2012 Nissan Leaf Problems
Compared with other Nissan Leaf years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
21/100 0.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.5× that of a typical Nissan Leaf year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 23 of its 57 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Brakes staying applied, locking up, or not releasing (13 complaints, median 7,900 mi).
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 57filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 13,920miles, 42 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 99 MPGecombined, Electric FWD · 106 city / 92 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Nissan Leaf (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 2012 Nissan Leaf most often describe passenger airbag warning lights linked to the passenger seat sensor, and brakes that grab at low speed. Battery charge and range complaints are also frequent, along with brakes that stay applied after release or fail suddenly. Battery reports and brakes that stay applied often come at low mileage, while airbag reports often mention the cost of replacing the passenger seat.
- Air bags
Passenger airbag disabled or flashing warning light
- 11 complaints (19%)
- median 26,985 mi at 6.7 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- owner-quoted repair $4,000 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2014–2024
Owners describe a passenger airbag warning or disabled light, sometimes flashing, that stays on even when an adult is seated. According to complaints, dealers often traced it to the passenger seat occupancy sensor, sometimes with a diagnostic code, and said the repair means replacing the whole passenger seat cushion. Some say that part is no longer in stock or not covered by warranty, and that the repair costs thousands of dollars. In another case, the dealer could not reproduce the problem and declined to repair it. Most reports do not list mileage; where it is given, reports range from about 13,500 to 89,000 miles.
What to check: With the engine on, check that the passenger airbag status light behaves correctly with an adult seated in the passenger seat, and ask whether any seat sensor or occupancy code repair has been recorded. A service bulletin covers an occupant detection sensor trouble code and a zero point reset procedure, so ask whether that check was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“B1018 passenger seat senosr needs replacement Nissan says is not covered under there 10 year 100,000 mile warranty. Will cost $3900.00 to replace the passenger seat. What is covered under the air bag warranty? This is a major safety issue for me and my family.”
NHTSA complaint #11256669, filed 2019-09, 39,500 miles“While starting the vehicle the airbag warning light illuminates (continuously flashing) and continues to flash while driving. On 11/22/2019 the Nissan dealer reported that the seat occupant classification module has failed and is reporting a trouble code b1018. The repair involves replacing the passenger seat cushion assembly at a cost of $3938. The cost to repair is a significant portion of the value of the vehicle. I understand that this is know issue with later my Nissan LEAF and is the subject of a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11282156, filed 2019-11, 89,000 miles - Electrical system
Battery charge, range, and condition complaints
- 11 complaints (19%)
- median 12,000 mi at 2.5 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2013–2026
Owners describe batteries that do not reach a full charge, with range or the mileage count dropping quickly and charge indicators that do not match the range actually available. Some report the high-voltage battery shutting down or stalling while driving, with an odor, and another describes rust on the battery case and bolts that could not be removed. A report says the car lurched forward after the battery stopped holding charge. According to complaints, a technician found no failure, and in another case a failed onboard charger was diagnosed but not repaired. Where mileage is given, reports range from about 70 to 59,000 miles, and most of them are under about 15,000 miles.
What to check: Ask for a battery health or capacity test before buying, and compare the range shown after a full charge with the charge indicator. Look underneath the car for rust on the battery case and bolts.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2012 Nissan LEAF has a battery charge indicator on the dash that does not truly reflect how much actual driving range mileage is left. In fact, it is so faulty that it is referred to online as the gom or guess-o-meter. I believe this is a safety hazard as I have no accurate way of knowing if I will be left stranded in the middle of oncoming traffic on an expressway, a busy highway, a back road detour, or simply miles away from any charging station. …”
NHTSA complaint #10663841, filed 2014-12, 105 miles“Since I bought this car it has never gotten a full charge. Even when I turn off all the timers and charge for 2 days I can only go 50 miles tops and the power battery bar only goes to 5 bars. I just bought this car and I'm scared to pay more for a new battery. As it might as well be purchasing a new car😭😥”
NHTSA complaint #11267582, filed 2019-10 - Brakes
Grabby or lurching brakes at low speed
- 9 complaints (16%)
- median 22,500 mi at 4.4 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2013–2023
Owners describe brakes that grab, jerk, or lurch the car to a stop when slowing at low speed, often below about 15 mph, with passengers thrown forward. Some say the behavior is intermittent and hard to predict, and that it is more noticeable in cold or wet weather or in stop-and-go traffic. Some report that a firmware patch did not fix it and that dealers could not reproduce the symptom. A few say the pulsing is linked to regenerative braking. Where mileage is given, reports range from about 19,400 to 66,000 miles.
What to check: Test the brakes at low speed in a safe, empty area, and watch for grabbing or lurching. Ask whether any firmware or brake software update was installed and whether the regenerative braking system has been checked.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have observed the transient grabby brake syndrome in my LEAF during cold weather months in the past couple years. I complained to my Nissan dealerships service department a couple times about it, but the problem could not be replicated at the time. I also noticed on the energy screen that the regenerative braking was cycling between 10 and 20 % coincident with these brake intensity pulsations. It only happens when I am lightly braking with very steady light pressure on the brake pedal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10877146, filed 2016-06, 25,000 miles“The brakes on this car often become grabby, especially in either cold or wet weather. It is often difficult to modulate the brakes smoothly and the amount of braking action is not linear with pedal pressure. This will change during a single trip where the brakes will start out grabby but then get better. Sometimes the brakes are normal at the start of a trip and then get grabby in the middle of the trip. I have also experienced a modulation in braking when holding the brake pedal with steady pressure as I'm slowing for traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10850347, filed 2016-03, 50,000 miles - Brakes
Brakes staying applied, locking up, or not releasing
- 13 complaints (23%)
- median 7,900 mi at 2.0 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2022
Owners describe brakes that stay applied after the pedal is released, keep braking at full force for a moment, or lock up and do not let go. Some report the car stopping by itself after a hard stop, or stopping suddenly in traffic while only gently pressing the pedal. A complaint says the anti-lock system did not release the brakes promptly, and another describes a lock-up that sent the car into a slide. Most reports with mileage are under about 10,000 miles, and the highest is about 21,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the brakes and ABS have been checked for delayed or stuck release, and request the repair records. A service bulletin covers ABS and VDC communication diagnosis, so ask whether that procedure was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The car continues to brake even after the brake pedal is no longer pressed. This happens when the ABS kicks in. I had to slam on the brakes after someone pulled out in front of me. I did not want to completely stop as I could have been rear ended but the car continued to apply full brakes even when I no longer wanted to stop and no longer pressed the brake. This has happened 4 times total, always when I had to brake very hard to avoid a collision. …”
NHTSA complaint #10766695, filed 2015-09, 5,300 miles“Vehicle suddenly stopped mid-traffic, while gently pressing the brakes, causing a major safety problem and a near-accident. I understand safety and gentle - I'm a surgeon. After this point, the vehicle either refused to accelerate normally, and clearly inhibited by the brake. The brake would not let up, despite starting/stopping/powering cycling the car. The emergency electric brake was cycled, in efforts to reset the braking system - without success. Towing to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10587147, filed 2014-05, 30 miles - Brakes
Sudden brake failure or soft, sinking pedal
- 10 complaints (18%)
- median 21,145 mi at 2.8 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2020
Owners describe brakes that failed without warning or stopped responding, including a car that failed to slow at 55 mph and a car that could not be driven from a parking lot. A report describes the pedal pressed fully with no slowing, the ABS not activating, and a collision with the rear of another vehicle. Other reports describe a brake pedal that sinks toward the floor when the car is shifted into drive, and a case where the car moved forward after the brake system failed. According to complaints, dealers could not always duplicate the problem, and some reports say no repair was offered. Where mileage is given, reports range from about 14 to about 72,000 miles, with most between about 19,000 and 42,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether any brake failure or sensor replacement is documented, and request the repair records. Check that the brake pedal stays firm when shifting from park to drive, and ask the seller about any unexplained stops or brake warning lights.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When moving the vehicle out of park you must depress the brake pedal. I've had 3-4 times where as soon as the gear selector moves to d the brake pedal softens and sinks in and the car rolls forward until the brakes engage. I took it to the dealer and they could not duplicate the problem and won't do anything about it. So far I've had time to stop before hitting the car in front of me but I'm worried that one of these times I won't.”
NHTSA complaint #10660901, filed 2014-11, 34,000 miles“On 3/3/20 I returned to allied park and fly lot in san juan. My car could not be driven from the lot, it had sudden failure of brakes. Car was towed to adriel Nissan in toa baja, mar4, where it remains, unrepaired as of today. The dealer has not contacted me since 3/13, when it closed, under island covid 19 shutdown. Sudden failure of ABS brake should not occur on a car with only 42,000 miles! I feel Nissan should cover ABS repair costs.”
NHTSA complaint #11319798, filed 2020-03, 42,000 miles
Buying note. Before buying, ask for the passenger airbag sensor and battery service records, and check that the airbag warning light stays off with an adult seated. Test-drive the brakes at low speed, since grabbing, sticking, and sudden brake failure are recurring complaints for this model year.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 54 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 57 consumer complaints for the 2012 Nissan Leaf. 42 of the complaints include a mileage, and 86% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 13,920 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 129 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 10 Nissan Leaf model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 21 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes22 39%
- Electrical system15 26%
- Air bags11 19%
- Vehicle speed control4 7.0%
- Seat belts3 5.3%
- Engine2 3.5%
- Other or unknown2 3.5%
- Seats2 3.5%
Also reported: Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Fuel system (1), Hybrid propulsion system (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Brakes grab and lurch the car to a stop. This occurs especially at low speeds in stop-and-go traffic and thus is dangerous. A driver following close behind will be surprised by the very rapid deceleration. It happens often, always at speeds below about 10 - 15 MPH, but not every time I brake, and it is unpredictable. The problem has been widely reported on blogs. I have informed my Nissan service department on many occasions. About 6 years ago Nissan released a firmware patch, which was installed in my car. That did not fix the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11150737, filed 2018-11, 66,000 milesElectrical system: “When I drive the car into my driveway on a slight incline and I get out of the car while its in drive and the car is on, the car remains stable and does not move. The car is extremely quiet. If I plug the charger into the car, the car immediatelty drops out of drive and into neutral causing the car to roll backward.”
NHTSA complaint #10538157, filed 2013-08, 12,000 milesAir bags: “Despite an adult occupying the front passenger seat, the passenger airbag disabled indicator came on. This happened with two different full sized adults. Dealer could not recreate the problem and refused to attempt a repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10628995, filed 2014-08, 13,500 milesVehicle speed control: “Brake system failed and ignition started and thrusted car forward. It seemed like the brake got soft and then would not function. This incident caused the car to damage private property and caused major damage to front end of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10632898, filed 2014-09, 22,890 milesMileage when problems were reported
86% of the 42 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 6,000 and 26,800 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Nissan Leaf. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf · hatchback FWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 · 11.0% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2011: same overall rating; 2013: 4 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Nissan Leaf version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving); for electric versions it is the cost of electricity and the rating is in MPGe.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf FWD | Electric | single-speed | 106 | 92 | 99 MPGe | $750 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Leaf in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
- PE19015Front Occupant Classification System MatClosed · Oct 9, 2019
- DP19002Front Occupant Classification System MatClosed · Aug 16, 2019
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 129 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11009068Sep 19, 2024Air bags. DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Leaf
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 8,750 | 0 | 5 | 111 MPGe | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 5 | — | 0 | 5 | 111 MPGe | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 22 | 7,500 | 3 | 5 | 111 MPGe | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 96 | 42,398 | 4 | 5 | 108 MPGe | 51 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 57 | 27,500 | 4 | 5 | 108 MPGe | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 167 | 12,000 | 6 | 5 | 108 MPGe | 75 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 260 | 30,000 | 5 | — | 108 MPGe | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 67 | 7,250 | 4 | — | 112 MPGe | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 17 | 4,400 | 2 | — | 112 MPGe | — | Stable |
| 2016 | 36 | 20,000 | 4 | 4 | 114 MPGe | 26 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2015 | 110 | 27,000 | 4 | 4 | 114 MPGe | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 34 | 21,250 | 6 | 4 | 114 MPGe | 38 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 81 | 24,000 | 5 | 4 | 115 MPGe | 67 · More | Rising |
| 2012 | 57 | 13,920 | 0 | 5 | 99 MPGe | 21 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2011 | 95 | 27,862 | 0 | 5 | 99 MPGe | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
All Nissan Leaf model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Leaf?
Owners of this 2012 Nissan Leaf most often describe passenger airbag warning lights linked to the passenger seat sensor, and brakes that grab at low speed. The issues reported most often: Passenger airbag disabled or flashing warning light; Battery charge, range, and condition complaints; Grabby or lurching brakes at low speed.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Nissan Leaf have?
NHTSA recorded 57 consumer complaints for the 2012 Nissan Leaf as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Nissan Leaf is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 22 complaints (39% of the total), followed by electrical system with 15.
Has the 2012 Nissan Leaf been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 Nissan Leaf do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 Nissan Leaf 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
How efficient is the 2012 Nissan Leaf according to the EPA?
The EPA rates the 2012 Nissan Leaf (Leaf, Electric) at 99 MPGe combined, 106 city and 92 highway, with an estimated annual electricity cost of $750 at 15,000 miles a year. Other battery and motor versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Nissan Leaf reported?
Among the 42 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 13,920 miles and the middle half falls between 6,000 and 26,800 miles; 86% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.