2021 Nissan Leaf Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 11%of 57 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Nissan Leaf, 11% of the 57 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Recall for FAST CHARGE LEVEL 3 CHADEMO has been issued for over 6 months. I am advised not to fast charge due to risk of devastating fire. Very dangerous to continue to use this car in an urban setting. Buyback was denied and told to wait for a fix. No fix yet! I can't get out of Philadelphia in this car. Tesla wouldn't let this happen!”
NHTSA complaint #11745738, filed 2026-06“Car is under a recall-no level 3 charging due to risk of fire since October of 2025 with no remedy in place. The car is not able to be used as advertized-cannot travel outside of 200 miles from my home as level 3 charging is not possible and level 2 charging not feasible for travelling. Of note-the battery in my car is a NEW battery -it was replaced in December of 2025 due to repeated prior failures -including suddenly slowing down drastically on highway which was a safety hazard. …”
NHTSA complaint #11721845, filed 2026-03“The high-voltage battery on my 2021 Nissan LEAF is subject to Recall 25V-655/R25C8. The recall notice states that the battery cells can develop excessive lithium deposits, which increase electrical resistance and can cause rapid battery heating during Level 3 fast charging. Nissan instructs owners not to use Level 3 charging at all until a “remedy” is available. I have attempted to have the car fixed at two local dealerships, with both stating that they do not have a fix available. …”
NHTSA complaint #11714582, filed 2026-01“The contact owned a 2021 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V655000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that while at a dealer charging the vehicle for approximately 15- 20 minutes, there was a fire coming from the front of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department after several hours. A Police report was not filed. No injuries, medical attention, or damages were reported. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11761027, filed 2026-08, 25,000 miles“*High Voltage Battery defect/failure - this is what was believed to be the issue when it was towed to the dealership. What is left of it is available for inspection at the dealership for now, however the insurance may take it to a salvage yard since the fire department finished their investigation. *While at the dealership after they spent the day trying to recreate what happened they parked it and planned to try again the next day, then someone walked by and saw smoke coming from the car and called 911. …”
NHTSA complaint #11705179, filed 2025-12Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 14% |
| 2022 | 7 | 7% |
| 2021 | 6 | 11% |
| 2020 | 8 | 5% |
| 2019 | 9 | 3% |
| 2018 | 7 | 10% |
| 2017 | 1 | 6% |
| 2016 | 3 | 8% |
| 2015 | 3 | 3% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 2 | 4% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2021 Nissan Leaf
32 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
4 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsLane departure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Nissan Leaf
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology