2023 Nissan Leaf Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
40/100
#10 most-complained of 16 Leaf years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2023 Nissan Leaf has 20 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 40, and ranks 10th worst out of 16 model years, earning a "Good" rating relative to other Leaf years. Its top problem area is the engine, tied to 3 recalls including one for unintended acceleration.
- Complaints
- 20
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 6 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 110
- 122 city / 98.5 hwy
Top 2023 Nissan Leaf problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine8 (40%)
- Other8 (40%)
- Electrical System3 (15%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (15%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (15%)
- Brakes2 (10%)
- Fuel System2 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (10%)
- Steering1 (5%)
What owners report
- Vehicle unexpectedly accelerates backward or forward while shifting between Drive and Reverse, sometimes at low parking-lot speeds.
- Some unintended acceleration events happened around 7,000 miles and led to collisions with other parked or moving vehicles.
- Windshields reportedly cracked from the inside without any external impact.
- Front collision warning system flashes false alerts with no object present, in some cases linked to an overheating sensor code.
- Vehicle enters 'turtle mode' on the highway, cutting power and slowing the car well below traffic speed multiple times in a short span.
- Traction-control light illuminates during highway driving with a sudden, unexpected loss of power despite pressing the accelerator.
2023 Nissan Leaf recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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 23V362000May 22, 2023Brakes758 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 LEAF vehicles. The right-hand brake tubes may have been damaged during production and could corrode, possibly causing a hole in the brake line and a brake fluid leak.
Risk: A brake fluid leak can reduce braking performance and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right-hand brake tube, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 7, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC976.
- 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.
2023 Nissan Leaf fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 122 MPG
- Highway
- 98.5 MPG
- Combined
- 110 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.
2023 compared with other Leaf years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Nissan Leaf reliable?
- Compared to other Leaf model years, the 2023 is rated "Good," with a complaint index of 40 and 20 complaints, ranking 10th worst of 16 years tracked.
- What problems does the 2023 Nissan Leaf have?
- The top problem area is the engine, accounting for 40% of complaints, mainly involving unintended acceleration. Owners also reported issues with electrical systems, collision avoidance cameras, and wipers/visibility.
- Does the 2023 Nissan Leaf have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2023 Leaf: one for unintended acceleration tied to the engine/drive mode software, one for a brake tube that could corrode, and one for incorrect defroster instructions in the owner's manual.
- How does the 2023 Leaf compare to other years?
- The 2023 Leaf's complaint index of 40 is lower than the 2019 (100), 2020 (87), and 2022 (93) model years, all rated "Avoid," making 2023 one of the better years for the Leaf.
- What is the median mileage for engine failures in the 2023 Leaf?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 7,000 miles for engine-related failures in the 2023 Nissan Leaf.