2018 Nissan Leaf Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
53/100
#8 most-complained of 16 Leaf years
The 2018 Nissan Leaf has a Complaint Index of 53, ranking 8th worst out of 16 model years, and earns a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 66 complaints, 4 recalls, 9 crashes and 1 fire, with Brakes the top problem area at 30% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 66
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 9 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 112
- 125 city / 100 hwy
Top 2018 Nissan Leaf problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes20 (30%)
- Electrical System18 (27%)
- Engine16 (24%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras13 (20%)
- Fuel System12 (18%)
- Other8 (12%)
- Airbags5 (8%)
- Steering5 (8%)
- Structure & Body4 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (5%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds while parking or turning, sometimes ending in a collision with a curb, tree, or structure.
- Some describe the brake pedal failing to stop the vehicle during unintended acceleration events, even when pressed firmly or pumped repeatedly.
- Several complaints describe the car losing braking power on a downhill grade, with dashboard warnings and reduced pedal response.
- One owner reported the battery percentage fluctuating erratically on the highway along with false low-battery warnings and an AEB-off alert.
- Another reported the car suddenly shifting into neutral at highway speed with multiple dashboard warnings and a rapid loss of power.
- A front passenger seat occupancy sensor was reported to falsely trigger the seat belt warning light even when the seat was empty.
2018 Nissan Leaf recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V071000Feb 2, 2024Collision Avoidance & Cameras57,914 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2022 LEAF vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23D7.
- NHTSA 23V494000Jul 17, 2023Engine66,159 vehicles
Vehicle speed control
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The vehicle may accelerate unintentionally if the driving mode is changed ("D" to "B"; e-Pedal "On"; or "ECO" mode) after disengaging the cruise control.
Risk: Unintentional acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module (VCM), free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23A6.
- NHTSA 23V048000Feb 2, 2023HVAC64,732 vehicles
Visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect, and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Risk: Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will mail an addendum with updated instructions on how to operate the defroster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 1, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22C5.
2018 Nissan Leaf fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 125 MPG
- Highway
- 100 MPG
- Combined
- 112 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $700
- 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.
2018 compared with other Leaf years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Nissan Leaf reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2018 Leaf a Complaint Index of 53, ranking 8th worst among 16 model years, which places it in the Caution category compared to other Leaf years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Leaf?
- Brakes account for 30% of complaints, followed by Electrical System at 27%, Engine at 24%, and Collision Avoidance & Cameras at 20%, based on NHTSA owner complaints.
- Does the 2018 Nissan Leaf have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Leaf covering the rearview camera harness, unintended acceleration when changing driving modes, incorrect defroster instructions, and a back-up camera software update. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 Leaf compare to other Leaf years?
- The 2018 Leaf's Complaint Index of 53 is worse than 2017 (13, Best) and 2016 (27, Good) but better than 2019 (100, Avoid), 2020 (87, Avoid), and 2015 (80, Avoid).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Nissan Leaf?
- The 2018 Leaf is EPA-rated at 112 MPG combined (125 city, 100 highway) with an estimated annual fuel cost of $700.