2021 Nissan Leaf VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2021 Nissan Leaf has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 51 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Nissan Leaf. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (29), Unknown Or Other (6), Visibility Wiper (4).
Leaf reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Nissan Leaf before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2021 Nissan Leaf issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Electrical System29
- Unknown Or Other6
- Visibility Wiper4
- Power Train3
- Fuel Propulsion System2
- Air Bags2
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Nissan Leaf
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Check for unresolved battery recall and verify charging capability
- Inspect battery health and range using diagnostic tools
- Test backup camera for intermittent failures or distorted images
- Verify defroster functionality in cold temperatures
- Ensure all airbags deploy correctly in crash simulations
2021 Leaf recalls (4)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Leaf. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 25V655000Oct 1, 2025
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2022 LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging.
Consequence: A quick charging battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to use Level 3 quick charging until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed June 16, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's Customer Service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R25C8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 4, 2025.
- BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 24V071000Feb 2, 2024
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2022 LEAF vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23D7.
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNHTSA 23V494000Jul 17, 2023
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The vehicle may accelerate unintentionally if the driving mode is changed ("D" to "B"; e-Pedal "On"; or "ECO" mode) after disengaging the cruise control.
Consequence: Unintentional acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module (VCM), free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23A6.
- EQUIPMENT, VISIBILITYNHTSA 23V048000Feb 2, 2023
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 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."
Consequence: Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 April 1, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22C5.
2021 Nissan Leaf on the road
14,237 2021 Nissan Leaf units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
Reliability verdict for the 2021 Nissan Leaf
The 2021 Nissan Leaf demonstrates moderate reliability, falling slightly below the segment average. With a score of 70 out of 100, it presents a mixed reliability profile. Complaints are predominantly concentrated in the electrical system, suggesting this area may require particular attention. Other issues are more sporadic, with fewer concerns noted in visibility, powertrain, and propulsion systems.
The recall count is elevated at four, indicating a need for some caution. As the Leaf is in its fourth year of the second generation, these patterns might reflect ongoing challenges rather than early production issues.
Overall, while the 2021 Nissan Leaf offers some reliability, potential buyers should weigh the elevated risk associated with electrical system complaints.
What you get in a 2021 Nissan Leaf report
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2021 Nissan Leaf — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Nissan Leaf reliable?
The 2021 Nissan Leaf demonstrates moderate reliability, falling slightly below the segment average. With a score of 70 out of 100, it presents a mixed reliability profile. Complaints are predominantly concentrated in the electrical system, suggesting this area may require particular attention. Other issues are more sporadic, with fewer concerns noted in visibility, powertrain, and propulsion systems.
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Leaf have?
4 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Nissan Leaf. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Nissan Leaf problems?
The most-reported 2021 Nissan Leaf problem areas are: Electrical System (29), Unknown Or Other (6), Visibility Wiper (4).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Nissan Leaf?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Nissan Leaf, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.