Years to avoid
Nissan Leaf Years to Avoid
The 2019, 2020, 2018 model years stand out as the weakest in this Nissan Leaf dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated July 2026
- Weakest year
- 2019
- Model average
- 66/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 251
- Recalls, weakest year
- 5
58/100 reliability
21-point range
4 crash · 2 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2019 Nissan Leaf ranks last
The 2019 scores 58/100, rated mixed, versus a model average of 66/100. NHTSA data contains 251 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (162), Unknown Or Other (32), Fuel Propulsion System (17), Power Train (12). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2019 Nissan Leaf record →Evidence by year
The weakest Nissan Leaf model years compared
2019 Nissan Leaf
- Complaints
- 251
- Recalls
- 5
- Crash reports
- 4
- Fire reports
- 2
Top issues: Electrical System (162), Unknown Or Other (32), Fuel Propulsion System (17)
View 2019 details →2020 Nissan Leaf
- Complaints
- 159
- Recalls
- 6
- Crash reports
- 1
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Electrical System (113), Unknown Or Other (14), Power Train (12)
View 2020 details →2018 Nissan Leaf
- Complaints
- 64
- Recalls
- 4
- Crash reports
- 9
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Electrical System (15), Service Brakes (12), Vehicle Speed Control (9)
View 2018 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Nissan Leaf years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Nissan Leaf data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Nissan Leaf research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Nissan Leaf research FAQ
Which Nissan Leaf years should I avoid?
2019, 2020, 2018 score materially below the strongest Nissan Leaf years in this dataset. The 2019 is the weakest at 58/100, with 251 owner complaints and 5 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Nissan Leaf year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Nissan Leaf year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2025 (79/100), 2021 (70/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Nissan Leaf you are considering.