NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Nissan Leaf Safety Ratings
The 2021 Nissan Leaf 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
With a Safety Index of 83 out of 100, the 2021 Nissan Leaf achieves a "Strong" rating. This standing is supported by solid crash-test performance and a comprehensive suite of standard crash-avoidance technology. However, four active recall campaigns temper this positive assessment; prospective buyers should verify these issues have been remedied.
The 2021 Nissan Leaf 40 kWh earned a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, sourced from 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 ranks 69 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 | 69 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Nissan Leaf?
The 2021 model year represents a two-point dip in the NHTSA Safety Index compared to the 2020 Leaf, which scored 85/100. Both years sit within the Strong band, so the gap is modest, but the movement is traceable to the defect record sub-score, which lands at 11.75 out of a possible 20 points. That sub-score reflects the weight of four recall campaigns, a number that distinguishes this specific production year from its predecessor. The crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 is the backbone of the index, supported by a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard. The traction battery recall is the most safety-critical item unique to this cohort, specifically affecting vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick-charge port, and the unintended acceleration recall adds a second active concern. The 51 owner complaints, led by 31 Electrical System allegations, are consistent with the battery and propulsion themes surfaced in the recall record. Taken together, this year's profile is one of strong structural crash performance offset by an active defect record that demands attention.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Nissan Leaf perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Nissan Leaf 40 kWh achieved a 5-out-of-5 star rating for overall safety from NHTSA, with its side-impact performance being a particular strength, also rated at 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were each rated at 4 stars. The measured rollover risk for this model stands at 11 percent, and it registered "No Tip" in the dynamic tip-test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15533
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 have any recalls?
Four recalls cover this model year. The most consequential targets the traction battery electrical system on Level 3 quick-charge-equipped vehicles, a propulsion-system concern. A second recall addresses potential unintended vehicle acceleration tied to speed control. A third involves backup camera harness damage that can cause distortion or loss of the rearview image. A fourth corrects inaccurate defroster instructions in the owner's manual. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the supplied data, but buyers should verify remedy status by VIN.
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?
Owners have filed 51 unverified allegations with NHTSA, including reported incidents of 2 crashes and 3 fires. The most frequently alleged problem area is the Electrical System with 31 reports, followed by Unknown or Other at 11, and Fuel/Propulsion System at 8. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
51 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Nissan Leaf?
Any shopper considering this 5-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. All four recall campaigns, including the traction battery and unintended acceleration campaigns, must be confirmed as remedied. Verify completion status with a Nissan dealer if the selling party cannot provide documentation.
- The 2021 Leaf's Safety Index dropped two points from the 2020 model year, from 85 to 83, driven by a defect record sub-score of 11.75 out of 20 tied to four active recall campaigns specific to this production cohort.
- The traction battery recall affects 2021 Leaf vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick-charge port, flagging a lithium-ion battery electrical system concern that is a direct safety priority for this model year.
- A separate recall covering potential unintended acceleration under specific driving conditions applies to 2021 Leaf vehicles and should be treated as a high-priority remedy verification item before any test drive or purchase.
- The backup camera harness recall, which can cause distortion or complete loss of the rearview image, is a back-over prevention concern directly relevant to used-market buyers who may be purchasing a vehicle with an unresolved remedy.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Nissan Leaf places
The 2021 Nissan Leaf qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Nissan Leaf safety questions
Was the 2021 Nissan Leaf crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Nissan Leaf, 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Nissan Leaf have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Nissan Leaf. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Nissan Leaf?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 51 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Nissan Leaf. 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 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 15533), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Leaf 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 69 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.