2021 Nissan Leaf Problems
Shopping for a used 2021 Nissan Leaf? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 48 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2021 Nissan Leaf has 48 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2021 Nissan Leaf Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2021 Nissan Leaf. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2021 Nissan Leaf Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Nissan Leaf has 48 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Leaf
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 48
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 108
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 118 / 97
- Fuel type
- Electricity
- Electric range (miles)
- 226
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2021 Nissan Leaf problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Fuel/Propulsion System
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues, Fuel/Propulsion System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2021 Nissan Leaf?
The 2021 Nissan Leaf shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2021 Nissan Leaf
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery and charging components.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially electrical and propulsion systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery and charging components.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially electrical and propulsion systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Nissan Leaf, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2021 Nissan Leaf has 48 NHTSA complaints, with the majority concentrated in electrical faults. A smaller number of complaints involve the fuel/propulsion system and visibility/wiper components. Crash-related complaints are few, and the overall confidence in this data is low.
- Electrical faults account for the largest share of complaints (28 out of 48).
- Fuel/propulsion system issues are the second most reported category (8 complaints).
- Visibility/wiper problems are noted in 6 complaints.
- Electrical Faults
- Fuel/Propulsion System
- Visibility/Wiper
Full breakdown
All 2021 Nissan Leaf complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Nissan Leaf. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 28 | — | 3 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 10 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Nissan Leaf. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V655000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for t…
I own a 2021 Nissan Leaf subject to open recall R25C8 (NHTSA Campaign 25V655) for fire risk during Level 3 DC fast charging. The recall was issued October 2025. Nissan’s stated remedy target was late March 2026. As of today, April 6, 2026, no remedy has been provided. The affecte…
This vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall 25V-655 involving the high-voltage traction battery. The recall restricts the vehicle from using DC fast charging (Level 3), which significantly limits the safe and practical operation of the vehicle for its intended use. My household must…
The 62kWh High-Voltage Lithium-Ion Battery Pack. The vehicle is currently in my possession in Santa Fe, NM, and is available for inspection. It exhibits physical degradation (40.07% Hx) directly linked to the cell defects described in Recall 25V655. The vehicle is a documented f…
As described in recall 25V-655, lithium deposited have accumulated in the HV battery of my 2021 Nissan Leaf. I haven't used L3 charging since I received the recall notice, but the car often won't charge even on L1 charging. The state of health of the HV battery is still 86% but t…
The high-voltage battery on my 2022 Nissan Leaf is subject to Recall 25V655. The recall notice states that the battery cells can develop excessive lithium deposits, which increases electrical resistance and can cause rapid battery heating during Level 3 fast charging. Nissan inst…
The battery has had a recall since October 2025 with no repair update at all. The battery degeneration has cause serious issues and has almost left me stranded multiple times. I haven’t been able to charge at most charging stations due to the limiting of fast chargers and it is v…
See attached document for complaint. I purchased a certified pre-owned Nissan Leaf SV Plus on [XXX] specifically for the larger battery capacity and the ability to use a DC fast charger, as this would allow me to drive my electric vehicle wherever I needed to go, including regul…
Car is under a recall-no level 3 charging due to risk of fire since October of 2025 with no remedy in place. The car is not able to be used as advertized-cannot travel outside of 200 miles from my home as level 3 charging is not possible and level 2 charging not feasible for tra…
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 underl…
Nissan has yet to effectively respond to NHTSA recall 25V-655 concerning a fire hazard when fast charging particular Leaf models including the 2021 model year that I own. As a temporary solution Nissan strongly recommends not to fast charge (Level 3 charge) until a solution is …
The high-voltage battery on my 2021 Nissan LEAF is subject to Recall 25V-655/R25C8. The recall notice states that the battery cells can develop excessive lithium deposits, which increase electrical resistance and can cause rapid battery heating during Level 3 fast charging. Nissa…
Brakes problem: During rain season the moisture can get into the brake system. When backing up, the brakes feel partially seized, and make squeeze sound. The problem is more serious when pulling the parking brake during overnight parking. Somehow the sound is coming out of front …
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the nearest dealer, where it remained for a month. The dealer replaced an …
I am submitting this letter as a formal safety complaint concerning NHTSA Recall No. 25V655000, which affects my 2021 Nissan LEAF SV and results in the continued restriction of DC fast charging due to a reported fire risk, without an available or timely remedy. Under this recall…
I currently have a recall on my Nissan 2021 Leaf SV Plus. There is an issue with the level 3 charging which can result in fire to the vehicle. As a result, I’m unable to rapid charge. Nissan has failed to remedy the issue or offer any attempts to fix this recall. I’m unable to ch…
*High Voltage Battery defect/failure - this is what was believed to be the issue when it was towed to the dealership. What is left of it is available for inspection at the dealership for now, however the insurance may take it to a salvage yard since the fire department finished t…
Vehicle battery drains significantly after being charged, passenger wiper will not work impairing visibility, back up camera blurs and fails, bright lights would not turn on, I was in a huge rain storm unable to see. Inability to use level 3 charger is disallowing me to be able t…
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V655000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shif…
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V655000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for t…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Nissan Leaf.
Safety recalls
2021 Nissan Leaf recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Nissan Leaf. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2021 Nissan Leaf buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Nissan Leaf reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 48 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Nissan Leaf shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Leaf?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (28 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (10 complaints). #3: Fuel/Propulsion System (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Nissan Leaf?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Nissan Leaf?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Nissan Leaf, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 48 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Nissan Leaf have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Nissan Leaf. A major recall area is EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Nissan Leaf?▾
The 2021 Nissan Leaf shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Leaf reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Nissan Leaf based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.