Owners have reported 4 crashes, 2 fires and 5 injuries to NHTSA for the 2019 Nissan Leaf. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints162
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report frequent issues with the 2019 Nissan Leaf's electrical system, particularly involving battery defects and recall-related charging restrictions. Complaints frequently mention problems with the battery dropping charge unexpectedly, inability to use DC fast charging, and the lack of available recall remedies, often leaving the vehicle limited to short-range use. Multiple owners describe scenarios where the vehicle's battery level drops rapidly, impacting the vehicle's drivability, with some reporting this occurring around 30,000 to 90,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted, including the risk of battery fires during fast charging and one reported crash. These issues can significantly affect the vehicle's usability and market value, which is important for potential buyers to consider.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 4 injury reports
Owner complaints32
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2019 Nissan Leaf frequently report issues related to the vehicle's fast charging capability, particularly citing a recall that advises against using Level 3 DC fast charging due to a risk of battery fires. Complaints highlight the absence of a remedy for this issue, with some owners unable to use the fast charging feature for over a year, significantly affecting the vehicle's utility for long-distance travel. Additionally, several owners describe problems with the backup camera, including it displaying a blank screen or static lines, even after attempted repairs. While one complaint specifically mentions a fire risk associated with the fast charging issue, no actual fires or crashes are reported. These issues are noted across various mileage ranges and timelines, with some owners mentioning the problems persisting despite regular maintenance and recall compliance.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints17
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners report significant issues with the 2019 Nissan Leaf's high-voltage battery, particularly related to a recall for fire risks during Level 3 DC fast-charging. Complaints frequently mention that the recall has been outstanding for over a year without a remedy, severely limiting the vehicle's charging capabilities and range. Multiple owners describe rapid battery drain and inaccurate range estimates, leading to unexpected vehicle stalling or entering "turtle mode," which restricts speed. These symptoms often occur under standard driving conditions and can pose safety risks, such as potential stranding or loss of acceleration on highways. Buyers should note that these issues typically arise regardless of mileage, with some reports occurring at as low as 13,801 miles.
Owner complaints12
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2019 Nissan Leaf frequently report issues related to a battery recall that affects the vehicle's ability to use Level 3 fast chargers, with some stating they have been unable to use this feature for over a year. Symptoms include the inability to charge at public stations due to incompatibility and fire risks, as well as noticeable fluctuations in the state of charge, particularly during cold weather or on inclines, leading to sudden drops in battery percentage. Some owners also mention experiencing uncommanded acceleration and clunking noises during acceleration. These issues have significant safety implications, such as the risk of battery fires and loss of vehicle power, and have left many vehicles inoperable for extended periods. Buyers considering a used 2019 Nissan Leaf should be aware of these ongoing issues and the potential for unresolved recalls affecting vehicle usability.
Owner complaints10
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2019 Nissan Leaf frequently report issues with the rearview camera, which often displays a black screen or an outdated image when reversing, affecting visibility. Some owners note that the camera works intermittently, complicating backing maneuvers due to the vehicle's blind spots. Additionally, there are reports of windshield wipers ceasing to function during rain or light snow, leading to obstructed views and potential safety risks. These wiper issues sometimes involve mechanical failures such as bent wiper arms. Complaints about these visibility problems do not consistently mention specific mileage or timeframes, but they do highlight potential safety implications, especially when driving in adverse weather conditions or in areas with pedestrian traffic.
Owner complaints5
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2019 Nissan Leaf frequently report issues with the braking system, particularly involving the e-pedal and electronic brake components. Common symptoms include unexpected disconnection of the e-pedal system with a dashboard alert, brake pedal ineffectiveness, and occasional complete brake failure, as described by a crash incident. Some owners mention that the electronic parking brake does not engage automatically, contrary to the owner's manual. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with one owner noting problems as early as 62,000 miles. Safety implications include a reported crash and potential loss of control, which could be critical for prospective buyers to consider.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints3
ENGINE
Owners of the 2019 Nissan Leaf frequently report issues related to battery performance and recall-related delays. Complaints often mention a recall concerning battery overheating or fire risks during Level 3 charging, with some owners experiencing prolonged resolution times, spanning up to two years, which impact their ability to legally drive their vehicles. Additionally, there are reports of sudden battery charge drops in cold weather, leading to temporary power loss and the need to pull over, though these incidents do not consistently trigger error messages in the vehicle's system. These issues have safety implications, including potential fire hazards and sudden power loss, which could affect vehicle control. This information is pertinent for prospective buyers considering a used 2019 Nissan Leaf.
Owner complaints2
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Owners of the 2019 Nissan Leaf report persistent issues with the back-up camera, specifically intermittent loss of the camera picture while reversing. Symptoms typically include a blank display screen, which some owners note occurs intermittently and continues despite attempted repairs. One owner mentions the problem persisting since 2022, with another noting the issue at approximately 10,000 miles. Safety implications include potential difficulty in reversing safely due to lack of visual assistance. Buyers considering this vehicle should be aware of ongoing back-up camera malfunctions and potential delays in recall repairs due to parts availability.
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2019 Nissan Leaf report issues related to vehicle speed control, particularly involving rapid battery capacity changes and unintended acceleration. One complaint describes a sudden drop in battery capacity during highway driving, triggering a "turtle mode" that severely limits acceleration and speed, creating a hazardous situation on the road. Another complaint involves a crash where the vehicle unexpectedly surged forward while entering a garage, despite low battery charge, leading to a collision with property and resulting in an injury. These issues are noted at different mileage points, with one incident occurring at approximately 20,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of crashes and loss of control, which potential buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints2
SEAT BELTS
Owners report that the 2019 Nissan Leaf lacks an audible seat belt reminder, which is expected to last four to eight seconds, as per federal standards. Complaints frequently mention that the vehicle does not provide an audible warning when the front seat belt is not buckled, although a visual alert may be present. These reports do not specify mileage ranges, suggesting the issue is consistent regardless of vehicle age or usage. While no crashes or direct safety incidents are noted, the absence of an audible reminder could potentially affect seat belt usage. This information is useful for buyers considering the vehicle's compliance with expected safety features.
