VehicleVerdict

2021 Nissan Leaf problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2021 Nissan Leaf sits mid-pack among Leaf years: 76 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 71, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 41% of all reports (31 of 76), far ahead of other at 11. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

76

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Leaf years?

Leaf NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Leaf years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Nissan Leaf problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3141%
Other1114%
Fuel System811%
Visibility & Wipers68%
Driver Assistance68%
Engine57%
Transmission34%
Lighting23%
Airbags23%
Brakes11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2021 Nissan Leaf have recalls?

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

25V655000Electrical SystemSeptember 30, 2025 · 19,077 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2022 LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging.

Consequence

A quick charging battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to use Level 3 quick charging until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed June 16, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's Customer Service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R25C8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 4, 2025.

24V071000Driver AssistanceFebruary 2, 2024 · 57,914 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

23V494000Speed ControlJuly 17, 2023 · 66,159 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

23V048000OtherFebruary 2, 2023 · 64,732 units

Defect

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."

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 April 1, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22C5.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Took car to dealership to charge. Got home and an hour later the battery ignited into a fire. Car was engulfed with smoke ,fire in front of our house. After 4 hours with fire dept trying to put out the fire within battery... it still continued to smoke. Hazmat team came out as well. Total loss…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 21, 2025 · fire

“9.3.2021 Freeway comes to a complete stop. Front end collision into vehicle in front at an angle to avoid full collision and into the barrier on Passenger side. NO AIRBAGS deployed! Police Report Filed. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 3, 2021 · crash

“I want to be clear about why I opened this case. Per Nissan’s own recall documents, the software update does not repair the defective battery cells, it only detects the issue and may disable the vehicle to prevent a thermal event. Level 3 charging remains unusable, and the underlying defect is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 10, 2026

“9.3.2021 Freeway comes to a complete stop. Front end collision into vehicle in front at an angle to avoid full collision and into the barrier on Passenger side. NO AIRBAGS deployed! Police Report Filed. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · September 3, 2021 · crash

“The resolution for recall 22V-048 provided by Nissan is unacceptable. In order how to properly run the defroster for conditions you have refer to manual or supplement manual. I would expect just turn on defrost and not worry if it going to work in the weather condition I am driving in.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · April 3, 2023

2021 Nissan Leaf — common questions

Is the 2021 Nissan Leaf reliable?

It is close to typical for the Leaf: 76 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2021 Leaf problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (31 complaints), other (11 complaints), fuel system (8 complaints).

Does the 2021 Nissan Leaf have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Nissan Leaf. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 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.

How safe is the 2021 Nissan Leaf?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.