NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Nissan Leaf Plus Safety Ratings
The 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 51 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus, despite its 5-star overall crash rating from NHTSA, shows a notable decline in its NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 83 out of 100. This places it in the Strong band, but represents a drop from the previous model year's 91. Buyers should also note the presence of four active recall campaigns, which warrant thorough review.
The 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus received a 5-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100 based on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus ranks 70 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 | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 51 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 70 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus?
The 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus shows a safety profile defined by its defect record. This model year registered four recall campaigns, two of which address significant safety concerns: an acceleration control defect affecting multiple Leaf model years, and a traction battery issue specifically linked to Level 3 DC fast charging. These recalls, alongside 51 owner complaints with 31 pertaining to the Electrical System, distinguish the 2021 Leaf Plus from its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index for this model year is 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, an 8-point decrease from the 2020 model's 91 out of 100 Exceptional rating. This decline is directly attributable to the defect record component, which scored 11.8 out of 20. Despite this, the Leaf Plus achieved strong crash-test performance, earning a 5-star overall rating and a 5-star side rating from NHTSA, contributing to a crash-protection component score of 61 out of 70. Its avoidance technology also scored a perfect 10 out of 10. However, the documented defect activity for the 2021 model year represents a notable shift.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA's NCAP program, anchored by its perfect 5-star score in side-impact crash tests. Both frontal and rollover protection were rated at 4 stars. The vehicle demonstrated a rollover risk of 11 percent, with a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15534
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. The most safety-critical involves the electrical propulsion and traction battery system on units equipped with a Level 3 quick-charging port. A separate recall addresses unintended vehicle acceleration tied to speed control. Two additional campaigns cover rearview camera harness damage and incorrect Owner's Manual defroster instructions. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the DATA for this vehicle, but the acceleration and battery recalls deserve prompt VIN verification.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY25V655000
Risk: 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
Reported 2025-10-01
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA24V071000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2024-02-02
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL23V494000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2023-07-17
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL23V048000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2023-02-02
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus?
Owners have filed 51 unverified allegations with NHTSA for this model year. The Electrical System dominates with 31 reported complaints, followed by Unknown or Other at 11 and the Fuel/Propulsion System at 8. Alleged incidents include 2 crashes, 3 fires, and 1 injury, all unverified consumer reports.
51 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus?
Before purchasing a used 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus, prospective owners should confirm the status of its four open recalls. These include campaigns for the traction battery and vehicle speed control systems. It is essential to verify, in writing from a Nissan dealership, that all applicable recall remedies have been completed for any specific VIN.
- The 2021 model year Safety Index dropped 8 points to 83/100 from the 2020 model year's 91/100, driven by a defect record score of only 11.8 out of 20.
- A recall covering unintended vehicle acceleration due to a speed-control defect applies to this model year and should be verified as remedied via VIN lookup.
- The traction battery recall, specific to units with a Level 3 quick-charging port, is among the four campaigns active on 2021 Leaf Plus vehicles and is the most recent in the data.
- Owner-reported complaints total 51 unverified allegations, with the Electrical System accounting for 31 of them and alleged fire incidents numbering 3, making electrical complaint concentration a distinguishing characteristic of this specific model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus places
The 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Nissan Leaf Plus safety questions
Was the 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 51 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Nissan Leaf Plus. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Leaf Plus years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15534), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Leaf Plus 2021.
- 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 70 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.