DecodedCarsNissan Leaf
16 model years from 2011 to 2026, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2011–2026
- Class
- Small Station Wagons, Midsize Cars
- Latest engines
- Electric
- EV range
- up to 303 mi
- Latest rating
- ★★★★★ (2021)
- Recalls
- 20 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2019 (260)
- Fewest problems
- 2017
- Interest
- 16,221 Wikipedia views / 30 days
The 2026 Leaf in brief
The 2026 Nissan Leaf is a small station wagon powered by electricity and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,213 lb.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 303 miles and takes about 12 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
The Nissan Leaf has 16 model years in our data, from 2011 to 2026, classed as Small Station Wagons, Midsize Cars.
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system (486), service brakes (210), unknown or other (160).
Buying used? 2024 has the fewest problems in our data, and 2019 is the year to avoid.
2020 has the most recalls (6); all years together count 20 campaigns and 1,027 owner complaints.
How the 2011 Leaf compares
The 2011 Nissan Leaf is a midsize car powered by electricity and front-wheel drive.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 73 miles and takes about 7 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
About the Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is a battery electric car produced by Nissan since 2010. It was offered exclusively as a 5-door hatchback until 2025, when it became a crossover SUV model. The term "LEAF" serves as a backronym to leading environmentally-friendly affordable family car.
From the Wikipedia article "Nissan Leaf", licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
2026 Leaf pros & cons
Full 2026 details →What's good
- Long EV rangeUp to 303 miles on a charge (EPA).
- Strong performanceUp to 214 hp, versus about 158 hp for similar 2026 models.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Best and worst years to buy used
2024 Leaf
5 owner complaints · 0 recalls
Year to avoid2019 Leaf
260 owner complaints · 5 recalls · 2 fire reports · 4 crash reports
Most reported: Electrical System
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 10 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
Compare head to head
Leaf changes by model year
- 2026
- New body dimensions: 2.8 in shorter — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Longest EV range up from 212 to 303 miles
- 2023
- Longest EV range down from 226 to 212 miles
- 2021
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
- 2019
- Longest EV range up from 151 to 226 miles
- 2018
- Longest EV range up from 107 to 151 miles
- Lightest version 174 lb heavier
- 2016
- Longest EV range up from 84 to 107 miles
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 16 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Electric | 303 mi | 173.6 in | 4,213 lb | Not rated | 2 | 3 |
| 2025 | Electric | 212 mi | 176.4 in | 3,439 lb | Not rated | 0 | 7 |
| 2024 | Electric | 212 mi | 176.4 in | 3,439 lb | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2023 | Electric | 212 mi | 176.4 in | 3,439 lb | Not rated | 3 | 22 |
| 2022 | Electric | 226 mi | 176.4 in | 3,439 lb | Not rated | 4 | 96 |
| 2021 | Electric | 226 mi | 176.4 in | 3,439 lb | ★★★★★ | 4 | 57 |
| 2020 | Electric | 226 mi | 176.4 in | 3,439 lb | Not rated | 6 | 167 |
| 2019 | Electric | 226 mi | 176.4 in | 3,439 lb | Not rated | 5 | 260 |
| 2018 | Electric | 151 mi | 176.4 in | 3,439 lb | Not rated | 4 | 67 |
| 2017 | Electric | 107 mi | 175.2 in | 3,265 lb | Not rated | 2 | 17 |
| 2016 | Electric | 107 mi | 175.2 in | 3,265 lb | Not rated | 4 | 36 |
| 2015 | Electric | 84 mi | 175.2 in | 3,265 lb | Not rated | 4 | 109 |
| 2014 | Electric | 84 mi | 175.2 in | 3,384 lb | Not rated | 6 | 31 |
| 2013 | Electric | 75 mi | 175.2 in | 3,384 lb | Not rated | 5 | 57 |
| 2012 | Electric | 73 mi | 175.2 in | 3,384 lb | Not rated | 0 | 34 |
| 2011 | Electric | 73 mi | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 59 |
Alternatives to the 2026 Leaf
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda HR-V | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Chevrolet Trax | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Buick Envista | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →