NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Nissan Leaf Safety Ratings
The 2020 Nissan Leaf scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 157 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Nissan Leaf achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This strong performance is further supported by a perfect score in its avoidance technology evaluation. Our computed NHTSA Safety Index places the 2020 Leaf in the Strong band, with a score of 85 out of 100. However, prospective owners should note the vehicle's defect record sub-score of 13.5 out of 20, influenced by six recall campaigns.
The 2020 Nissan Leaf holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based exclusively on federal NHTSA 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 ranks 63 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 | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 157 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 63 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Nissan Leaf?
An overall 5-star NHTSA rating grounds the 2020 Nissan Leaf's crash protection, contributing 61 of 70 possible points to its Safety Index. This result stems from perfect scores in side-impact evaluations. The vehicle also achieved a maximum 10 out of 10 for its avoidance technology sub-score, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard. These strong showings, however, are offset by a defect record component of 13.5 out of 20, leading to an overall Safety Index of 85 out of 100. This lower defect score is directly attributable to the six recall campaigns issued for this model year. Three of these campaigns address critical systems: the traction battery propulsion system for Level 3 quick-charge-equipped vehicles, an unintended acceleration concern within the speed control system, and issues with backup camera harness integrity. A fourth recall specifically targets the 2020 Leaf, alongside Altima and Maxima models, for rear window glass adhesion. The 157 unverified owner complaints, 116 of which cite electrical system issues, further underscore the concerns raised by the recall data.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Nissan Leaf perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Nissan Leaf achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Side-impact protection is a particular strength, also earning a perfect 5-star rating. Both frontal impact and rollover protection received 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk for the Leaf is 11 percent, with a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14506
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 have any recalls?
Six recall campaigns cover this model year. Components addressed include the traction battery electrical system tied to Level 3 quick charging, the backup camera harness, unintended vehicle acceleration via the speed control system, rear window glass retention, and an owners manual error regarding defroster operation. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory appears in the data on file, but buyers should verify remedy status by VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY24V700000
Risk: A quick charging battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed June 3, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R24B2, P4A38, and P5A22.
Reported 2024-09-20
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
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR20V570000
Risk: Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC752.
Reported 2020-09-22
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V412000
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. This recall began August 31, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Reported 2020-07-17
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Nissan Leaf?
NHTSA has received 157 unverified consumer complaints against the 2020 Leaf. Alleged problem areas are dominated by the Electrical System at 116 reports, followed by the Fuel and Propulsion System at 31 reports. One crash has been alleged. All reports are unverified allegations, not established facts.
157 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Nissan Leaf?
The 2020 Nissan Leaf has been subject to six recall campaigns. All are relevant to safety, addressing issues with the traction battery, speed control, and other systems. Prospective owners should verify that all recall work has been completed before purchase, using the VIN to confirm recall status through NHTSA's online lookup tool.
- The 2020 Leaf carries six recall campaigns, including a traction battery electrical system recall specific to Level 3 quick-charge-equipped vehicles and a speed control recall covering unintended acceleration, both of which are safety-critical and must be verified as completed by VIN.
- NHTSA's crash-test results for this model year show a perfect 5-star overall and 5-star side-impact score, while frontal and rollover protection each sit at 4 stars, with rollover risk quantified at 11 percent.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are listed as standard on this 2020 40 kWh battery configuration, earning a full 10/10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
- The 157 unverified NHTSA complaints logged against this model year are heavily concentrated in the Electrical System category at 116 reports, a pattern that aligns with the recall activity involving the propulsion and battery systems.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Nissan Leaf places
The 2020 Nissan Leaf qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Nissan Leaf safety questions
Was the 2020 Nissan Leaf crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Nissan Leaf, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2020 Nissan Leaf crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Nissan Leaf 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 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Nissan Leaf. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Nissan Leaf?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 157 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Nissan Leaf. 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 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 14506), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Leaf 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 63 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.