2012 Nissan Leaf problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2012 Nissan Leaf sits mid-pack among Leaf years: 71 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 71, with no recalls and 3 closed investigations.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 22 reports (31% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
71
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
3
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2012 compare to other Leaf years?
What are the most common 2012 Nissan Leaf problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 22 | 31% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 17 | 24% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 11 | 15% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 4 | 6% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 4% | new |
| Other | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 4% | new |
| Fuel System | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Seats | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DROVE CAR INTO DRIVEWAY WITH SLIGHT INCLINE, PRESSED BUTTON TO ENGAGE CAR INTO PARK, GOT OUT OF VEHICLE, PLUGGED IN CAR TO CHARGE IT. WALKED UP 2 STEPS TO HOUSE, CAR ROLLED BACK NEARLY STRIKING 9 YEAR OLD. RUSHED TO THE CAR TO TRY TO STOP IT. CAR STOPPED WHEN ROLLED BACK ACROSS STREET AND INTO…”
“DROVE CAR INTO DRIVEWAY WITH SLIGHT INCLINE, PRESSED BUTTON TO ENGAGE CAR INTO PARK, GOT OUT OF VEHICLE, PLUGGED IN CAR TO CHARGE IT. WALKED UP 2 STEPS TO HOUSE, CAR ROLLED BACK NEARLY STRIKING 9 YEAR OLD. RUSHED TO THE CAR TO TRY TO STOP IT. CAR STOPPED WHEN ROLLED BACK ACROSS STREET AND INTO…”
“My Nissan Leaf is showing a warning sign that front passenger side airbag is disabled. I see that this is a common complaint from many 2011-12 Nissan Leaf owners. I would like to add my name to the list of owners who had a similar complaint and please update if you make Nissan do a recall for this…”
“BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND IGNITION STARTED AND THRUSTED CAR FORWARD. IT SEEMED LIKE THE BRAKE GOT SOFT AND THEN WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THIS INCIDENT CAUSED THE CAR TO DAMAGE PRIVATE PROPERTY AND CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. *TR”
“PAGE 1-21 OF THE 2012 NISSAN LEAF OWNER MANUAL HAS AN ILLUSTRATION OF A FORWARD-FACING CONVERTIBLE CHILD RESTRAINT INCORRECTLY INSTALLED, WITH THE CAPTION "LATCH WEBBING-MOUNTED ATTACHMENT". THE ILLUSTRATION SHOWS THE FORWARD-FACING CONVERTIBLE CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLED WITH THE LOWER ANCHORAGE…”
2012 Nissan Leaf — common questions
Is the 2012 Nissan Leaf reliable?
It is close to typical for the Leaf: 71 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.
What are the most common 2012 Leaf problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (22 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints), airbags (11 complaints).
Does the 2012 Nissan Leaf have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Leaf.
Is the 2012 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 2012 Nissan Leaf?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 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.