NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Nissan Leaf Safety Ratings
The 2023 Nissan Leaf scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 19 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Nissan Leaf achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, earning a Strong safety band rating. However, three active recall campaigns introduce a notable caveat to its otherwise solid crash-test profile. For prospective owners, verifying that all recall remedies have been completed by VIN is a crucial step before purchase.
The 2023 Nissan Leaf received a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 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 | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 19 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 63 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Nissan Leaf?
The 2023 Nissan Leaf 40 kWh 5-door FWD is affected by three recall campaigns, a factor that lowers its defect record sub-score to 14 out of 20. This contributes to a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, which is a two-point improvement over the 2022 model's 83. Both model years fall within the Strong safety band. One recall specifically impacts 2023 production, addressing a manufacturing process concern with the brake tube. This is separate from a broader speed control campaign that includes model years 2018 through 2023. Owner complaints underscore this issue: 7 of the 19 reported complaints relate to vehicle speed control, aligning with the existing recall. Additionally, 6 alleged crash events are noted in the owner complaint data. The Leaf 40 kWh earns a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology. This top score reflects the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Its crash protection score stands at 61 out of 70.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Nissan Leaf perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Nissan Leaf achieved a 5-out-of-5 overall star rating from NHTSA, with side protection rated at 5 stars. Frontal protection earned 4 stars, matching the rollover assessment. The measured rollover risk for the Leaf is 11 percent, with a dynamic tip result of "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18405
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Nissan Leaf have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. The most safety-critical involves vehicle speed control, where certain 2018-2023 Leaf vehicles may accelerate unintentionally. A second campaign addresses hydraulic brake tubes on 2023 Leaf vehicles that may have been damaged during production. A third corrects inaccurate defroster instructions in the owner's manual. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the provided data, but the speed-control and brake-tube campaigns warrant prompt VIN verification.
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS23V362000
Risk: A brake fluid leak can reduce braking performance and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right-hand brake tube, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 7, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC976.
Reported 2023-05-22
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 2023 Nissan Leaf?
Nineteen owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Leaf, all unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown Or Other components (8 reports) and Vehicle Speed Control (7 reports), with additional allegations touching the Electrical System, Visibility and Wipers, Service Brakes, and Forward Collision Avoidance.
19 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Nissan Leaf?
Before purchasing this 3-year-old vehicle, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. The brake-tube and speed-control campaigns are safety-critical, and confirming that both remedies were completed by the selling dealer or prior owner is the most important step a used-market shopper can take.
- The 2023 model year carries a brake-tube recall specific to 2023 Leaf production, where tubes may have been damaged during manufacturing - a defect not shared with earlier model years in the lineup.
- Vehicle Speed Control is the top named complaint component with 7 alleged reports, and a separate open recall addresses unintentional acceleration on 2023 Leaf vehicles, making VIN-level remedy confirmation essential.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 10 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard on this 40 kWh configuration, with no optional upgrades needed to reach full credit.
- The Safety Index rose two points year-over-year from 83 in 2022 to 85 in 2023, driven primarily by crash-protection scoring, though the three active recalls prevent the 2023 model from reaching the top of the Strong band.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Nissan Leaf places
The 2023 Nissan Leaf qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Nissan Leaf safety questions
Was the 2023 Nissan Leaf crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 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 2023 Nissan Leaf crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Nissan Leaf have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Nissan Leaf. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Nissan Leaf?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 19 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18405), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Leaf 2023.
- 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 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.