2015 Nissan Leaf Problems
Compared with other Nissan Leaf years
More complaints than typical for this model
66/100 1.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.4× 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.
- 34 of its 110 complaints were filed by the end of 2017.
- Most reported problem: Brake pedal goes soft or to the floor; loss of braking (77 complaints, median 32,750 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2012, 2016
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
- 110filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 27,000miles, 68 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 114 MPGecombined, Electric FWD · 126 city / 101 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2015 Nissan Leaf (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems: the pedal can go soft or to the floor, sometimes when the car is first started or in cold weather, and warning lights come on. A smaller group reports the passenger air bag indicator switching off with an adult seated, and some describe brief unintended acceleration or the car rolling despite brake pressure.
- Brakes
Brake pedal goes soft or to the floor; loss of braking
- 77 complaints (70%)
- median 32,750 mi at 4.2 yrs old (48 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $4,500 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2015–2026
Complaints describe the brake pedal sinking toward the floor with little or no slowing, often right after startup and when shifting into drive or reverse, or while braking at low speed in traffic. Some report brake, ABS or traction warning lights on the dash, a grinding or clicking noise, and using the parking brake to stop. Owners describe mixed dealer responses: some were told nothing could be reproduced or that a low 12-volt battery was the cause, others had the brake control unit replaced. Reports span low miles up to about 80,000, with many under 40,000, and a number describe occurrences in cold weather.
Recall 16V1190001 related service bulletin
What to check: Ask whether the electronic brake booster recall (16V119000) was performed and whether any brake control unit or software work was done. Test the pedal feel at startup and at low speed on a cold morning, and watch for brake or ABS warning lights.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Upon backing out of my garage, I found that the brakes did not work. I was only able to stop the car by applying the parking brake. Note that I had the car serviced on 11/11/2015, and one of the service items was p5327 - LEAF electric brke ntb15-089... ...7594 reprogram electrically-driven intelligent brake control unit... ...perform campaign p5327, ECM part #46007-3nf9b”
NHTSA complaint #10790507, filed 2015-11, 7,702 miles“This morning after dropping my kid at daycare, I was backing up my car in the parking lot. During backing up, I pressed the brake pedal but the car didn't slow down and kept moving. After a couple of seconds, it finally stopped. Fortunately there was no one in the parking lot. Nissan needs to investigate the brake issue. I have seen similar complaints but there is no recall to fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #10947449, filed 2017-01, 34,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Car moves with brake held or surges at very low speed
- 11 complaints (10%)
- median 30,000 mi at 4.8 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2024
Some owners describe the car creeping or rolling in drive or reverse while the brake pedal is held, sometimes requiring the parking brake or park to stop it. Others report a brief unintended acceleration or the accelerator feeling stuck, with two cases noting it returned to normal after the car was turned off and back on. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 37,000, sometimes shortly after startup.
What to check: On a test drive, start the car and shift between drive and reverse with the brake held to confirm it does not roll, and check that the accelerator returns smoothly.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Whenever we come to a stop for a traffic light or a stop sign, and the speed of the car is < 3 miles , we noticed that when we apply brakes, they do not get applied immediately. There is a sudden surge in acceleration before the car comes to a complete stop. This is very noticeable especially when we apply brakes to slow the car before a traffic signal or stop sign and also in bumper to bumper traffic conditions. …”
NHTSA complaint #10695491, filed 2015-03, 4,000 miles“While I was accelerating to 60mph from a stop light on us 287 and isabelle road in boulder county, colorado, the car continued to accelerate uncontrolled to over 70. Accelerator pedal seemed to not work at all. I braked and slowed down but it was fighting the maximum acceleration. I tried pumping the brakes and kept slowing down and the car lost all engine power and seemed to brake itself. I pulled over to the side and turned off the car. Turned it back on and all seemed normal. …”
NHTSA complaint #11343036, filed 2020-08, 31,000 miles - Air bags
Passenger air bag indicator shows off with adult seated
- 6 complaints (5%)
- median 11,000 mi at 1.4 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2017
Owners report the passenger air bag indicator sometimes shows the bag as off even with an adult sitting in the seat and belted, and it can switch at random. Some describe a front-end collision in which the air bags did not deploy. Dealers in the complaints had no clear diagnosis in some cases. Mostly reported at low mileage, often under 12,000 miles.
Recall 17V253000Recall 16V2440002 related service bulletins
What to check: With an adult in the passenger seat, confirm the air bag indicator reads on. Ask whether the passenger air bag inflator recall (17V253000) and the occupant classification sensor recall (16V244000) were completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The LEAF often shows that my passenger air bag is disabled, even though my son who is over 100 pounds is sitting in the seat with the seat belt on. This happens about 50% of the time at all speeds when he is in the passenger seat. I think there is something wrong with the sensors in the passenger seat. I would hate to get in a crash and not have the airbags deploy!”
NHTSA complaint #10668254, filed 2014-12, 7,000 miles“My wife sat in passenger seat and closed the door. We noticed that the air bag indicator was sensing that there was no one sitting in the passenger seat (air bag off)”
NHTSA complaint #10865279, filed 2016-05, 3,500 miles - Electrical system
Loss of power or stall while driving
- 11 complaints (10%)
- median 35,000 mi at 3.9 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2015–2026
Complaints describe the car losing motive power or shutting off while driving, with one owner reporting a reduced-power mode that reset after restarting. In some cases the dealer could not determine a cause; another owner reported a 12-volt battery replacement as the dealer's explanation for related brake and warning-light behavior. Mostly reported between about 5,000 and 30,000 miles.
What to check: Ask about the age of the 12-volt auxiliary battery and whether any warning lights or power-loss codes have been stored. A scan for stored fault codes before purchase is worthwhile.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When the 12-volt battery failed on my 2015 Nissan LEAF, the car would still turn on and would move forward without pushing on the accelerator. The brakes did not work either. This happened to me both in a grocery store parking lot at night and then the next morning on a residential street. Similarly, when it turned the car on in my driveway, I put it in reverse, and the car moved without me pushing on the accelerator and the brakes did not engage when I pushed on them. …”
NHTSA complaint #11104125, filed 2018-06, 30,000 miles“Car goes into turtle mode, losing all power. Has happened a few times, each time has been coming off a highway or heading up a steep hill and then traveling at low speeds. When car is turned off and on, codes reset. I have a reader for the obd, it is showing fault p2138 000a EV/ hec acc pedal pos sens 1,2, err evc-196. As power is completely lost, this could easily cause an accident. Once reset the car acts like normal. Every instance has happened with a battery state of charge of over 30%.”
NHTSA complaint #11321156, filed 2020-04, 118,521 miles
Buying note. The brake complaints dominate this model year, so confirm the 16V119000 recall was done and test pedal feel at startup, at low speed, and in cold conditions. Also check the passenger air bag indicator with an adult seated and ask whether the air bag recalls were completed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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 110 consumer complaints for the 2015 Nissan Leaf. 68 of the complaints include a mileage, and 81% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 27,000 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 113 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 66 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more 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.
- Brakes85 77%
- Electrical system18 16%
- Other or unknown10 9.1%
- Air bags8 7.3%
- Vehicle speed control8 7.3%
- Engine3 2.7%
- Fuel system2 1.8%
Also reported: Wheels (2), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “I was driving fown the highway and the car in front of me stopped. I was going 45 MPH. I was two car lengths behind him. I hit the brakes and the car wouldn't stop. I then slammed the brakes and the car slowed down, but I ended up rear ending him. It felt like my car was on ice, but the roads were clear. It was 29 degrees outside.”
NHTSA complaint #11156463, filed 2018-12, 33,000 milesElectrical system: “I've only had the car for 2 months, and the brakes have failed repeatedly, once about every 5 days on average. Every time they have failed, it was when I start up the car, and put it in either forward or reverse. I usually pull forward into a parking spot, so I go in reverse much more frequently after starting up, but it has happened when going forward too. This is the failure mode. I start the car, while holding down the brake pedal, and then I put it in reverse. At that point the car starts rolling backwards, even though I'm still holding down the brake pedal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10823368, filed 2016-02, 1,500 milesOther or unknown: “I was driving in somewhat heavy traffic in an urban setting at 25mph when, unexpectedly, I had great difficulty applying the brakes to stop at an intersection. It took considerable effort, including swerving, to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me, and I pulled into a parking lot as soon as I was able, again having great trouble stopping. The loss of control of the brakes felt like I was skidding on snow or ice, despite the fact that it was a fairly warm august day. There was an accompanying loud, unpleasant sound coming from the brakes when I stomped on them. …”
NHTSA complaint #11122973, filed 2018-08, 12,000 milesAir bags: “The passenger air bag turns on at random times when a passenger (over 140 pounds) is in the seat. This happens randomly, but consistently. We've tried different configurations; getting in the seat after the car has started, hoping up and down (trying to trigger the weight sensor), changing occupants, un-buckling and re-buckling the seat belt. Nothing seems to make the issue go away. Car is at the dealership, so far they have no leads.”
NHTSA complaint #10716504, filed 2015-05, 11,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
81% of the 68 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 9,000 and 37,548 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2015 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 | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 10.9% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2014: same overall rating; 2016: same overall rating. 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 2015 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 | 126 | 101 | 114 MPGe | $650 |
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
- 23V296000Apr 26, 2023Equipment › Other › Owners/service/other manualCovers: Nissan Leaf 2013–2017
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2017 LEAF vehicles. The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to…
- 17V253000Apr 13, 2017Air bagsCovers: Nissan Leaf 2015–2017, Sentra 2014, 2016–2017
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.
- 16V244000Apr 26, 2016Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Nissan Leaf 2013–2016, Altima 2013–2016, Sentra 2013–2016 +14 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and…
- 16V119000Feb 29, 2016Service brakesCovers: Nissan Leaf 2013–2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 LEAF vehicles manufactured November 19, 2012, to July 31, 2015. During very cold temperatures, the relay inside the electronic brake booster may freeze, requiring the driver to…
Recall details for the 2015 Nissan Leaf → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
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. 113 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 2015 Nissan Leaf?
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems: the pedal can go soft or to the floor, sometimes when the car is first started or in cold weather, and warning lights come on. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal goes soft or to the floor; loss of braking; Car moves with brake held or surges at very low speed; Passenger air bag indicator shows off with adult seated.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015 Nissan Leaf have?
NHTSA recorded 110 consumer complaints for the 2015 Nissan Leaf as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2015 Nissan Leaf is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 85 complaints (77% of the total), followed by electrical system with 18.
Has the 2015 Nissan Leaf been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2015 Nissan Leaf do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2015 Nissan Leaf 4 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 2015 Nissan Leaf according to the EPA?
The EPA rates the 2015 Nissan Leaf (Leaf, Electric) at 114 MPGe combined, 126 city and 101 highway, with an estimated annual electricity cost of $650 at 15,000 miles a year. Other battery and motor versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2015 Nissan Leaf reported?
Among the 68 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 27,000 miles and the middle half falls between 9,000 and 37,548 miles; 81% 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.