repaired · 2025 Q1
Other: owners/service/other manual
Risk. Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.
2016 Nissan LeafProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 36 owner complaints about the 2016 Nissan Leaf, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-253 the manufacturer reports only 67% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 28, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Nissan Leaf has problems
36 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
16Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
13Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
8Fuel/propulsion system
3Air bags
3Engine
3Power train
2Steering
1Structure
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 16 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 13 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2016 Nissan Leaf recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Air bags
Risk. 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.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. If the wiring harness disconnects, the passenger air bag may not to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Nissan.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Leaf year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Leaf median. How we score
'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Nissan Leaf safety ratings
2016 Nissan Leaf 5 HB FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Nissan Leaf, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What Leaf owners report
Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME intermittently AT FIRST... NOW permanently AND CANNOT BE DIAGNOSED BY NISSAN. IHAD TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE WHILE ON THE FWY AT 60MPH, THE DASH LIGHTS FOR ALL BRAKE COMPONENETS CAME UP WITH TIRE AS WELL...ALMOST ALL WARNINGS LIT UP AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I HAD…
On Friday, November 1, at about 3 pm, the brakes failed pulling away from the curb in a forward direction after loading equipment into the vehicle. Really stomping the brakes as though they had a fluid problem did get them to engage. I think the problem occured again backing out of my driveway…
Drove home at 7PM mild day (65-70 degrees). Stopped the car and turned it off for an hour. Had to leave home at 8PM. Turned on the car and backed up the driveway. Tried to stop but break wasn't working.. Pressed all the way that ABS started trickling. Used the hand break to stop the car. Turned off…
Own a 2016 Leaf?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.