2020 Nissan Leaf Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2020 Nissan Leaf has a complaint index of 93, the second-worst among 16 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 165 complaints and 6 recalls, with the Electrical System accounting for 73% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 93/100
- #2 of 16 Leaf years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 165
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 108
- 118 city / 97 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2020 Nissan Leaf problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System121 (73%)
- Fuel System34 (21%)
- Other23 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain13 (8%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras12 (7%)
- Engine10 (6%)
- Brakes3 (2%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (1%)
- Airbags1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the forward camera overheating during normal driving, which disables collision avoidance and ProPilot features.
- Some describe the backup camera image turning pink, going dark, or disappearing intermittently, even after a software update was applied.
- Several report the battery range gauge reading incorrectly, showing more range remaining than the car could actually deliver.
- One owner described a clicking or popping sound when shifting between Park, Drive, and Reverse that grew louder over time.
- A driver reported the automatic braking system failing to engage, leading to a low-speed rear-end collision.
- Another owner reported losing steering and braking function briefly after airbags deployed from a tree branch strike.
2020 Nissan Leaf recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V700000Sep 19, 2024Electrical System25,704 vehicles
Electrical system:propulsion system:charging:module:software
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging.
Risk: A quick charging battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed June 3, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R24B2, P4A38, and P5A22.
- 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.
2020 Nissan Leaf fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 118 MPG
- Highway
- 97 MPG
- Combined
- 108 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.
2020 compared with other Leaf years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Nissan Leaf reliable?
- Among 16 Leaf model years, 2020 ranks 2nd worst by NHTSA complaint index (93) and carries an Avoid verdict. Electrical system issues, especially camera and battery gauge problems, make up 73% of its complaints.
- What problems does the 2020 Nissan Leaf have?
- NHTSA data shows 121 electrical system complaints (73% of the total), largely involving the backup and forward cameras and battery range gauge, plus fuel system and powertrain complaints.
- Does the 2020 Nissan Leaf have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2020 Leaf, covering the rearview camera, rear window glass, battery overheating during Level 3 charging, unintended acceleration, and defroster instructions.
- What year Nissan Leaf should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaint data, 2019 has the worst complaint index (100) followed by 2020 (93) and 2022 (87), all rated Avoid. 2017, 2024, and 2025 rate Best.
- How is the 2020 Nissan Leaf's fuel economy?
- EPA rates the 2020 Leaf at 108 MPGe combined (118 city, 97 highway) with an estimated annual fuel cost of $700.