DecodedCars2017 Nissan Leaf
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback S/Sv, 4dr Hatchback Sl
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Transmission
- 1-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- EV
- EV range
- 107 mi · 6 h on 240 V
- Length
- 175.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,265–3,397 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Short EV rangeUp to 107 miles on a charge (EPA) — plan around charging.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Nissan Leaf is a midsize car powered by electricity and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,265 lb (4dr Hatchback S/Sv).
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 107 miles and takes about 6 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 Leaf — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Leaf →
Trims, performance & features
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Smyrna, Tennessee
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2017 Leaf configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback S/Sv | 175.2 in | 69.7 in | 61 in | 106.3 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,265 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Hatchback Sl | 175.2 in | 69.7 in | 61 in | 106.3 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,397 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf EV | 80 kW DCPM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 107 mi · 29.9887 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Nissan Leaf.
Similar 2017 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Nissan Leaf (this car) | 107 mi | Not rated | 2 |
| 2017 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Hyundai Elantra | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (2)
Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual · Apr 26, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V296000 · 94,343 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
- Risk
- Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Nissan will mail an addendum with updated instructions on how to operate the defroster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23A1.
Air Bags · Apr 13, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V253000 · 30,038 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag doesn't deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury to passengers.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Not every 2017 Nissan Leaf is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Nissan Leaf buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 3 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 4,800 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 107 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Nissan Leaf. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Leaf years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Leaf | 303 mi | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 3 |
| 2025 Leaf | 212 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 7 |
| 2024 Leaf | 212 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2023 Leaf | 212 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 22 |
| 2022 Leaf | 226 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 96 |
| 2021 Leaf | 226 mi | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 57 |
| 2020 Leaf | 226 mi | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 167 |
| 2019 Leaf | 226 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 260 |
| 2018 Leaf | 151 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 67 |
| 2016 Leaf | 107 mi | 175.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 36 |
| 2015 Leaf | 84 mi | 175.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 109 |
| 2014 Leaf | 84 mi | 175.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 31 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →