NHTSA (USA)Low Risk
At a glance
This page covers 6 recalls, 34 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Nissan Leaf.
114 MPGe combined
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Brake complaints dominate what 2014 Leaf owners report, and the descriptions are consistent enough to stand out. Multiple owners describe the brake pedal sinking to the floor with little or no stopping force, sometimes during routine low-speed maneuvers like reversing out of a driveway or stopping at a light. A few reports describe a sensation similar to ABS cycling continuously, requiring extreme pedal pressure to achieve any deceleration at all. Several complaints mention warning lights appearing alongside the brake failure. Airbag and electrical system complaints each account for a handful of reports; among the electrical side, a couple of owners describe the electric power steering intermittently cutting out and then re-engaging without warning, accompanied by a dashboard warning light.
34
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Nissan LEAF has 6 recalls, the most serious being a faulty inverter circuit board that can cause the vehicle to shut down without warning while driving, raising the risk of a crash.
Two separate structural recalls involve the front member assembly on certain vehicles. In one group, the front member may be missing welds entirely; in another, the welding may not meet the required specification. In both cases, the front structure may not hold up properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to occupants. A related concern involves the passenger seat occupant classification sensor, which can fail to correctly identify the front passenger, potentially causing the frontal airbag to not deploy as intended in a crash and leaving the passenger without full restraint protection.
On the mechanical side, the electronic brake booster contains a relay that can freeze in very cold temperatures. When this happens, the brake pedal requires noticeably more force to slow the vehicle, and stopping distances can increase. This applies across a broader range of model years than some of the other recalls here.
There is also a documentation recall covering the owner's manual, which contains incorrect instructions for operating the defroster. Following the wrong steps can result in reduced defroster output, leaving the windshield partially fogged or iced over and limiting the driver's view of the road ahead.
At a glance
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The Owner's Manual contains incorrect defroster operation instructions that may reduce defroster performance under certain conditions.
What the fix does
Nissan will mail an addendum with corrected defroster operating instructions at no cost to owners.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat's occupant detection system may incorrectly identify an adult as a child or miss an occupied seat. This can cause the passenger airbag to stay off during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram or replace the occupant detection and airbag control units to ensure proper airbag operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In very cold temperatures, the relay in the electronic brake booster may freeze, making it harder for you to slow down the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Intelligent Brake Control Unit software at no charge to restore normal braking function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The motor control circuit board in the inverter may fail, causing the vehicle to shut down while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the inverter free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front structural member may not be properly welded to specification, affecting crash performance and occupant protection in a collision.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front member welding. Vehicles with improper welding will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front structural member assembly may be missing welds, which could reduce how well the vehicle protects occupants in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for missing welds. Any vehicle with missing welds will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
