2021 Nissan Leaf Safety Report
2021 Nissan Leaf: Strong crash ratings, but significant fire risk and usability issues due to unresolved battery recall.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Nissan Leaf
Reliability Score
The 2021 Nissan Leaf receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2021 Nissan Leaf
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Nissan Leaf:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Voltage Battery Overheating/Failure Lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging, increasing fire risk (Recall 25V-655). Numerous complaints of charging restrictions, rapid discharge, and actual battery fires. |
High | Common | variable miles |
| Rearview Camera Display Issues Damage to camera harness can cause distortion or loss of rearview camera image (Recall 24V-071), reducing rear visibility and increasing crash risk. Also reported to fail in cold temperatures. |
Medium | Occasional | variable miles |
| Unintentional Acceleration Vehicle may accelerate unintentionally if driving mode is changed (Recall 24V-700), increasing the risk of a crash. |
High | Rare | variable miles |
| Defroster Performance Issues Incorrect Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation may result in reduced performance (Recall 24V-072), limiting visibility and increasing crash risk, especially in cold weather. |
Medium | Occasional | variable miles |
| Electrical System Malfunctions (Non-Battery) Reports of vehicle shutting off, BCM issues disabling door locks/windows, and exterior lighting failures. |
Medium | Occasional | variable miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Nissan Leaf:
Dominant complaints relate to the high-voltage battery (overheating, rapid discharge, inability to Level 3 charge) and other electrical malfunctions like vehicle shutdowns and BCM issues. This accounts for 18 out of 44 complaints.
Several complaints are categorized as 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER', often describing general vehicle failures or issues not fitting specific categories, such as sudden range drops or general battery degeneration.
Issues with rearview camera display (blurring, black screen, cold weather failure) and wiper malfunctions (passenger wiper not working) are reported.
Complaints specifically mentioning the propulsion system often overlap with battery issues, such as the car entering 'Turtle Mode' or rapid battery drain.
One complaint describes brakes feeling partially seized and making noise, especially in wet conditions or after using the parking brake.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Nissan Leaf
Is the 2021 Nissan Leaf safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Nissan Leaf received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall). However, there are significant safety concerns due to 4 recalls, particularly the high-voltage battery recall (25V-655) which poses a fire risk and has led to numerous complaints about charging limitations and actual fires. Other recalls address rearview camera issues and unintentional acceleration, which also impact safety.
What are common problems with the 2021 Nissan Leaf?
The most reported issues for the 2021 Nissan Leaf are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (18 complaints), primarily concerning the high-voltage battery's inability to use Level 3 charging due to fire risk, rapid discharge, and general battery degradation. Other common problems include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' issues (5 complaints) and VISIBILITY/WIPER problems (4 complaints), often related to the rearview camera.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Nissan Leaf?
Yes, the 2021 Nissan Leaf has 4 active recalls. The most critical is Recall 25V-655 concerning the high-voltage battery overheating during Level 3 charging, which increases the risk of fire. Other recalls address rearview camera display issues (24V-071), unintentional acceleration (24V-700), and incorrect defroster instructions in the owner's manual (24V-072).
How does the 2021 Nissan Leaf perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Nissan Leaf performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an excellent 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars in side crash tests, and 4 stars in both frontal crash and rollover tests.
What should I know about the battery issues in the 2021 Nissan Leaf?
The 2021 Nissan Leaf is subject to Recall 25V-655 due to the lithium-ion battery potentially overheating during Level 3 quick charging, which increases the risk of fire. This has led to Nissan advising owners not to use Level 3 charging until a remedy is available, severely limiting the vehicle's usability for long-distance travel and causing significant owner frustration and reports of battery degradation and even fires.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the unresolved critical battery recall posing a fire risk and limiting charging capabilities, exercise extreme caution; consider alternative EVs or ensure the battery recall has a permanent, satisfactory remedy before purchase.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Nissan Leaf
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Nissan Leaf. The data includes 44 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Nissan Leaf an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.