Last updated: 2026-07-26
2025 Nissan Leaf Reliability Report
The 2025 Nissan Leaf scores 79/100 ("Good"). With 0 recalls and 7 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
0
Complaints
7
Complaint Rate
13.7per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$748
EV Range
149–212 mi
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2025 is the last model year of the Second generation (ZE1; 2017).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 2 years after the last refresh (2023).
- 2nd generation Leaf (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2018: Second generation (ZE1; 2017) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2025: This Model Year
2025 is the last model year of the Second generation (ZE1; 2017).
Should You Buy the 2025 Nissan Leaf?
At 79/100, the 2025 Nissan Leaf lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2025 is the last model year of the Second generation (ZE1; 2017).
Its complaint rate of 13.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the Sedan segment average of 2. The most common reports involve electrical system (3).
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (3). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
See also the 2021 Nissan Leaf for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (10%)
- +No recalls issued
Cons
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (3 complaints)
Compare 2025 Nissan Leaf With
Common Problem Categories
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2025 Nissan Leaf — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
13.7
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 2
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2025 Nissan Leaf? Check its history first
Every 2025 Nissan Leaf has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2025 Nissan Leaf NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Safety Technologies
Nissan LeafRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$748
vs $471 avg for alternative fuel vehicles
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
10%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Electric
149–212 mi range
Fuel cost: $700/yr
Fuel only
30.426–30.782 kWh/100mi · 8–11 hrs @ 240V
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2025 EPA label cycle.
Electric trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | Range | kWh/100mi | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEAF | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 149 mi | 30.4 | $700 |
| LEAF SV | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 212 mi | 30.8 | $700 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Nissan Leaf.
Test for unintended acceleration by driving at various speeds
Check for 'Service EV' and 'Caution Fire' warnings on the dashboard
Inspect for smoke in the cabin during level 3 charging
Verify heater functionality in cold temperatures
Ensure wheel lug nuts are properly torqued
2025 Nissan Leaf Common Problems by Component
7 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Nissan Leaf report several electrical system issues, with the most frequently mentioned problem being unintended acceleration, where the vehicle continues to accelerate even when the driver is not pressing the accelerator. This issue is reported to occur intermittently, and in some cases, the vehicle's panel display turns off and on unexpectedly while driving. Another complaint involves a "Service EV" message and an audible "Caution Fire" warning, with one owner noting this occurred at approximately 8,750 miles. Additionally, one owner describes visible smoke filling the cabin during level 3 charging sessions, causing discomfort. These issues present potential safety implications, including loss of control and fire hazards, which prospective buyers should be aware of.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaintWhen the outside temperature is below freezing, the heater runs for about 10 minutes and then starts blowing nothing but cold air. This is not just an inconvenience and discomfort, but leads to distracted driving which could result in an accident. Lately the temperature has sometimes dipped below 0 degrees F, and the car is almost undrivable. This problem has been widely discussed on the Leaf owners' forum online and was just acknowledged by my service representative at Valley Nissan in Longmont, CO. There were no warning lamps or other indications of the problem before or after.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintWhile quickly shifting the car from drive to reverse the car will suddenly go full throttle in reverse with no pedal input. This is very easy to get it to do
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintDoor latch hits door striker
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintLeased new vehicle, after approximately 900-miles, started to hear knocking sounds during acceleration and deceleration. Checked wheel lug nuts and all were loose and passenger side wheel lock was missing. Torque spec at factory needs to be reviewed. Contacted the dealership, Tynan’s Nissan in Aurora, CO.
When Do 2025 Nissan Leaf Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Nissan Leaf Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Nissan Leaf Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Nissan Leaf year is 2025 with a reliability score of 79/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2021 (70/100) and 2018 (67/100).
2025
(Current Model)
2021
2018
Nissan Leaf Years to Avoid
The worst Nissan Leaf year is 2020 with a score of 58/100, primarily due to electrical system (113) issues. Also avoid 2019 (58/100).
Nissan Leaf Reliability Score Trend
Nissan Leaf reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 69/100 compared to 63/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 79/100 | Good |
Nissan Leaf Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Nissan Leaf reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Nissan Leaf?
How many recalls does the 2025 Nissan Leaf have?
Is the 2025 Nissan Leaf expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2025 Nissan Leaf without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Nissan Leaf.
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