2011 Nissan Leaf Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 23%of 95 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 12,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the brakes of the 2011 Nissan Leaf, 23% of the 95 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I noticed the braking defect soon after taking delivery of my LEAF. Similarly to the other respondents, the continuance to braking after the pedal has been released occurs at any speed and without warning. I have had it happen at parking lot speeds, on the freeway, and at all speeds in between. I have been unable to discern any particular situation that seems to 'cause' the phenomenon. …”
NHTSA complaint #10444875, filed 2012-01, 100 miles“I have definitely noticed the braking assist displaying a mind of its own, though never on the freeway as yet. Sometimes I just tap the pedal and the brakes apply much more than I was pushing. Other times the brakes apply normally, but do not release immediately after releasing the pedal. Nissan...something is up here.”
NHTSA complaint #10422865, filed 2011-09, 1,000 miles“I have had the car into the dealer twice in the past 1 1/2 years to 'reprogram' the grabby brakes. They get very sensitive when braking below 25 MPH. They grab, let go, grab, and let go. I am now being told that it will cost me over $100 just for them to look at them a third time. I am tired of the bandaid approach and want it fixed but should not have to pay a penny for it. The car just turned 40,000 miles. I love it except this annoying and possibly dangerous braking problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10885404, filed 2016-07, 40,000 miles“The brakes go from a soft braking to a jolting stop at speeds below 20 MPH. I have small children in the car, and their heads are being jolted around when the car brakes this way. I am concerned this will be a problem on slick roads and I'm worried about being rear-ended when it stops so suddenly. It does this everyday that I drive it, however the dealership can find nothing wrong with the car. Lately, the brakes have also been releasing when I'm trying to stop, giving the feeling that I may not get stopped in time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10783837, filed 2015-10, 35,500 miles“When depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle goes from a soft braking to a jolting stop at speeds below 20 MPH. The vehicle jerks severly when braking and I am also very concerned this will be a problem on wet roads and I'm worried about being rear-ended as it stops suddenly. I experience this everyday that I drive it. Now, the brakes have also been releasing when I'm trying to stop at higher speeds, giving the feeling that I may not get stopped in time. And this is only getting worse. The car especially jolts when creeping forward at a light or into a parking spot. …”
NHTSA complaint #10863130, filed 2016-05, 15,677 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10233896Mar 8, 2023ABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10192638Sep 15, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS…
- 10192597Jul 6, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor…
- 10192332Mar 13, 2014IF YOU CONFIRM Customer may experience some brake sensitivity at speeds below 15 mph. The customer may experience this issue while in stop-and-go traffic conditions. And No DTCs…
- 10192217Jul 23, 2013If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
- 10046539Oct 25, 2012Nissan: see document search button for owner letter. When driving speed is below 15mph, brake pedal feels more sensitive and electrically driven intelligent brake control unit…
- 10042754Sep 21, 2011Nissan: affecting all nissan with abs or abs/vdc. Depending on the vehicles, there would be noise coming from the engine, such as clicking, clunking, buzzing thumping or…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 13% |
| 2022 | 8 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 2% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 10 | 4% |
| 2018 | 19 | 28% |
| 2017 | 2 | 12% |
| 2016 | 16 | 44% |
| 2015 | 85 | 77% |
| 2014 | 18 | 53% |
| 2013 | 32 | 40% |
| 2012 | 22 | 39% |
| 2011 | 22 | 23% |
Other parts of the 2011 Nissan Leaf
35 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Nissan Leaf
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology