NHTSA (USA)Low Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The Owner's Manual contains incorrect defroster operation instructions that may reduce defroster performance under certain conditions.
This page covers 4 recalls, 107 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 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 the 2015 Leaf owner reports by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe sudden, near-complete loss of braking power while driving at low to moderate speeds, often preceded by ABS and traction control warning lights appearing on the dashboard. A common pattern involves the brake pedal going soft or sinking to the floor with minimal stopping effect, sometimes accompanied by grinding or clicking sounds. Several owners connect these episodes to the 12-volt auxiliary battery, reporting that disconnecting and reconnecting it temporarily restores normal brake function. The electronic brake booster or intelligent brake unit is the component most often implicated in these descriptions. Electrical system complaints are the second most-reported category, though at much lower volume. Airbag complaints make up a smaller cluster, with a handful of owners reporting concerns about warning lights or system behavior.
107
Total Complaints
8
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Nissan LEAF has 4 recalls, the most serious involving the front passenger airbag, which may fail to deploy in a crash, and a brake booster relay that can freeze in very cold temperatures, requiring significantly more pedal force to slow the vehicle.
The airbag concern covers two related issues: a manufacturing error in the passenger frontal airbag inflator that can prevent proper deployment, and a separate problem with the passenger seat occupant classification sensor that can also cause the front passenger airbag to fail in a crash. Both leave a front passenger without the protection the airbag is designed to provide. On the brake side, the electronic brake booster contains a relay that can ice up in extreme cold, causing the system to lose its power-assist function and forcing the driver to push much harder on the pedal to achieve normal stopping distances. There is also a documentation recall covering the owner's manual, which contains incorrect instructions for operating the defroster. Following those instructions under certain conditions can result in reduced windshield clearing, limiting the driver's forward visibility.
At a glance
What can fail
The Owner's Manual contains incorrect defroster operation instructions that may reduce defroster performance under certain conditions.
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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 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
A manufacturing error in the passenger front air bag inflator may prevent it from deploying properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
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.