MODEL
Nissan Leaf Plus
NHTSA safety across every Nissan Leaf Plus model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Nissan Leaf Plus we cover (2019 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 91 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2021 at 83. 4 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Nissan Leaf Plus is a five-door hatchback electric vehicle positioned in the growing affordable EV segment, aimed at urban commuters and eco-conscious families seeking a practical, zero-emission daily driver. With an extended-range battery over the standard Leaf, the Plus trim targets buyers who need a bit more range without stepping up to a premium price point. It competes directly against entry-level EVs and has been a fixture in Nissan's lineup since 2019.
The Nissan Leaf Plus earns a respectable safety profile across the model years we cover, peaking at a MotorCaliber Safety Index of 91 out of 100 in 2020, which lands firmly in the Exceptional band. That is a meaningful result for a mainstream EV in this price tier. Crash-test performance is solid if not uniform: the side-impact rating reaches a full 5 out of 5 stars, which is genuinely reassuring for occupant protection in the most common real-world collision type. The frontal and rollover ratings both settle at 4 out of 5 stars, suggesting competent but not class-leading structural performance in those scenarios. Across the 2019 to 2025 model years, NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls, a low count that reflects reasonably tidy engineering oversight for a vehicle sold across seven model years. The complaint picture deserves honest attention: 429 total owner complaints have been filed, including 14 alleged crashes, 5 alleged fires, and 9 alleged injuries, with no reported deaths. These are unverified allegations, but the fire figure is worth noting given ongoing industry-wide scrutiny of EV battery safety. No single data point here should be alarming in isolation, but shoppers should monitor NHTSA's complaint database for any emerging patterns. On balance, the Leaf Plus presents a reasonable safety case for budget-conscious EV buyers, with strong side protection and a low recall count as its clearest strengths.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Nissan Leaf Plus as a practical, approachable electric hatchback that delivers a comfortable ride and a user-friendly cabin for everyday use. Most note that the interior materials and overall refinement feel appropriate for the segment without standing out as premium. Driving dynamics are described as smooth and predictable, and the value proposition is considered competitive for buyers prioritizing low running costs over cutting-edge technology.
- The 2020 model year achieved the highest MotorCaliber Safety Index in the covered range at 91 out of 100, landing in the Exceptional band, making it a standout choice if you are shopping used.
- Side-impact crash protection is the strongest individual result, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars, while frontal and rollover protection both come in at 4 out of 5 stars across the best-performing years.
- Only 4 recalls have been issued across the 2019 to 2025 model years, a low count relative to the length of the production run, but shoppers should always verify that any open recalls on a specific vehicle have been completed before purchase.
- The 429 owner complaints on file include 5 alleged fire incidents, a figure worth tracking given broader EV battery concerns; these are unverified allegations, but prospective buyers should check NHTSA's live complaint database for any updates before committing.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus with 4 recalls.