NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Nissan Leaf Safety Ratings
The 2022 Nissan Leaf scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 86 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Nissan Leaf secures an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA’s crash testing, an excellent result. Its NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100 places it firmly in the Strong safety band. All three available crash avoidance technologies are standard equipment for this model year. This positive assessment is, however, tempered by four active recalls. Potential owners should review these recall campaigns in detail.
The 2022 Nissan Leaf (40 kWh, 5-door FWD) earned an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 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 | 86 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 69 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Nissan Leaf?
The 2022 Nissan Leaf holds a Safety Index of 83 out of 100, identical to the 2021 model year's 83, meaning the Strong band rating carried forward without movement. That flat trajectory reflects a crash protection score of 61 out of 70, a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, and a defect record sub-score of 11.75 out of 20. That last figure is the soft point: four recall campaigns drag the defect record below what the crash-test performance alone would suggest. The overall 5-star NHTSA rating is the headline strength of this year, supported by a 5-star side result and a clean dynamic tip outcome. The avoidance-tech score is also perfect because forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard on this variant. Where the 2022 year specifically diverges from a clean safety record is in the propulsion system recall covering Level 3 quick-charge-equipped units, a concern unique to the EV platform, and the unintended acceleration campaign that spans this model year. The 86 reported complaints, with the Electrical System accounting for 56 of them, align with the recall picture and reinforce that the electrical architecture is the single area warranting the closest scrutiny for this specific year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Nissan Leaf perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Nissan Leaf (40 kWh, 5-door FWD) achieved a top-tier overall safety rating from NHTSA, earning 5 out of 5 stars. This strong performance is supported by a 5-star rating in the side crash test. Both frontal impact and rollover resistance were rated at 4 stars. NHTSA data indicates an 11 percent rollover risk for the vehicle, which produced a "No Tip" result in dynamic testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16812
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Nissan Leaf have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. The most safety-critical targets the traction battery's propulsion system on Level 3 quick-charge-equipped units, with a potential risk of electrical failure. A second campaign addresses rearview camera harness damage that can cause image distortion or loss. A third covers unintended vehicle acceleration linked to vehicle speed control. A fourth corrects inaccurate defroster instructions in the owner's manual. No park-outside or do-not-drive order appears in the NHTSA data for this model year.
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 2022 Nissan Leaf?
Owners have filed 86 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year, including alleged reports of 7 crashes and 3 injuries. The Electrical System dominates at 56 alleged reports, followed by Unknown or Other at 25, and the Fuel/Propulsion System at 17. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
86 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Nissan Leaf?
Four recall campaigns have been issued for the 2022 Nissan Leaf, a notable figure that prospective buyers should be aware of. Shoppers should verify that all open remedies, particularly those related to the traction battery and vehicle speed control systems, have been completed by a Nissan dealer. Written confirmation of recall completion is advised.
- The 2022 Leaf's defect record sub-score of 11.75 out of 20 is pulled down by four recall campaigns specific to this model year, including a traction battery propulsion system recall affecting Level 3 quick-charge-equipped units.
- NHTSA's crash tests gave this exact variant a 5-star overall and a 5-star side rating, with frontal and rollover each at 4 stars and an 11 percent rollover risk, all figures specific to the 40 kWh FWD 5-door configuration.
- The Safety Index of 83 out of 100 did not change from the 2021 model year, meaning no safety improvement or decline is measurable between these two consecutive years in MotorCaliber's scoring.
- Eighty-six unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with 56 of them alleging Electrical System issues, a pattern that corresponds directly to the recall campaigns covering the battery and speed control systems.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Nissan Leaf places
The 2022 Nissan Leaf qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Nissan Leaf safety questions
Was the 2022 Nissan Leaf crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 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 2022 Nissan Leaf crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 2022 Nissan Leaf have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Nissan Leaf. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Nissan Leaf?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 86 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16812), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Leaf 2022.
- 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 90 in the Sedan class for 2022.
- 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.