2021 Nissan LEAF problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
54 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
27,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 31 of 54 complaints (57.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 27 | 50.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 1.9% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 1.9% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 1.9% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 31 |
| Unknown Or Other | 13 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 |
| Engine | 6 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 6 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 2 |
Electrical System: 31; Unknown Or Other: 13; Fuel/Propulsion System: 8; Engine: 6; Visibility/Wiper: 6; Power Train: 3; Air Bags: 2; Back Over Prevention: Warnings: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 4 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 48 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 22 |
2021: 1; 2022: 4; 2023: 8; 2024: 5; 2025: 14; 2026: 22
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 27 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11545635 · 2023-09-20 (September 20, 2023)
Back up camera failure, image is either: distorted; pink; blank; or scrolling. This is the 2nd occurrence after failing in December 2022. Original fix was to replace the wiring harness.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11545635 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11555417 · 2023-11-16 (November 16, 2023)
The error occurred on [XXX]. The car got me to my destination. Error occurred past the 1/2 way point. The next day was busy w/ personal issues. Later in the afternoon, I was by the vehicle, I called the Nissan Roadside Assistance number. It was at this point that I was informed that no one was available or that my location was out of network. I was then instructed to find my own tow & arranged everything. I did. The vehicle completely died en route to the Nissan Dealership. The EV Motor locks the wheels & there is no way to disengage the motors…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11555417 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11727594 · 2026-03-27 (March 27, 2026)
The 62kWh High-Voltage Lithium-Ion Battery Pack. The vehicle is currently in my possession in Santa Fe, NM, and is available for inspection. It exhibits physical degradation (40.07% Hx) directly linked to the cell defects described in Recall 25V655. The vehicle is a documented fire risk. Per Recall 25V655, internal lithium deposits create resistance that leads to thermal incidents. Because my battery already shows terminal degradation (40.07% Hx and 3.18V sag), the risk of a fire during charging or operation is imminent. Furthermore, Nissan ha…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11727594 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11696836 · 2025-10-31 (October 31, 2025)
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated that while charging the Lithium battery, the message that the battery had overheated was displayed. While driving on the freeway, the battery rapidly lost charge without warning. The vehicle decelerated to 5 MPH before stalling in the middle of the road. The contact ran across a four-lane highway to safety. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer. The contact received information about NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V655000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and was informed that parts were not yet ava…
Owner-reported narrative. 30,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11696836 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11712902 · 2026-01-23 (January 23, 2026)
Brakes problem: During rain season the moisture can get into the brake system. When backing up, the brakes feel partially seized, and make squeeze sound. The problem is more serious when pulling the parking brake during overnight parking. Somehow the sound is coming out of front brakes. The sound will diminish after break several times during normal breaking. Forward Collision warning system: The system only alerts driver with deeps and lights on dashboard. It doesn’t enables the brake system to slow or stop the car.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11712902 at NHTSA ↗