2011 Nissan Leaf problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 117 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Leaf year — the 2011 model ranks #6 of 17 Leaf years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Airbags leads the complaint categories with 35 reports (30% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
117
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
3
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2011 compare to other Leaf years?
What are the most common 2011 Nissan Leaf problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 35 | 30% | new |
| Electrical System | 29 | 25% | new |
| Brakes | 22 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 7 | 6% | new |
| Other | 5 | 4% | new |
| Fuel System | 5 | 4% | new |
| Speed Control | 5 | 4% | new |
| Transmission | 3 | 3% | new |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 3% | new |
| Engine | 2 | 2% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“OCCUPANT SENSOR FAILURE IS PREVENTING THE PASSENGER AIR BAG FROM DEPLOYING. THE CODE IS REPORTED AS A B1013. AS THIS MODEL WAS DESIGNED WITH A SENSOR WITHIN THE SEAT, THE OFFICIAL ACTION IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT, FOR AN ESTIMATE OF $3133.51. THIS IS HIGHLY COST PROHIBITIVE FOR A SAFETY FEATURE…”
“I HAVE RUN INTO WHAT I BELIEVE IS A SMALL DESIGN FLAW. WHILE USER ERROR IS CLEARLY INVOLVED, A SIMPLE SOFTWARE FIX COULD PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING. SCENARIO: 1) LEAF IS PARKED IN GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT ON A SLIGHT DOWNHILL SLOPE. 2) STARTUP SOUND IS TURNED OFF. 3) PUSH START BUTTON WHILE NOT…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN LEAF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A…”
“AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHING. PASSENGER AIR BAGS ARE DISABLED. DEALER FIX IS A NEED A NEW PASSENGER SEAT AT A COST OF $3,000+. CURRENT FAULT CODE IS B1018. OCCUPANT SENSOR UNIT FAIL. NO DAMAGE TO SEAT OR CUSHION. IT JUST STOPPED WORKING. SAFETY ISSUE. SAFETY RECALL SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED.”
“I PURCHASED MY 2011 NISSAN LEAF IN SEPTEMBER OF 2012 FROM STADIUM NISSAN IN ORANGE, CALIFORNIA. I QUICKLY LEARNED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT BUILT FOR MY 69 MILE COMMUTE(4.9 MILES PER KWH), BUT WAS ABLE TO ADAPT AND MAKE IT WORK UNTIL A JOB CHANGE IN OCTOBER OF 2013. MY 10 YEAR OLD SON AND I WERE…”
2011 Nissan Leaf — common questions
Is the 2011 Nissan Leaf reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 117 complaints put the 2011 model at #6 of 17 Leaf years. It is one of the Leaf years to avoid.
What are the most common 2011 Leaf problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (35 complaints), electrical system (29 complaints), brakes (22 complaints).
Does the 2011 Nissan Leaf have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2011 Nissan Leaf.
Is the 2011 Nissan Leaf under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Nissan Leaf years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Leaf years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2015, 2022, 2013, 2011, 2018. The cleanest record among Leaf years belongs to 2010.
How safe is the 2011 Nissan Leaf?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2011 Nissan Leaf earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.