VehicleVerdict

2017 Nissan Leaf problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 27 complaints on file for the 2017 Nissan Leaf — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

27

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other Leaf years?

Leaf NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted312 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 117 complaints2012: 71 complaints2013: 120 complaints2014: 45 complaints2015: 141 complaints2016: 49 complaints2017: 27 complaints2018: 112 complaints2019: 312 complaints2020: 214 complaints2021: 76 complaints2022: 131 complaints2023: 30 complaints2024: 5 complaints2025: 10 complaints2026: 4 complaints
Leaf NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Leaf years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Nissan Leaf problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System415%
Airbags415%
Other311%
Fuel System311%
Transmission311%
Body & Structure27%
Brakes27%
Visibility & Wipers27%
Engine14%
Speed Control14%
Seat Belts14%
Driver Assistance14%

Does the 2017 Nissan Leaf have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V296000OtherApril 26, 2023 · 94,343 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2017 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."

Consequence

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 May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23A1.

17V253000AirbagsApril 13, 2017 · 30,038 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag doesn't deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury to passengers.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“My son and I were in a major crash on a freeway, we were hit by a semi-truck, sent into a spin, hit by another vehicle and stopped by slamming into freeway guardrail. The car was totaled. My son was driving and airbags on the drivers side all deployed but nothing deployed on the passenger side at…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 22, 2026 · crash

“The manufacturer-installed 40kWh replacement battery has suffered an internal high-voltage isolation short to the vehicle chassis (Codes P0AA6/P31E7), creating an immediate fire and shock hazard. The component failed just 2 years after installation in 2024. Nissan is refusing to repair this severe…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 19, 2026

“BRAKE FAILURE AT LOW SPEEDS. IN THE LAST EIGHT MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE, TWICE THE CAR FAILED TO STOP WHEN I APPLIED BRAKES. I WAS GOING AT AROUND 20-25 MPH IN BOTH THE CASES.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 30, 2018

“A SUDDEN LOSS OF PROPULSION WITH OUT AN AUDIBLE WARNING. THE VEHICLE OPERATES AT CREEP SPEED. I NOTICE IT BECAUSE THE CAN NOT ACCELERATE. A MOMENT OF CONFUSION SETS IN IN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS GOING ON. A TELL TALE LIGHT OF A TURTLE COMES ON. I HAVE TO WORK MY WAY THROUGH TRAFFIC TO PULL ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 1, 2020

“The manufacturer-installed 40kWh replacement battery has suffered an internal high-voltage isolation short to the vehicle chassis (Codes P0AA6/P31E7), creating an immediate fire and shock hazard. The component failed just 2 years after installation in 2024. Nissan is refusing to repair this severe…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 19, 2026

2017 Nissan Leaf — common questions

Is the 2017 Nissan Leaf reliable?

The record is thin — 27 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2017 Leaf problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (4 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints).

Does the 2017 Nissan Leaf have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Nissan Leaf. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Nissan Leaf under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.

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.