring costly repairs. This information may be useful for potential buyers considering the vehicle's airbag reliability and associated sensor issues.

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Leaf report issues with the power train, particularly related to battery performance and unexpected shutdowns. Complaints frequently mention a rapid drop in the state of charge, especially under high load conditions or cold temperatures, which can lead to the vehicle entering turtle mode or shutting down. One owner describes a thermal event involving a fire in the Power Distribution Module, while others report the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly at highway speeds, sometimes with no fault codes registered. These issues generally appear around 29,862 miles and can pose safety risks, including loss of power and control on highways. Buyers should be aware of potential warranty disputes regarding battery and drivetrain coverage.

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Leaf report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, specifically the automatic emergency braking (AEB) feature. Common symptoms include the malfunction warning light activating and the system failing, often diagnosed as a front radar sensor issue. These problems typically occur around 25,000 miles. Complaints highlight concerns over the high cost of repairs, with estimates around $1,900, and potential safety implications, as owners are worried about the possibility of unexpected braking or collision risks due to system failure. This information is crucial for used car buyers considering the potential costs and safety risks associated with this model's AEB system.

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Leaf frequently report issues with the windshield wiper system, particularly in cold weather conditions. Complaints describe the mechanical linkage between the motor and wiper arms failing, with the ball joint disconnecting and causing the wipers to stop functioning despite the motor running. This issue has been reported to occur during both light ice and snow, as well as heavy rain, leaving drivers without wipers and posing a potential safety risk. The problem is noted to recur annually over multiple winters and has required repairs such as replacing the entire motor and linkage assembly. These failures have been documented over several years of ownership, suggesting a persistent issue that potential buyers should be aware of, especially in regions with harsh winter weather.

Owners report that the 2018 Nissan Leaf experiences sudden battery depletion while driving, even when the battery is initially at a high charge level. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle entering "turtle mode," which significantly reduces motor power and speed, creating a potential safety hazard on highways. Symptoms include a rapid drop in battery percentage, followed by a sudden increase after pulling over. These issues can lead to a complete loss of power, affecting power brakes and steering, and are attributed to a weak cell in the high voltage battery. Safety implications include the risk of coasting to a stop without control, particularly dangerous in high-speed traffic.