How many engine-related complaints does the 2018 Nissan Leaf have?

NHTSA lists 16 engine-area complaints out of 66 total complaints for the 2018 Leaf, which is 24% of all complaints for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Nissan Leaf engine or acceleration issue?

Yes, recall campaign 23V494000 covers 2018-2023 Leaf vehicles that may accelerate unintentionally after the driving mode is changed, such as from 'D' to 'B', e-Pedal 'On', or 'ECO' mode. Nissan's remedy is a free reprogram of the vehicle control module.

At what mileage do these engine problems typically show up?

The median reported mileage at failure for engine-area complaints on the 2018 Leaf is 3,200 miles.

Were there any crashes or fires linked to these complaints?

NHTSA data shows 5 crashes and 1 fire associated with engine-area complaints on the 2018 Leaf, with no reported injuries.

How does the 2018 Leaf compare to other model years for this issue?

The 2018 Leaf's 24% share of complaints in the engine area is higher than most other years, though the 2023 Leaf shows an even higher 40% share.

2018 Nissan Leaf Engine Problems

Engine-area complaints make up 16 of 66 total complaints (24%) for the 2018 Nissan Leaf, the highest share of any model year for this component. NHTSA also lists a related recall (23V494000) covering unintended acceleration after switching driving modes.

Engine complaints: 16; 24% of 66
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 3,200 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe sudden, unintended acceleration when parking or slowing at low speeds, sometimes ending in a collision with a curb, pole, or another vehicle.
Some report the vehicle continuing to accelerate or failing to slow down after releasing the accelerator following hard acceleration, even though braking eventually works.
Others report regenerative braking or e-pedal failing to engage after the vehicle has been parked, causing the car to coast instead of slow.
Several complaints tie the acceleration problem directly to switching between drive modes such as ECO, e-Pedal, or 'D' to 'B', matching the related recall.
Pro-Pilot Assist and forward emergency braking systems were reported to intermittently flash warnings or become unavailable without a clear cause found by the dealer.
One complaint describes the blind spot detector and collision avoidance system releasing brakes too close to a stopped car ahead.

When 2018 Nissan Leaf engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 9, 2018, latest Jan 8, 2026.

16 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2018 to Jan 2026; peak May 2018 (1).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Nissan Leaf

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.

Engine complaints by Leaf model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20100 (0%)
20117 (7%)
20126 (11%)
20137 (9%)
20142 (6%)
201510 (9%)
20163 (8%)
20172 (12%)
201816 (24%)
201914 (5%)
202010 (6%)
20216 (11%)
20229 (10%)
20238 (40%)
20240 (0%)
20252 (29%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine-related complaints does the 2018 Nissan Leaf have?: NHTSA lists 16 engine-area complaints out of 66 total complaints for the 2018 Leaf, which is 24% of all complaints for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Nissan Leaf engine or acceleration issue?: Yes, recall campaign 23V494000 covers 2018-2023 Leaf vehicles that may accelerate unintentionally after the driving mode is changed, such as from 'D' to 'B', e-Pedal 'On', or 'ECO' mode. Nissan's remedy is a free reprogram of the vehicle control module.
At what mileage do these engine problems typically show up?: The median reported mileage at failure for engine-area complaints on the 2018 Leaf is 3,200 miles.
Were there any crashes or fires linked to these complaints?: NHTSA data shows 5 crashes and 1 fire associated with engine-area complaints on the 2018 Leaf, with no reported injuries.
How does the 2018 Leaf compare to other model years for this issue?: The 2018 Leaf's 24% share of complaints in the engine area is higher than most other years, though the 2023 Leaf shows an even higher 40% share.