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Electronic stability controlPart report

2013 Nissan Leaf Electronic stability control Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
4%of 81 total for the year
Median mileage
36,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2013 Nissan Leaf, 4% of the 81 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I didn't drive the car for a few days and the 12v battery died. So I disconnected it from the car and hooked it up to my 12v battery charger. When it was fully charged, I reconnected it and started the car. Both the yellow and red warning lights were on as were the brake, ABS, and vdc lights. I started backing up in the driveway and as soon as I pressed the brakes, strange noises came from the front of the car. I slammed on the parking brake to stop.I tried backing again and noticed the brakes only engaged when the pedal was pressed almost all the way down. …”

NHTSA complaint #11089019, filed 2018-04, 29,000 miles

“The LEAF was in motion on a city street in b drive mode. When attempting to stop from around 45 MPH, the brake pedal became very firm, and the car did not slow. I released the brake and depressed it again. This time there was significant brake travel and the brakes engaged with a mechanical moaning sound. The car skidded to a stop as ABS ceased functioning. I parked the car and took a photo of the dash warning lights. Similar symptoms occurs 5 days prio, restarting the car returned it to normal operation both times. The weather was about 65 degrees f and dry during one occurrence. …”

NHTSA complaint #10916686, filed 2016-10, 36,000 miles

“Shortly after starting the car and as I began to accelerate forward, several warning indicators pertaining to the brake system illuminated and the normal brake pedal no longer appeared to function upon being depressed. The car was able to be brought to a stop with the use of the emergency brake pedal but the failure of the main brakes could have easily lead to a crash.”

NHTSA complaint #11058100, filed 2018-01, 37,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electronic stability control: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201811%
201533%
201413%
201334%
201224%

Other parts of the 2013 Nissan Leaf

Brakes
32 complaints
Electrical system
18 complaints
Air bags
17 complaints
Other or unknown
10 complaints
Vehicle speed control
5 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
Fuel system
4 complaints
Seat belts
4 complaints
Steering
4 complaints
Wheels
4 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
3 complaints
Engine
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 Nissan Leaf

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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