2012 Nissan Leaf Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2012 Nissan Leaf has a complaint index of 47, ranking 9th out of 16 model years, and earns a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 57 complaints and zero recalls for this year, with brakes as the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 47/100
- #9 of 16 Leaf years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 57
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 99
- 106 city / 92 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
Top 2012 Nissan Leaf problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes23 (40%)
- Electrical System16 (28%)
- Airbags11 (19%)
- Engine6 (11%)
- Other3 (5%)
- Seat Belts3 (5%)
- Structure & Body3 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (5%)
- Fuel System2 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly lock up unexpectedly during moderate pedal pressure, sometimes bringing the car to a sudden stop in traffic.
- Some owners report the vehicle rolling backward after being placed in park, in one case nearly striking a bystander before hitting a rock and a charging station.
- Reverse lights were described as aimed upward and not illuminating properly, a design issue the dealer could not correct.
- Rear seat belt buckles were reported as difficult or impossible to fasten due to their placement.
- Owners describe the estimated remaining range dropping much faster than expected, especially at highway speeds above 50 mph.
- The windshield washer was reported to spray the rear edge of the hood instead of the windshield glass.
2012 Nissan Leaf recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2012 Nissan Leaf fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 106 MPG
- Highway
- 92 MPG
- Combined
- 99 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $750
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Leaf years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Nissan Leaf reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2012 Leaf a complaint index of 47, which ranks 9th out of 16 model years and earns a Good verdict relative to other Leaf years. It has 57 complaints, no recalls, and no reported fires.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Nissan Leaf?
- Brakes are the top complaint area, making up 40 percent of complaints (23 of 57), with a median failure mileage of 19,700 miles and 5 reported crashes.
- Does the 2012 Nissan Leaf have any recalls?
- No. NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2012 Nissan Leaf.
- How does the 2012 Leaf compare to other years?
- The 2012 Leaf's complaint index of 47 is lower than 2011 (67), 2013 (53), 2015 (80), and 2019 (100), but higher than 2017 (13) and 2024 (7), which rank as Best years.
- What is the EPA fuel economy of the 2012 Nissan Leaf?
- The 2012 Leaf gets 99 MPGe combined (106 city, 92 highway) and has an estimated annual fuel cost of $750.