repaired · 2026 Q3
Module: software
Risk. A quick charging battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
2021 Nissan LeafProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 59 owner complaints about the 2021 Nissan Leaf, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-655 the manufacturer reports only 37% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 5, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Nissan Leaf has problems
59 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
34Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
10Fuel/propulsion system
6Engine2 crash/fire/injury
6Visibility/wiper
4Forward collision avoidance
4Power train
3Back over prevention
2Air bags
2Exterior lighting
44 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 34 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 2 |
| Visibility/wiper | 6 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 4 | 1 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 3 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2021 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 · 2026 Q2
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q3
Vehicle speed control
Risk. Unintentional acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
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
2021 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
2021 Nissan Leaf safety ratings
2021 Nissan LEAF (40 KWh Battery) 5 HB FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Nissan Leaf, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What Leaf owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I purchased a 2021 Nissan Leaf used on 9/9/2026 from CarMax Burbank with unrepaired NHTSA recalls 25V-655 and 24V-700 documented in my sale paperwork. The salesman told us they were simple recall repairs, nothing to worry about. When I took the car in, the authorized dealer's service advisor warned…
My Leaf started displaying dramatic battery range reduction and charge fluctuation symptoms XXX at 98K miles. 1st available appt at dealership (as advised by Nissan) was XXX, now at 115,000K miles. XXX I received recall notice in my mailbox from Nissan re 25V-655 - 8 1/2 months past the issuing of…
Incident Summary & Ineffective Recall Remedy: I am reporting an acute high-voltage battery cell collapse on my 2021 Nissan LEAF (VIN: [XXX]). The vehicle previously received the software update for NHTSA Recall #25V655 (Nissan Recall #R25C8) at Kings Nissan. The software patch failed to repair the…
Own a 2021 Leaf?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.