Last updated: 2026-07-26

Nissan Leaf

2 Nissan Leaf Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Nissan Leaf average of 66/100

The Nissan Leaf years to avoid are 2020, 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 58/100. The best Nissan Leaf year to buy is 2025 79/100.

Verdict

The 2020, 2019 Nissan Leaf score significantly below the model average of 66/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 58/100 due to electrical system (113) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2018 67/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Nissan Leaf Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Nissan Leaf average of 66/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202058/100Mixed6159Electrical System (113)
2201958/100Mixed5251Electrical System (162)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

58
MixedReliability score: 58 out of 100, rated Mixed

2020 Nissan Leaf

The 2020 Nissan Leaf has mixed reliability. There are 6 recalls and 159 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Nissan Leaf. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (113), Unknown Or Other (14), Power Train (12).

6 recalls159 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (113), Unknown Or Other (14), Power Train (12), Fuel Propulsion System (11), Forward Collision Avoidance (2), Suspension (2)

View full 2020reliability report →
58
MixedReliability score: 58 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019 Nissan Leaf

The 2019 Nissan Leaf has mixed reliability. There are 5 recalls and 251 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Nissan Leaf. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (162), Unknown Or Other (32), Fuel Propulsion System (17).

5 recalls251 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (162), Unknown Or Other (32), Fuel Propulsion System (17), Power Train (12), Visibility Wiper (10), Service Brakes (5)

View full 2019reliability report →

What Are Common Nissan Leaf Problems?

Top reported issues across all Nissan Leaf model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

322 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

56 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

32 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

30 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

VISIBILITY/WIPER

18 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

17 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

Best Nissan Leaf Year to Buy Instead

67
GoodReliability score: 67 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Nissan Leaf

The 2018 Nissan Leaf has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 64 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Nissan Leaf. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (15), Service Brakes (12), Vehicle Speed Control (9).

Score: 67/100 (Good)4 recalls64 complaints
View full 2018reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Nissan Leaf year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Nissan Leaf Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Nissan Leaf Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Nissan Leaf years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Nissan Leaf years: 2020 (score: 58/100), 2019 (score: 58/100). These model years score significantly below the Nissan Leaf average of 66/100.
What is the best year for the Nissan Leaf?
The best year for the Nissan Leaf is 2025, with a reliability score of 79/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 7 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Nissan Leaf have?
Across all years in our database, the Nissan Leaf has a total of 19 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Nissan Leaf worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 79/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 66/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Nissan Leaf problems?
The most common Nissan Leaf problems are electrical system (322 complaints), unknown or other (56 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (32 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Nissan Leaf reliable long-term?
The Nissan Leaf has an average reliability score of 66/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Nissan Leaf generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Nissan Leaf generation is the Second generation (ZE1; 2017) with an average score of 66/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Nissan Leaf?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Nissan Leaf is $748 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2025 Nissan Leaf a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Nissan Leaf is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 79/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 7 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

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