MODEL
Nissan Leaf
NHTSA safety across every Nissan Leaf model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Nissan Leaf 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 2022 at 83. 22 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Nissan Leaf is a compact electric hatchback - technically classified here as a sedan - aimed at urban commuters and eco-conscious buyers who want an affordable, purpose-built EV with a familiar, approachable design. Now in its second generation across our 2019-2025 coverage window, the Leaf competes in the growing battery-electric segment as one of the longest-running mainstream EVs on the American market.
The Nissan Leaf earns its strongest marks in our coverage window with a 2024 NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band - a genuinely impressive result that represents the high-water mark for this generation. Crash-test performance is a mixed but broadly positive picture: the side-impact rating hits a full 5 out of 5 stars, which is the kind of structural confidence shoppers should notice. Frontal and rollover protection both land at 4 out of 5 stars, solid scores that fall just short of a clean sweep. The recall count of 15 across seven model years is a number worth scrutinizing. That averages to roughly two recalls per year, which is higher than we prefer to see in this segment, and shoppers should verify their specific VIN against the NHTSA database before purchase or ownership. Owner complaints total 571 across our covered years, with 20 alleged crash incidents, 5 fire allegations, and 9 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the fire-related complaints deserve particular attention given the sensitivities around battery systems in any EV. Bottom line: the Leaf's peak safety scores are genuinely strong, and the 2024 model year represents the best version of this safety story. The recall volume and complaint count, however, make thorough VIN-level due diligence essential for any buyer.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Leaf as a practical, approachable entry point into electric vehicle ownership, praising its straightforward controls and comfortable ride quality for city and suburban driving. Many note that interior materials and overall refinement trail newer EV competitors, and driving dynamics are described as calm rather than engaging. Value for the price point is frequently highlighted as a key strength.
- The 2024 Leaf earned the highest NHTSA Safety Index in our coverage window at 91 out of 100, rated Exceptional - if safety scores are a priority, newer model years represent the best version of this car's safety profile.
- Side-impact crash protection scores a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, but frontal and rollover ratings both sit at 4 out of 5 stars, meaning the Leaf is not a clean-sweep performer in federal crash testing.
- Fifteen recalls across the 2019-2025 model years is a meaningful volume - shoppers should run their specific VIN through the NHTSA recall database at nhtsa.gov to confirm all outstanding recalls have been remedied before purchase.
- Five fire-related complaints appear in the owner complaint data across our covered years - these are unverified allegations, but given the battery-electric architecture of the Leaf, prospective buyers should review these complaints directly in the NHTSA database and ask dealers about any related service history on used examples.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Nissan Leaf with 6 recalls.