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Model-year record

2012 Nissan Leaf
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2012 Nissan Leaf

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

57

Reports to NHTSA, 2012

Safety recalls

0

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

99

EPA estimate

Known issues

Service Brakes issues lead owner complaints (30% of 57 reports), followed by electrical system (26%).

Service Brakes30% · 17 reports
Electrical System26% · 15 reports
Air Bags18% · 10 reports
Seat Belts5% · 3 reports
Vehicle Speed Control5% · 3 reports
Visibility/Wiper5% · 3 reports
Unknown Or Other4% · 2 reports
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)2% · 1 report

+ 3 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 57 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 10980862, ODI 10586811, ODI 10524169, ODI 11454699, ODI 11430817.

Individual complaint reports(57)

Showing the 50 most recent reports
Electrical SystemFeb 2026 · ODI 11719541Details +

High voltage battery keeps shorting out stalling while driving on interstate almost got hit by 18 wheeler a few times it's a very unsafe car to drive and I keep smelling something like an odor from the battery I've been trying to get help to do the door ship Nissan consumer affairs and seem to be getting nowhere and they're letting me drive a car with a high voltage battery problem that obviously has a short in it help me

Reported
Feb 2026
Incident date
Nov 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11719541 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2025 · ODI 11635786Details +

Lithium batteries Depletion

Reported
Jan 2025
Incident date
Jan 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11635786 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJul 2024 · ODI 11603953Details +

Dealer is Mike Erdman Nissan Merritt Island Fl 32953 Airbag warning light flashing red on console. Paid $260 for diagnostic check on July 21, 2024. They cannot fix it as an airbag sensor on the passenger side seat is malfunctioning and the entire passenger side seat must be replaced and part is not available or is no longer in stock. They MAY be able to locate an entire seat Nissan Leaf 2012 somewhere, but if they do (and they said probably not) it will cost $4000.00. The seat is no longer made by Nissan and after market seats would not meet safety standards (they said). There is a published complaint list of well over 2000 Nissan Leaf owners regarding 2011 and 2012 Leaf owners who say there should be a safety recall as this issue has been known by Nissan and the 2013 and later models had safety changes installed for this issue but no safety recall was made for 2011 and 2012 models. I believe a safety recall to fix this issue is imperative.

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11603953 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2023 · ODI 11541074Details +

My Nissan Leaf is showing a warning sign that front passenger side airbag is disabled. I see that this is a common complaint from many 2011-12 Nissan Leaf owners. I would like to add my name to the list of owners who had a similar complaint and please update if you make Nissan do a recall for this issue.

Reported
Aug 2023
Incident date
Aug 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11541074 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2023 · ODI 11539574Details +

Car stops completely due to a defective battery should be recalled by dealer manufacturer

Reported
Aug 2023
Incident date
Aug 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11539574 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJun 2023 · ODI 11529118Details +

The brakes on the vehicle jerk alot when going under 15, causing everyone in the vehicle to get jerked forward multiple times and are touchy resulting in almost being in an accident. Airbag sensor for front passenger also no longer works and Nissan refuses to repair any defect

Reported
Jun 2023
Incident date
Feb 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11529118 at NHTSA →
Air BagsApr 2023 · ODI 11514951Details +

The passenger occupancy sensor has failed and as a result the passenger airbag is now permanently off, as indicated on the console. The dashboard airbag and general error lights are now constantly flashing as well. The dealer indicated the failure is the mat in the seat, OBD code B1018, and there is no repair for this failure. I see there are mutiple complaints online about this same problem on 2011-2012 LEAFs, and that NHTSA had opened an investigation. Do I have some recourse here? I am concerned to have people ride in the vehicle with no airbag.

Reported
Apr 2023
Incident date
Dec 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11514951 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2022 · ODI 11473743Details +

I believe my newly purchased 2012 Nissan LEAF is suffering from the same passenger-side airbag faulty sensor problem that has been documented in NHTSA case id: 11234415. I am experiencing the same flashing warning lights when I operate the vehicle. There are no signs of damage or tampering with the passenger-side seat. I will do my best to make the vehicle available for inspection upon request. I am worried that the faulty senor, if unfixed, might be shutting off the whole airbag deployment safety system. If it is doing that, Nissan MUST recall these vehicles for repair! A previous owner took the vehicle to the dealership that originally sold the car and their service center reported that the problem was a known issue. [NOTE: Date of Incident in this report refers to date of purchase of the vehicle, NOT the date that the problem began to occur. I do not have that information available to me.]

Reported
Jul 2022
Incident date
Jul 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11473743 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesMar 2022 · ODI 11454699Details +

When applying the brakes at low speed the brakes grab suddenly causing the car to lurch to a stop. The problem is intermittent, and therefore difficult to predict, but occurs frequently. This behavior is an ongoing hazard to the driver and passengers while also increasing the risk of a rear end collision if someone is following too closely.

Reported
Mar 2022
Incident date
Jan 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11454699 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesAug 2021 · ODI 11430817Details +

As I am approaching a stop, and the car is under ~15mph, and I touch the brakes, the will grab strongly and slam the car to a stop; people in the car lurch forward, and the driver behind me is surprised by the sudden stop and has to slam on their brakes. I notice there are 2 campaigns for this issue, one just before my VIN, and one after my VIN, but it looks to be the same problem. It is dangerously strong and difficult to control.

Reported
Aug 2021
Incident date
Aug 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11430817 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlAug 2021 · ODI 11430524Details +

multiple times when I have been driving, the accelerator pedal has stayed in the depressed position when I remove my foot from the pedal after going up to about 35 MPH When I brake, the accelerator pedal stays in the depressed position and the vehicle resumes acceleration as soon as I remove my foot from the brake. Today the only way I was able to get it back to a normal position was to pull over and turn the car off.

Reported
Aug 2021
Incident date
Aug 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11430524 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2020 · ODI 11351811Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN LEAF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC BATTERY WAS UNABLE TO BE RECHARGED, MAKING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITH THE REMAINING CHARGE IN THE BATTERY, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER CORAL SPRINGS NISSAN LOCATED 9350 WEST ATLANTIC BLVD, CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33071, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ONBOARD CHARGER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

Reported
Aug 2020
Incident date
Jul 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11351811 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesMar 2020 · ODI 11319798Details +

ON 3/3/20 I RETURNED TO ALLIED PARK AND FLY LOT IN SAN JUAN. MY CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN FROM THE LOT, IT HAD SUDDEN FAILURE OF BRAKES. CAR WAS TOWED TO ADRIEL NISSAN IN TOA BAJA, MAR4, WHERE IT REMAINS, UNREPAIRED AS OF TODAY. THE DEALER HAS NOT CONTACTED ME SINCE 3/13, WHEN IT CLOSED, UNDER ISLAND COVID 19 SHUTDOWN. SUDDEN FAILURE OF ABS BRAKE SHOULD NOT OCCUR ON A CAR WITH ONLY 42,000 MILES! I FEEL NISSAN SHOULD COVER ABS REPAIR COSTS.

Reported
Mar 2020
Incident date
Mar 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11319798 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2020 · ODI 11301191Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN LEAF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY BOX WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KING WINDWARD NISSAN LOCATED AT (45-568 KAMEHAMEHA HWY, KANEOHE, HI 96744, (808) 439-6901) AND WAS INFORMED THAT AN INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED AND FOUND EV BATTERY CASE AND BOLTS SHOWED SEVERE RUST AND THAT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE BOLTS FROM THE CASE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,340. *JS

Reported
Jan 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11301191 at NHTSA →
Air BagsDec 2019 · ODI 11286687Details +

THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON, AND THE DEALER HAS TOLD US THE ENTIRE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR $4,000 TO FIX THE PROBLEM.

Reported
Dec 2019
Incident date
Dec 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11286687 at NHTSA →
Air BagsNov 2019 · ODI 11282156Details +

WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES (CONTINUOUSLY FLASHING) AND CONTINUES TO FLASH WHILE DRIVING. ON 11/22/2019 THE NISSAN DEALER REPORTED THAT THE SEAT OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION MODULE HAS FAILED AND IS REPORTING A TROUBLE CODE B1018. THE REPAIR INVOLVES REPLACING THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY AT A COST OF $3938. THE COST TO REPAIR IS A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS KNOW ISSUE WITH LATER MY NISSAN LEAF AND IS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL.

Reported
Nov 2019
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11282156 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2019 · ODI 11267582Details +

SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR IT HAS NEVER GOTTEN A FULL CHARGE. EVEN WHEN I TURN OFF ALL THE TIMERS AND CHARGE FOR 2 DAYS I CAN ONLY GO 50 MILES TOPS AND THE POWER BATTERY BAR ONLY GOES TO 5 BARS. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR AND I'M SCARED TO PAY MORE FOR A NEW BATTERY. AS IT MIGHT AS WELL BE PURCHASING A NEW CAR😭😥

Reported
Oct 2019
Incident date
Mar 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11267582 at NHTSA →
Air BagsSep 2019 · ODI 11256669Details +

B1018 PASSENGER SEAT SENOSR NEEDS REPLACEMENT NISSAN SAYS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THERE 10 YEAR 100,000 MILE WARRANTY. WILL COST $3900.00 TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT. WHAT IS COVERED UNDER THE AIR BAG WARRANTY? THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY.

Reported
Sep 2019
Incident date
Sep 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11256669 at NHTSA →
Air BagsApr 2019 · ODI 11193091Details +

PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR (OCS) HAS FAILED. ONLY REPAIR OFFERED BY NISSAN IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE CUSHION SEAT ASSEMBLY, WHICH INCLUDES A SIDE AIRBAG AND SEAT HEATER, FOR OVER $4000 - THIS IS APPROXIMATELY THE VALUE OF THE CAR ON THE USED MARKET! A SIMILAR FAILURE FOR LATER MODEL YEARS (2013-2016) RESULTED IN A MANDATORY RECALL. USING PARTS IN A CRITICAL SAFETY SYSTEM THAT BARELY SURVIVE PAST THE CAR WARRANTY SHOULD BE CRIMINAL.

Reported
Apr 2019
Incident date
Mar 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11193091 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherFeb 2019 · ODI 11174755Details +

A CASE#33557927 WAS REPORTED TO NISSAN LEAF CONSUMER RELATION AND A CAR WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP AT LONG BEACH NISSAN(PHONE #562-264-400) TO REPORT A BATTER THAT IS NOT HOLDING CHARGE AND RECENTLY THE CAR BEGIN TO LURCH FORWARD. NISSAN WAS ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. NISSAN CORP SHOULD CORRECT THE BATTERY AND SAFETY ISSUE. SO FAR, THEY HAVE BEEN PROFESSIONAL AND DOES NOT TAKE ANY OWNERSHIP TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I REQUEST AN EMAIL AFTER THE CASE WAS OPENED AND THEY NEVER SEND ME THE EMAIL. THIS ISSUE INVOLVE SAFETY AND BATTERY NOT HOLDING CHARGE. THE BATTERY IS STILL UNDER DEFECTIVE WARRANTY. NISSAN WANTS TO PUT THE VEHICLE ON PUBLIC ROAD THAT IS NOT SAFE. NHTSA BOARD WOULD AGREED WITH ME THAT NISSAN ACTED IRRESPONSIBLY SHOULD THEY GO FORWARD WITH NOT FIXING THE BATTER AND THE CAR LURCHING FORWARD ISSUE.

Reported
Feb 2019
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11174755 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesNov 2018 · ODI 11150737Details +

BRAKES GRAB AND LURCH THE CAR TO A STOP. THIS OCCURS ESPECIALLY AT LOW SPEEDS IN STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC AND THUS IS DANGEROUS. A DRIVER FOLLOWING CLOSE BEHIND WILL BE SURPRISED BY THE VERY RAPID DECELERATION. IT HAPPENS OFTEN, ALWAYS AT SPEEDS BELOW ABOUT 10 - 15 MPH, BUT NOT EVERY TIME I BRAKE, AND IT IS UNPREDICTABLE. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN WIDELY REPORTED ON BLOGS. I HAVE INFORMED MY NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON MANY OCCASIONS. ABOUT 6 YEARS AGO NISSAN RELEASED A FIRMWARE PATCH, WHICH WAS INSTALLED IN MY CAR. THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ACKNOWLEDGES THE EXISTENCE OF THE PROBLEM BUT DOESN'T HAVE A SOLUTION. IT'S ALMOST CERTAINLY A SOFTWARE/FIRMWARE ISSUE.

Reported
Nov 2018
Incident date
Nov 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11150737 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2018 · ODI 11111618Details +

NISSAN LEAF. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A NUMBER OF CONCERNS: ELECTRONIC KEY PROBLEMS, FAILED NIGHT LIGHTS IN THE DRIVER DOOR CONTROLS AND MILEAGE ISSUES. *LD *JS

Reported
Jul 2018
Incident date
Jan 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11111618 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2018 · ODI 11112177Details +

THIS IS AN ALL ELECTRIC VEHICLE. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT SLOW SPEEDS THE VEHICLE PULSATES. THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING SYSTEM SINCE IT DOESN'T HAPPEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FULLY CHARGED AND NOT REGENERATING THROUGH THE BRAKING SYSTEM.

Reported
Jul 2018
Incident date
Jul 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11112177 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesApr 2017 · ODI 10980862 · crash · 2 injuriesDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN LEAF. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AS EXPECTED. THE CONTACT FULLY DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE ABS FAILED TO ACTIVATE AND THE VEHICLE STILL FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AS EXPECTED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT AND THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE SUFFERED MINOR BACK PAIN, BUT NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THEM ABOUT SIMILAR BRAKE ISSUES. THE MANUFACTURER ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN TO A NISSAN DEALER, BUT NOTIFIED ANOTHER DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,264.

Reported
Apr 2017
Incident date
Apr 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 2 injuries
Open ODI 10980862 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMar 2017 · ODI 10959555Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN LEAF. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND CONTINUED TO FLASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS RESET. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR AND CUSHION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO DAYS LATER. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,470.

Reported
Mar 2017
Incident date
Feb 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10959555 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJun 2016 · ODI 10877146Details +

I HAVE OBSERVED THE TRANSIENT GRABBY BRAKE SYNDROME IN MY LEAF DURING COLD WEATHER MONTHS IN THE PAST COUPLE YEARS. I COMPLAINED TO MY NISSAN DEALERSHIPS SERVICE DEPARTMENT A COUPLE TIMES ABOUT IT, BUT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE REPLICATED AT THE TIME. I ALSO NOTICED ON THE ENERGY SCREEN THAT THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING WAS CYCLING BETWEEN 10 AND 20 % COINCIDENT WITH THESE BRAKE INTENSITY PULSATIONS. IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN I AM LIGHTLY BRAKING WITH VERY STEADY LIGHT PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I SUSPECT A POSSIBLE CAUSE TO BE THE SENSOR THAT DETERMINES BRAKE PEDAL POSITION FOR THE REGEN BRAKING MAY BE DEFECTIVE OR NON-LINEAR AT SOME PORTION OF THE TRAVEL, OR THE REGEN BRAKING PROGRAM MAY HAVE A PROBLEM, OR THE HYDRAULIC BRAKING SYSTEM HAS A FAULTY COMPONENT AND THE REGEN SYSTEM IS JUST RESPONDING TO THE CYCLING BETWEEN HARD AND LIGHT BRAKING. IN ANY EVENT THIS PROBLEM MAY BE FEEDING OTHER BRAKING PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE READ ABOUT HERE, SO SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED BY NISSAN TO FIND A FIX SO AS TO PREVENT INJURIES OR FATALITIES.

Reported
Jun 2016
Incident date
Feb 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10877146 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperJun 2016 · ODI 10875872Details +

NHTSA MUST PASS REGULATIONS REQUIRING VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS TO DRASTICALLY IMPROVE A-PILLAR OBSCURATION ANGLE! THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT OF MANY MODERN VEHICLES THAT MUST HAVE BEEN A FACTOR IN MANY ACCIDENTS, THE EXTENT TO WHICH IS PROBABLY UNQUANTIFIED & LARGELY UNKNOWN DUE TO THE FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DO NOT EVEN KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE ONLY REMEDY IS FOR THE DRIVER TO MOVE HIS HEAD FROM SIDE TO SIDE EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE STARTS FROM A STOPPED POSITION TO ASCERTAIN THAT THERE ARE NO PEOPLE OR VEHICLES HIDING IN OR TRANSITING THE A-PILAR BLOCKAGE. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM IN THE INDUSTRY, AS PROVEN BY THE PAPER PUBLISHED BY PIPKORN BENGT OF AUTOLIV RESEARCH (SWEDEN) ENTITLED SAFETY & VISION IMPROVEMENTS BY EXPANDABLE A-PILLARS (UNDATED), WHICH IS IN THE NHTSA DATABASE/WEBSITE, WHERE A 25% IMPROVEMENT IN A-PILLAR OBSCURATION ANGLE IS DEMONSTRATED BY THE USE OF EXPERIMENTAL EXPANDABLE A-PILLARS. THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ALREADY INJURED OR KILLED BY THIS COMMON MODERN CAR DEFECT WILL PROBABLY NEVER BE KNOWN, WITH THE UNFORTUNATE DRIVERS BEING DISBELIEVED WHEN THEY SAY THEY NEVER SAW ANYONE/THING DUE TO THE OBSCURE NATURE & KNOWLEDGE OF THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. IN MY LAST EXPERIENCE WITH IT, THE WORST CASE SCENARIO OCCURRED (EXCEPT FOR THE FACT THAT INJURY/DEATH WAS AVOIDED). I WAS MOVING AT ABOUT 10MPH IN A PARKING LOT & AN OLDER WOMAN WAS WALKING AT ABOUT 1MPH TOWARD MY CAR FROM THE LEFT AT JUST THE RIGHT DISTANCE/SPEED. MY WIFE IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT, HAVING A BETTER LEFT VIEW, STARTED YELLING AT ME 'STOP - ARE YOU GOING TO RUN OVER THAT LADY'. I SAID 'WHAT LADY?' REALIZING IN A COUPLE SECONDS THAT IT SHE MUST BE BEHIND MY WINDOW PILLAR, I MOVED MY HEAD ABOUT 6 INCHES TO THE RIGHT, & THERE SHE WAS! SHE JUST APPEARED OUT OF THIN AIR! I NEVER SAW EVEN A TINY BIT OF HER BEFORE. SHE WAS LOOKING AT ME WITH DISBELIEF ON HER FACE. WHAT IF IT WERE A CHILD?

Reported
Jun 2016
Incident date
May 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10875872 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesMar 2016 · ODI 10850347Details +

THE BRAKES ON THIS CAR OFTEN BECOME GRABBY, ESPECIALLY IN EITHER COLD OR WET WEATHER. IT IS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO MODULATE THE BRAKES SMOOTHLY AND THE AMOUNT OF BRAKING ACTION IS NOT LINEAR WITH PEDAL PRESSURE. THIS WILL CHANGE DURING A SINGLE TRIP WHERE THE BRAKES WILL START OUT GRABBY BUT THEN GET BETTER. SOMETIMES THE BRAKES ARE NORMAL AT THE START OF A TRIP AND THEN GET GRABBY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TRIP. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED A MODULATION IN BRAKING WHEN HOLDING THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH STEADY PRESSURE AS I'M SLOWING FOR TRAFFIC. THIS MODULATION IS ABOUT ONE CYCLE PER SECOND AND FEELS LIKE I AM PUMPING THE BRAKES BUT I'M NOT. THE WORST PART OF THIS IS IT OFTEN HAPPENS DURING A COLD MORNING WITH SNOW AND ICE ON THE ROAD, SO THE BRAKES JAM ON WITH VERY LITTLE PEDAL PRESSURE CAUSING THE CAR TO SKID UNEXPECTEDLY. I CAN SOMETIMES GET THE BRAKES WORKING PROPERLY BE PRESSING HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AT A STOP, WHICH SEEMS TO FREE WHATEVER IS STICKING IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM (THE PROPORTIONING VALVE PERHAPS?). I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. I HAVE EVEN DONE THIS DURING A SNOWSTORM WHEN IT WAS PARTICULARLY BAD, AND AGAIN, THE DEALER SAYS THE BRAKES ARE FINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW AND REALLY HASN'T CHANGED OVER THE 50,000 MILES I'VE DRIVEN THE CAR. NISSAN NEEDS TO TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY AND GET IT FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT IN A CRASH CAUSED BY GRABBY BRAKES.

Reported
Mar 2016
Incident date
Mar 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10850347 at NHTSA →
Latches/Locks/LinkagesMar 2016 · ODI 10839620Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN LEAF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY OPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE LATCH WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000. UPDATED 04/22/16*LJ

Reported
Mar 2016
Incident date
Mar 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10839620 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesSep 2015 · ODI 10766695Details +

THE CAR CONTINUES TO BRAKE EVEN AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NO LONGER PRESSED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE ABS KICKS IN. I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES AFTER SOMEONE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. I DID NOT WANT TO COMPLETELY STOP AS I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO APPLY FULL BRAKES EVEN WHEN I NO LONGER WANTED TO STOP AND NO LONGER PRESSED THE BRAKE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES TOTAL, ALWAYS WHEN I HAD TO BRAKE VERY HARD TO AVOID A COLLISION. VERY LUCKY I HAVE NOT BEEN REAR ENDED AFTER ANY OF THESE INCIDENTS, ONE PERSON DROVE OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID ME AFTER THE CAR DECIDED TO STOP FULLY.

Reported
Sep 2015
Incident date
Sep 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10766695 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesAug 2015 · ODI 10746972Details +

IN MAY 2015 WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO DEALER SERVICE CENTER COMPLAINING OF PERIODIC SENSITIVE AND PERIODIC NON-RESPONSIVE BRAKES AT LOW SPEED. DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. NO REPAIRS OFFERED. ON AUGUST 05 2015, BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED WHILE MOVING UNDER 15 MPH AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AT AN INTERSECTION. VEHICLE WENT INTO THE INTERSECTION BEFORE THE BRAKES ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER SERVICE CENTER. THE ISSUE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. NO REPAIRS OFFERED.

Reported
Aug 2015
Incident date
Aug 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10746972 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperApr 2015 · ODI 10705901Details +

SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT IN MANY MODERN CARS - HUGE WINDOW PILLAR BLOCKAGE!!! I AM A RETIRED ENGINEER AFTER ALMOST 34 YEARS OF FEDERAL SERVICE FOR THE US ARMY MOSTLY AT FORT MONMOUTH NJ. ABOUT A YEAR AGO I ALMOST HIT A PEDESTRIAN WHO WAS WALKING VERY CLOSE TO THE FRONT LEFT OF MY CAR AT NIGHT. YESTERDAY I LOOKED LEFT BUT DID NOT SEE A LARGE BLACK SUV TRANSITING FROM MY RIGHT IN BROAD DAYLIGHT. I LOOKED LEFT AND THEN STARTED TO SLOWLY TURN LEFT AS I LOOKED RIGHT AGAIN AND WOW...IT PASSED RIGHT IN FRONT! TO MY PERSPECTIVE, IT LITERALLY CAME OUT OF NOWHERE!!! BOTH OF THESE INCIDENTS WERE DUE TO ME LOOKING QUICKLY, NOT DWELLING FOR A COUPLE SECONDS. A VEHICLE OR PERSON MUST BE IN JUST THE RIGHT SPOT AND TRAVELING SLOWLY, SO IT HAPPENS ONLY ABOUT ONCE A YEAR. I MEASURED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD PILLAR SUPPORT WIDTH OF ABOUT 30 CARS IN A PARKING LOT. MOST OLD CARS AND SOME MODERN ONES HAVE SMALL WINDOW PILLAR BLOCKAGE OF 4 TO 5 INCHES. HOWEVER MANY MODERN CARS HAVE WINDOW PILLAR BLOCKAGES OF 5 TO 6 INCHES, HIDING MUCH VIEW! THE NISSAN LEAF HAS THE WORST ABOUT 5.5 INCHES UP HIGH, BUT A PHENOMENAL 8 INCHES AT SIDE MIRROR LEVEL. UNFORTUNATELY THIS IS THE HEIGHT OF MY EYES IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT! IT BLOCKS THE WIDTH OF A WHOLE CAR WHEN THE CAR IS ONLY A CAR LANE AWAY AND AT JUST THE RIGHT ANGLE! SINCE THE SUV WAS BLACK, MY EYES WERE TRANSITING LEFT TO RIGHT AND BACK IN ABOUT A SECOND AND THE SUV WAS GOING VERY SLOW TO TURN LEFT IN FRONT OF ME, I SAW NOTHING. FORTUNATELY I WAS JUST STARTING TO SLOWLY PULL OUT WHEN I LOOKED RIGHT AGAIN AS IT MAGICALLY APPEARED RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME, SO I STOPPED ABRUPTLY AND AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT! NHTSA SHOULD ISSUE REGULATIONS THAT REQUIRE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS TO RETURN TO THE SMALL WINDOW PILLAR SUPPORT WIDTHS OF THE PAST DECADES. THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Reported
Apr 2015
Incident date
Apr 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10705901 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesMar 2015 · ODI 10700917Details +

I WAS COMING TO A STOP SIGN THERE WAS A LITTLE SAND ON THE ROAD AND THE CAR STARTED TO SKID IN THE FRONT WHEELS. I LET GO OF THE BRAKE BUT THE WHEELS DID NOT STOP BRAKING. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME YOU TRY AND STOP HARD EVEN ON CLEAN DRY PAVEMENT. THE FRONT WHEELS LOCK UP AND DON'T UNLOCK EVEN WITH YOUR FOOT OFF THE BRAKES. THIS WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ONE DAY WHEN SOMEONE IS FOLLOWING ME. I HAVE ALSO HAD 4 INSTANCES ONE WHICH LEFT ME STRANDED WHERE I CAN FEEL A DRAG ON THE CAR AND THE BATTERY DRAINS TWICE AS FAST. I HAVE TRIED TO TURN OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND IT DID NOT HELP. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT HAD TO FULLY CHARGE BEFORE BEING RESET. THEN THEY RELUCTANTLY SCANNED THE CAR BUT FOUND "NOTHING WRONG" THE RANGE PERDITION ON THE DASH BOARD IS ALWAYS WAY OFF. I HAVE TO ADD AT LEAST 10-15 MILES ON TOP OF WHATEVER DISTANCE I WANT TO GO. AND I DRIVE VERY CONSERVATIVELY. IN THE WINTER AT 0 TO -5 DEG F I GET 35 MILES RANGE!! NOT THE 80-100 CLAIMED. *TR

Reported
Mar 2015
Incident date
Mar 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10700917 at NHTSA →
SeatsFeb 2015 · ODI 10690994 · 1 injuriesDetails +

NEW CAR HEADRESTS ARE ANGLED TOO FAR FORWARD. I DO NOT WANT TO SLOUCH, SO I WOULD LIKE TO SIT WITH MY SEAT UPRIGHT. THIS FORCES MY HEAD INTO A VERY UNNATURAL POSITION, CAUSING ME PAIN. EVEN WITH THE SEAT TILTED BACK, THE HEADREST STILL FORCES MY HEAD FORWARD, AND CREATES A DIFFICULT DRIVING POSITION WITH MY SHOULDERS SLUMPED FORWARD AND MY HEAD TILTED. THIS CAUSES HEADACHES & DISTRACTION. THIS DISCOMFORT IS ALSO TRUE OF THE 2013 FORD FOCUS, THE 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS, AND THE 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK THAT I HAVE RECENTLY DRIVEN. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS AN EFFORT TO REDUCE WHIPLASH INJURIES, BUT IT IS CAUSING FLEXION/OVERUSE INJURIES IN OWNER'S NECKS!

Reported
Feb 2015
Incident date
Feb 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
1 injuries
Open ODI 10690994 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2014 · ODI 10663841Details +

MY 2012 NISSAN LEAF HAS A BATTERY CHARGE INDICATOR ON THE DASH THAT DOES NOT TRULY REFLECT HOW MUCH ACTUAL DRIVING RANGE MILEAGE IS LEFT. IN FACT, IT IS SO FAULTY THAT IT IS REFERRED TO ONLINE AS THE GOM OR GUESS-O-METER. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS I HAVE NO ACCURATE WAY OF KNOWING IF I WILL BE LEFT STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC ON AN EXPRESSWAY, A BUSY HIGHWAY, A BACK ROAD DETOUR, OR SIMPLY MILES AWAY FROM ANY CHARGING STATION. THE FIRST TIME I REALIZED HOW SERIOUS THIS PROBLEM WAS I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO COME AND GET ME. I LEFT MY HOME WITH 39 MILES OF CHARGE ON THE RANGE INDICATOR. IT WAS A COOL DAY SO THE CLIMATE CONTROL WAS OFF. I DROVE SEVEN MILES AND MY CAR RAN OUT OF CHARGE LEAVING ME ALONE AND FRIGHTENED IN AN UNFAMILIAR AREA. I AM A 70 YEAR OLD WIDOW. AFTER RECEIVING A TOW HOME, I CHARGED THE CAR AND THEN TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR A BATTERY TEST. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE BATTERY WAS FINE AND THAT THE PROBLEM MUST BE MY DRIVING STYLE. SINCE THEN, I HAVE NOT TAKEN THE CAR MORE THAN A FEW MILES FROM MY HOME AT A TIME. I HAVE HAD THE BATTERY TESTED PERIODICALLY AND VOICED MY CONCERN TO NISSAN BUT TO NO AVAIL. I CONTEND THAT IF A GAS DRIVEN AUTO HAD AN INACCURATE FUEL INDICATOR THAT CAUSED VEHICLE OPERATORS TO LOSE POWER WITHOUT ANY WARNING THEN THE NTSB WOULD WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT. I BELIEVE THAT MY NISSAN HAS A COMPARABLE PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR THREE YEARS NOW AND HAVE LESS THAN 4,600 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I AM AFRAID TO TAKE IT ANYWHERE LEST I HAVE ONLY ONE THIRD OF REAL DRIVE TIME THAN IS DISPLAYED ON THE BATTERY DRIVE RANGE AND CHARGE INDICATOR. MY GUESS-O-METER IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME AND I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR ADVICE AND INPUT IN THIS REGARD. *TR

Reported
Dec 2014
Incident date
Nov 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10663841 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesNov 2014 · ODI 10660901Details +

WHEN MOVING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK YOU MUST DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. I'VE HAD 3-4 TIMES WHERE AS SOON AS THE GEAR SELECTOR MOVES TO "D" THE BRAKE PEDAL SOFTENS AND SINKS IN AND THE CAR ROLLS FORWARD UNTIL THE BRAKES ENGAGE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. SO FAR I'VE HAD TIME TO STOP BEFORE HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME BUT I'M WORRIED THAT ONE OF THESE TIMES I WON'T. *TR

Reported
Nov 2014
Incident date
Jun 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10660901 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2014 · ODI 10632898 · crashDetails +

BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND IGNITION STARTED AND THRUSTED CAR FORWARD. IT SEEMED LIKE THE BRAKE GOT SOFT AND THEN WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THIS INCIDENT CAUSED THE CAR TO DAMAGE PRIVATE PROPERTY AND CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Reported
Sep 2014
Incident date
Jul 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10632898 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2014 · ODI 10628995Details +

DESPITE AN ADULT OCCUPYING THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DISABLED INDICATOR CAME ON. THIS HAPPENED WITH TWO DIFFERENT FULL SIZED ADULTS. DEALER COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND REFUSED TO ATTEMPT A REPAIR. *TR

Reported
Aug 2014
Incident date
Jun 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10628995 at NHTSA →
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Aug 2014 · ODI 10625730Details +

AN ANIMAL RAN IN FRONT OF THE CAR. AFTER A HARD APPLICATION OF BRAKES AND SUBSEQUENT RELEASE OF BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR CONTINUED TO STOP, COMING TO A FULL STOP IN THE STREET WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT. THE CONDITION CAN BE REPEATED, IF YOU STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL HARD ENOUGH. THE BRAKES FUNCTION NORMALLY IN TYPICAL DRIVING. THE PROBLEM ONLY MANIFIESTS ITSELF IN EMERGENCY OR UNUSUALLY HARD BRAKING AS ENCOUNTERED IN COLLISION AVOIDANCE OF CARS, PEDESTRIANS, OR OTHER OBSTACLES. A SECOND INCIDENT ALSO OCCURRED AT 30 MPH. AN ONCOMING CAR APPEARED IN MY LANE ON A BLIND CURVE. THE ABRUPT BRAKING RESULTED IN THE LEAF STOPPING UNEXPECTEDLY AND COMPLETELY IN THE CURVE. DUE ONLY TO THE VIGILANCE OF THE DRIVER FOLLOWING BEHIND US, WE WERE NOT REAR ENDED. I HAD STOPPED APPLYING THE BRAKE LONG BEFORE THE LEAF WAS STOPPED, AS THE DANGER HAD PASSED. FROM 40 MPH, A HARD APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES, AND THE RELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL FULLY AT 35 MPH, WILL RESULT IN THE CAR COMING TO A FULL STOP IN THE ROAD. APPLICATION OF THROTTLE IMMEDIATELY AFTER RELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AT APPROX 35 MPH WILL RESULT SLIGHT MITIGATION OF BRAKING, BUT ONLY AFTER A DELAY. THE CAR WILL STILL CONTINUE TO SLOW DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY AND PUT THE OCCUPANTS IN SIGNIFICANT DANGER FROM FOLLOWING TRAFFIC. I TESTED ANOTHER 2012 LEAF AND EXHIBITED IT THE SAME BEHAVIOR WHILE A 2014 DID NOT, INSTEAD, REACTING NORMALLY TO HARD BRAKING.

Reported
Aug 2014
Incident date
Sep 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10625730 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesMay 2014 · ODI 10587147Details +

VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED MID-TRAFFIC, WHILE GENTLY PRESSING THE BRAKES, CAUSING A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM AND A NEAR-ACCIDENT. I UNDERSTAND SAFETY AND GENTLE - I'M A SURGEON. AFTER THIS POINT, THE VEHICLE EITHER REFUSED TO ACCELERATE NORMALLY, AND CLEARLY INHIBITED BY THE BRAKE. THE BRAKE WOULD NOT LET UP, DESPITE STARTING/STOPPING/POWERING CYCLING THE CAR. THE EMERGENCY ELECTRIC BRAKE WAS CYCLED, IN EFFORTS TO RESET THE BRAKING SYSTEM - WITHOUT SUCCESS. TOWING TO DEALER. *TR

Reported
May 2014
Incident date
May 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10587147 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesMay 2014 · ODI 10586811 · crashDetails +

EXITING FREEWAY, HIT BRAKES TO START A TURN. THE BRAKES COMPLETELY LOCKED UP SENDING THE CAR INTO A SLIDE AND INTO THE END OF A GUARD RAIL. *TR

Reported
May 2014
Incident date
Apr 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10586811 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsOct 2013 · ODI 10549016Details +

PAGE 1-21 OF THE 2012 NISSAN LEAF OWNER MANUAL HAS AN ILLUSTRATION OF A FORWARD-FACING CONVERTIBLE CHILD RESTRAINT INCORRECTLY INSTALLED, WITH THE CAPTION "LATCH WEBBING-MOUNTED ATTACHMENT". THE ILLUSTRATION SHOWS THE FORWARD-FACING CONVERTIBLE CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLED WITH THE LOWER ANCHORAGE FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR STRAP (LATCH WEBBING) ROUTED THROUGH THE REAR-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT BELT PATH. NO WEBBING IS ROUTED THROUGH THE FORWARD-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT BELT PATH. THIS ILLUSTRATION MAY SUGGEST TO USERS THAT THIS IS HOW TO ROUTE THE "LATCH WEBBING" IN A FORWARD-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT ILLUSTRATION, WHICH MAY LEAD TO INJURY. THIS ILLUSTRATION IS COMMON TO MANY MODELS OF 2003 AND LATER NISSAN VEHICLES, NOT JUST THE LEAF. *TR

Reported
Oct 2013
Incident date
Dec 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10549016 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsOct 2013 · ODI 10546822Details +

WITH THE CAR PARKED AND ALL SEATS UPRIGHT, I FOUND THE CENTER REAR SEATBELT RETRACTOR LOCKED. IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO USE THE SEATBELT. I FOLDED THE SEAT DOWN, THEN BACK UP, AND IT WAS LOCKED TIGHTER. MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALER REPLACED THE BELT FREE OF CHARGE THE NEXT WEEK. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT THEY SERVICE SEVERAL LINES OF CARS, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC, AND OCCASIONALLY SEE SEATBELT RETRACTORS LOCKED UP IN SEVERAL LINES OF CARS. *TR

Reported
Oct 2013
Incident date
Sep 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10546822 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherSep 2013 · ODI 10542337Details +

I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 NISSAN LEAF ON MY MORNING COMMUTE TO WORK, ABOUT A MILE AWAY FROM FREEWAY AND 3 MILES AWAY FROM HOME WHERE I STARTED, THE CAR GAVE A ALARM BEEP, AND STARTED DECELERATING. I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR BUT THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO THAT. NOTICED THE DASH SAYING "I KEY SYSTEM FAULT" THE CAR COASTED TO A STOP. I QUICKLY TURNED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND TRIED TO TURN OFF/ON THE CAR BUT IT KEPT ON SAYING "I KEY SYSTEM FAULT", AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF TRYING THIS I DECIDED TO PUSH THE CAR INTO A DRIVEWAY TO NOT CAUSE A TRAFFIC JAM, HERE I TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES TO TURN OFF /ON THE CAR BUT IT DID NOTHING HAPPENED, IT BEHAVED LIKE THAT AS OVER AN HOUR AND HALF, EVEN THE SAME WAY WITHOUT THE FOB, EVENTUALLY THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP STILL ON AND IS STILL BEING LOOKED AT BY THE TECHNICIANS THERE. PRETTY SCARY TO HAVE THE CAR BEHAVE LIKE THIS WHILE DRIVING. CANT IMAGINE WHAT COULD CAUSE THIS FAILURE AND WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WERE ON THE FREEWAY. WILL TRY AND UPDATE WITH WHAT HAPPENS NEXT WITH THE CAR.

Reported
Sep 2013
Incident date
Aug 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10542337 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2013 · ODI 10538155 · crashDetails +

DROVE CAR INTO DRIVEWAY WITH SLIGHT INCLINE, PRESSED BUTTON TO ENGAGE CAR INTO PARK, GOT OUT OF VEHICLE, PLUGGED IN CAR TO CHARGE IT. WALKED UP 2 STEPS TO HOUSE, CAR ROLLED BACK NEARLY STRIKING 9 YEAR OLD. RUSHED TO THE CAR TO TRY TO STOP IT. CAR STOPPED WHEN ROLLED BACK ACROSS STREET AND INTO NEIGHBORS YARD / ROCK. TORE CHARGING STATION OFF THE EXTERIOR OF THE HOUSE. CAUSED BREAKER TO TRIP AND RUINED THE UNIT COMPLETELY.

Reported
Aug 2013
Incident date
Aug 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10538155 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2013 · ODI 10538157Details +

WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR INTO MY DRIVEWAY ON A SLIGHT INCLINE AND I GET OUT OF THE CAR WHILE ITS IN DRIVE AND THE CAR IS ON, THE CAR REMAINS STABLE AND DOES NOT MOVE. THE CAR IS EXTREMELY QUIET. IF I PLUG THE CHARGER INTO THE CAR, THE CAR IMMEDIATELTY DROPS OUT OF DRIVE AND INTO NEUTRAL CAUSING THE CAR TO ROLL BACKWARD.

Reported
Aug 2013
Incident date
Aug 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10538157 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJul 2013 · ODI 10524169 · crash · 3 injuriesDetails +

DRIVING MY 2012 LEAF ON A SECONDARY ROAD ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON, AT 45 MPH, I APPLIED MY BRAKES TO TURN RIGHT ON TO ANOTHER STREET. AFTER MODERATELY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE BRAKES LOCKED, BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP IN THE ROADWAY. MY FOOT HAD NOT BEEN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR AT LEAST A FULL SECOND WHILE MY VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ABRUPTLY STOP. A VEHICLE BEHIND ME REAR-ENDED THE LEAF. I AND MY TWO PASSENGERS RECEIVED NECK INJURIES. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A DEFECT IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM THAT NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED. I CONSIDER NISSAN AT FAULT AND NOT THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE THAT REAR ENDED US. *TR

Reported
Jul 2013
Incident date
Jun 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 3 injuries
Open ODI 10524169 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJun 2013 · ODI 10522239Details +

I WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME BEGAN A FAST REDUCTION IN SPEED. I RAPIDLY APPLIED MY BRAKES TO THE POINT OF FULL STOPPING POWER. SHORTLY AFTERWARD I RELEASED THE BRAKE AS I WAS CONFIDENT I WOULD NOT HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE BRAKES KEPT THEIR FULL STOPPING FORCE FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER 1/2 TO 1 SECOND. I HAD TO STEER OFF THE ROAD TO PREVENT THE CAR BEHIND FROM HITTING ME. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE BUT I DID NOT RECORD ALL THE DETAILS UNTIL TODAY. THIS IS TWICE NOW THAT I HAD TO MAKE A MEDIUM SPEED EMERGENCY DIVE OFF THE HIGHWAY TO AVOID IMMEDIATE COLLISION FROM THE REAR. IN MY FIRST INCIDENT I WAS TRAVELING 70 MPH ON I25. THIS IS FRIGHTFUL DANGEROUS BRAKING BEHAVIOR. I LOVE MY LEAF BUT IN MY OPINION THIS AUTOMOBILE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ON A FREEWAY. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WILL TAKE THE CAR IN TOMORROW BUT I WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO NISSAN NOTES ON THIS FAILURE MODE. *TR

Reported
Jun 2013
Incident date
Jun 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10522239 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJun 2013 · ODI 10519849Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN LEAF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14. *TR

Reported
Jun 2013
Incident date
Dec 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10519849 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlApr 2013 · ODI 10508602Details +

DRIVER AND DRIVER'S YOUNG CHILD WERE IN VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION AND SLIGHTLY INCREASED SPEED TO CROSS INTERSECTION. ACCELERATOR PEDAL DROPPED TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN SHARP ACCELERATION AT FULL POWER TOWARDS THE NEXT INTERSECTION. THE NEXT INTERSECTION CONTAINED OTHER VEHICLES AND A RAILROAD CROSSING, AND DISPLAYED A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNAL AGAINST THE VEHICLE'S DIRECTION OF TRAVEL. THE DRIVER PRESSED BRAKES AND WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE, BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SHARPLY AGAIN WHEN THE BRAKES WERE RELEASED. THE DRIVER PRESSED BRAKES AGAIN AND PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SWITCH TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE DRIVER THEN PUSHED THE PARK BUTTON LOCATED ON THE SHIFTER AND THE VEHICLE JERKED TO A STOP. THE DRIVER THEN LOOKED AT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND SAW THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT PHYSICALLY STUCK. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO POP BACK UP TO ITS NORMAL POSITION BY USING DRIVER'S HAND. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE INCIDENT, STATED THAT "NO CODES WERE STORED, NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL, VEHICLE INSPECTED BY NISSAN DTS...AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE AT THIS TIME." NISSAN STATES THAT NO REPAIR WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE NISSAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AFTER 11 MILES OF TESTING. NISSAN HAS REFUSED TO ACCEPT RETURN OF THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. *TR

Reported
Apr 2013
Incident date
Mar 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10508602 at NHTSA →

This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change when NHTSA publishes new information.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

3 NHTSA investigations on record

Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.

Pedestrian alert sounds

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

Front Occupant Classification System Mat

Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-015 was opened as a result of Defect Petition (DP) 19-002 which alleged that model year (MY) 2011 and 2012 Nissan Leaf were affected by the same defect addressed in an earlier recall, NHTSA Safety Recall 16V-244, but were not included in the scope of that recall.NHTSA 16V-244 involved a defect in the Occupant Classification System, a system intended to suppress deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag under certain specific conditions. Although the DP19-002 analysis determined the allegation that earlier MY Leaf vehicles should have been included in 16V-244 was not founded, the Office of Defects Investigation nonetheless granted the petition and commenced this investigation into the 2011 and 2012 Leaf since OCS failures were reportedly occurring in these vehicles. Further details on DP19-002 can be found at NHTSA.gov.On October 25, 2019, ODI sent an information request letter to Nissan North America (Nissan) requesting pertinent information on the subject 2011 and 2012 Leaf. Nissan provided its response on December 13, 2019. ODI has reviewed the information Nissan provided as well as new reports submitted to NHTSA's Vehicle Owner Questionnaire database. Based on review of all available information, and at this time, ODI has identified evidence supporting that a total of 76 subject vehicles likely experienced a failure of the subject passenger seat OCS mat. The count represents an incidence rate of about 0.4% on subject vehicles that average 8 to 9 years in service.Consistent with Nissan's explanation of how the subject OCS was intended to function, ODI's review of the reports indicates that when an OCS mat failure occurs, two different warning indicators appear on the instrument panel. The warnings provide clear and unambiguous notice to occupants that an OCS problem has been detected, and the owner's manual provides further information regarding the meaning and consequences of the detected failure, as well as advice to seek service. Additionally the OCS will store a diagnostic trouble code to aid service technician diagnosis, and the occupant warnings remain present until the underlying failure has been corrected.In its responses to ODI, Nissan also provided its assessment of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles, stating that it does not believe that an unreasonable risk to safety exists. Nissan states that its assessment of failed OCS mats recently collected from the field showed that external factors (e.g., damage from foreign objects) were responsible for the failures, rather than a design or manufacturing defect. Nissan also cited clear visual warnings and low incidence rates occurring in comparatively older vehicles as factors in its determination that a recall was not warranted. Lastly Nissan noted that most of the complaints received for this issue involved a high customer expense for the cost of repair for the OCS system, which is consistent with ODI's observations. Nissan is apparently considering a reduction in repair part cost as a means to address the customer satisfaction aspect of these complaints.Based on the analysis conducted, this investigation will be closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. NHTSA reserves the right take additional actions if warranted by future circumstances.The 20 ODI numbers cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following identification (ODI) numbers:11176324, 11193091, 11286687, 11290303, 11152569, 11207486, 11180021(duplicate of 11103556), 11103556, 11196006, 11287002, 11101830, 11193208, 11256669, 11172159, 11282156, 11102456, 11123812,

Front Occupant Classification System Mat

A defect petition (see DP19-002) was received July 23, 2019 alleging that the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor (mat) in model year (MY) 2011 Nissan Leaf vehicles is defective and affects the proper deployment of the passenger front air bag. The petitioner provided a list of potentially related NHTSA reports and noted a Nissan recall involving later MY Leaf vehicles with OCS defect. NHTSA is granting the petition and opening a preliminary evaluation in response, please see PE19-015.Since receiving the defect petition, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has determined that the MY 2011 and 2012 Leaf share a common OCS design, both using the same sensor mat for passenger presence sensing. Starting in MY 2013, Leaf OCS was changed to a design using a different sensing system, one that did not use the mat present in prior model year, Nissan Leaf. While MY 2013-2016 Leaf vehicles were recalled for an OCS defect under recall 16V-244, a recall influenced by ODI investigation EA15-004, earlier MY Leaf vehicles were not included because they were not affected by the particular defect involved in that recall.ODI identified and reviewed 13 vehicle owner questionnaire (VOQ) reports in its database, one of which is a duplicate, involving MY 2011 and 2012 Leaf vehicles that allege a problem with the OCS. The VOQs indicate that an OCS warning light illuminated at which point the vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined the sensor mat was the cause of the OCS problem. Most of the VOQs also noted the high cost of repair, which apparently involves replacement of the passenger front seat, according to complainants. None of the VOQs allege a problem with the performance of the passenger air bag, an injury, or a fatality due to the failure of the OCS.During the evaluation of this petition, ODI did not request information from Nissan regarding the complaint data in its possession, and accordingly the manufacturer complaint counts shown above are marked as not applicable. ODI will request this information during the upcoming investigation.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following identification (VOQ) numbers: 11234415, 11207486, 11196006, 11193208, 11180021, 11176324, 11172159, 11152569, 11123812, 11103556 (duplicate of 11180021), 11102456, 11101830, 11052546.

Crash-test ratings

2012 Nissan Leaf 5 HB FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
LeafFront-Wheel Drive1069299

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2012 Nissan Leaf: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Nissan Leaf?

Owners filed 57 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Nissan Leaf. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2012 Nissan Leaf?

The most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes (30% of complaints) and electrical system (26%).

How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Leaf have?

No safety recalls are on record for the 2012 Nissan Leaf as of Jul 2026.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Nissan Leaf get?

The EPA rates the 2012 Nissan Leaf at 99 mpg combined.