NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Nissan Leaf Plus Safety Ratings
The 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 157 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus presents a strong safety profile, evidenced by a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, which places it in the Exceptional band. A significant contributor to this high score is its perfect rating for avoidance technology. The Leaf Plus also benefits from a clean recall record for the 2020 model year, further underscoring its performance in federal safety assessments.
The 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus (62 kWh, 5-door FWD) received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, based on NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus ranks 34 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 157 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 34 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus?
The 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus achieves an Exceptional Safety Index of 91/100, distinguished primarily by a perfect recall record. This outcome contributes significantly to its near-perfect defect record score of 19.5 out of 20. The vehicle's crash protection score stands at 61 out of 70, supplemented by a full 10 out of 10 for standard crash-avoidance technology, which includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. In crash testing, the Leaf Plus earned a 5-star overall safety rating and a perfect 5-star rating for side impact protection. Federal data shows a 4-star rating for frontal impact and a 4-star rollover rating. The model year's Safety Index is a baseline, as no prior-year comparison is available. Despite strong ratings, the 2020 Leaf Plus has accumulated 157 owner complaints. A significant 116 of these complaints cite issues within the Electrical System. These remain unverified allegations, with no confirmed injuries or deaths reported in the federal dataset.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus received a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Side-impact protection earned a perfect 5 stars, while frontal protection and rollover resistance each scored 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk was 11 percent, with a "No Tip" dynamic test result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14507
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus have any recalls?
The 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus carries zero recalls on file with NHTSA. No recall campaigns of any kind, including no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories, are recorded for this specific model year and configuration. That clean record contributes directly to the high defect-record sub-score of 19.5 out of 20.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus?
NHTSA has logged 157 unverified consumer complaints for this model year. Alleged issues center on the Electrical System (116 reports) and the Fuel/Propulsion System (31 reports), with smaller clusters around Power Train, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Engine. One crash is alleged; no fires, injuries, or deaths are reported.
157 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus?
Recall readiness is a critical consideration for any pre-owned vehicle, particularly for a 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus. Shoppers should verify that all recall work has been completed by checking the specific VIN with NHTSA's online tool. This proactive step ensures any identified safety issues have been addressed prior to purchase.
- Zero recalls are on file for this specific 2020 model year configuration, a result that directly earns a near-perfect defect-record sub-score of 19.5 out of 20 in the Safety Index.
- NHTSA's side-impact test produced a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for this model year, while frontal and rollover protection each landed at 4 out of 5 stars with an 11 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- All three tracked crash-avoidance technologies, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on this model year, earning the full 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
- Of the 157 unverified NHTSA complaints on file, 116 allege Electrical System problems, a concentration that represents roughly 74 percent of all reports and is a data point specific to this battery-electric variant that used-market buyers should research further.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus places
The 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Nissan Leaf Plus safety questions
Was the 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 157 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Leaf Plus years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14507), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Leaf Plus 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 34 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.