Home · 2019 Nissan Leaf Bev · Complaints

What 251 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Nissan Leaf Bev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (251)Crash / fire / injury (6)Electrical system (169)Fuel system (34)Visibility & wipers (13)Transmission & drivetrain (12)Backup camera & sensors (10)Brakes (10)Engine (8)Speed control (5)Driver assistance (3)Equipment (2)

Newest first · 251 complaints · page 9 of 11

May 31, 2024Backup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V071000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle, the display screen was blank. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11591746

May 22, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemFuel system

During the last 3 winters I have noticed the car do something strange when going up an extended highway inclines. The battery % along with the estimated miles left will drop suddenly (~40% in a minute) and when I would go over the top of the hill most of the battery % and miles would return. During the 2021-2022 winter, I noticed this happen only once or twice. During 2022-2023 winter, I noticed this happen more often but I did not know what was causing it except it seemed to only happen on very cold days and also when the battery % prior to the drop was around 50% or less. During the current 2023-2024 winter, this issue became common. It no longer had to be very cold but just an extended incline and battery at 50% or less. It usually happened between exit [XXX] and exit [XXX] on [XXX] in New Jersey. It has become so common that I was able to record it. The videos show the car will lose over 40% of battery in about a minute. However, once I would go over the hill most of the battery % would come right back. In one video the “Battery charge is low Charge now” warning is triggered. On a few occasions, when I had around 30% of battery prior to going up this hill and the battery started to drop suddenly, I had to make a rapid emergency stop on the right shoulder midway up the hill. When stopped the battery would recover back to around 30% and I was able to get over the hill. This obviously created a safety concern. My car battery is still covered under Nissan’s EV battery warranty. I have taken the car to two 2 Nissan dealerships. One of the dealership was able to replicate the issue, but stated the only way they will approve the warranty repair is if they disassembles the battery. They stated once they approve the warranty repair they can order the battery but that it might take up to 8-9 months to get the battery. They stated that during this whole time my car will be inoperable and Nissan will not provide or reimburse for a loaner car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11590153

May 3, 2024Electrical system

Total Battery Failure at 130,000 miles - Electric Vehicle will not operate

NHTSA ODI 11586771

Mar 4, 2024

In January 2024, The rear camera on my 2019 LEAF SL PLUS failed to work. I took it to local Nissan dealer and they indicated that could be a loose connection. They accidentally tap on the camera and it return to function for a while. I reported this to [XXX] in January. An agent called me and after a month of evaluation he told me Nissan Consumer Affairs could not repair for me on this item. Their previous recall on the rear camera on other Leafs does not cover the this vehicle with this VIN number. My rear camera currently does not work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11575322

Feb 17, 2024Electrical systemBrakes

Brake warning sign came off and the car won't shift out of parking brake, causing the passenger to get stranded. Upon dealer inspection, there's defective wire hardness which has been noted in Nissan service bulletin Ref: NTB19-054a. Dealer confirmed that it is bulk wire harness issue and will require replacement (~$3.2K for part and labor). i have reported to Nissan since the leaf has 22k mileage only, but rejected by Nissan that it is a manufacturer issues. Please investigate this as i have seen many similar issues with other Leaf owners and it will be un-safe to have parking brake issue suddenly pops up, where it will brick and unable to move the vehicle. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11572468

Dec 31, 2023

The backup camera does not work correctly. It shows blank in stead of surrounding video. Sometimes closing the back cover again can fix the issue but most of time no video is displayed.

NHTSA ODI 11562858

Dec 30, 2023

Infotainment system frequently resets. This occurs rarely at times while driving (inconvenient, not a significant problem) but it frequently occurs within 10 seconds of starting car at which time the backup camera cannot display. This is a safety concern because it means backing up without safety backup camera working.

NHTSA ODI 11562746

Dec 5, 2023

Having issues with the back up camera it will randomly not work, showing a black screen instead of rearview. Other times the image is excessively dark compared to other surround camera views or has horizontal lines that interfere with view. Car is available for inspection. I have reported to the dealer multiple times. They have not been able to replicate. The problem is intermittent, dealer has not been able to replicate. Asked that I take video when it occurs which I have done. No warning lights or lamp or consistent pattern to warn when the issue will occur. Most recent incident noted below.

NHTSA ODI 11558480

Nov 9, 2023Electrical system

AFTER RECENTLY DOING THE RECALL UPDATE ON THE VEHICLE, I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE BATTERY PERCENTAGE LIGHT INDICATOR NOW SIGNIFICANTLY DROPS ITS PERCENTAGE SOMETIMES UPT TO 15% WITHIN A COUPLE OF MINUTES DRIVING AT A CONSTANT SPEED AND THEN WHEN SLOWING OR COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP THE BATTERY PERCENTAGE WILL INCREASE BACK ANYWHERE BETWEEN 10 AND 15 PERCENT WHICH LEADS TO DECEIVING THE DRIVER AND MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO SAFETY MODE. CONTINUES TO OCCUR EVERY DAY I USE IT SINCE IT IS A COMMUTER VEHICLE FOR ME. Unable to updload a video. Please email me correspondence so i may send a video.

NHTSA ODI 11554429

Nov 6, 2023Electrical system

Back up camera failed intermittently. Could not see directly behind vehicle. Pedestrian and collision hazard. Dealer confirmed it’s a common problem. I Ordered and paid for a replacement camera through the dealer. No warning lamps or messages.

NHTSA ODI 11553702

Sep 22, 2023Visibility & wipersLane Departure

The rearview camera stopped working. It works intermittently when backing up (<10%), but otherwise just shows a black screen for the rear backup camera. No warning lamps. As a result the rear blind spot warning does not work, posing a risk to kids or pedestrians crossing behind me. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone at this point but a service appointment is scheduled. It is available for inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11545959

Sep 19, 2023Electrical systemBrakes

On 9/17, 2019 Nissan Leaf S 40 kWh lost braking power just after start up. I started the vehicle, placed the vehicle into drive and went to creep through open parking spot. The brake pedal was either dead or lost enough power to feel dead. The vehicle was returned to park in order to stop slow roll. No injuries or damages. Experience seems similar to NHTSA ID 11488058. I don’t recall whether any warning lights came on as I rushed to power down the car. No indicator lights illuminated after restart and vehicle drove home without issue. A few hours prior to brake issue, a humming/ringing sound was heard throughout the cabin just after shutdown. My passengers also observed the sound, which stopped after powering on the vehicle and turning the fan dial. This had not happened before and only occurred once. On 09/18, the vehicle indicated “Warning: Service EV System No Power”. Numerous warning lights were illuminated, a photo taken, and a tow truck scheduled. Two hours later, I went to check whether the vehicle could be placed into neutral. The vehicle started and went into gear without issue and no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealership for inspection as precaution. My 12V battery was the original battery, so I suspected it needed replacement and asked the dealership to test it. I have read online about other issues from Nissan Leaf owners when the 12V battery is deteriorated. Dealership confirmed 12V battery failed testing. They were not able to duplicate the brake issue described above. The only time that the vehicle provided a warning about the 12V battery was when it generated the warning described above once. Otherwise, no indication that battery needed replacement. Nissan needs to provide a system update to give the driver more specific 12V battery health information. Also address the 12V battery more clearly in maintenance schedule. Vehicle operating as expected with a new 12V battery installed.

NHTSA ODI 11545486

Sep 15, 2023Visibility & wipers

The back up camera does not work half of the time. When the car is put in reverse, the screen in the console shows only black. Because the car has many blind spots and a small back window, this makes backing up difficult. The other day I almost ran over my neighbors kid and I was being extra cautious. Every time we've taken the car to the dealership for repair the camera start working again. Other Nissan Leafs from this same year were recalled for a similar issue, but ours was not. Nissan needs to expand the recall to more vehicles. We have picture evidence that the camera does not work, but because the dealership can't replicate the issue they will not cover the cost of repair even though this problem is identical to issues from a previous recall.

NHTSA ODI 11544734

Sep 11, 2023Electrical system

Reverse camera is intermittently blank

NHTSA ODI 11543797

Jul 19, 2023Brakes

Read the comment, "Vehicle doesn't slow down when taking foot of the acceleration pedal. Same both power settings. It will continue to move at slow speed on level ground. It behaves as though the minimum pedal motor speed is too fast. My concern is that it might get very fast without any pedal. Thank you." I can confirm the same issue has occurred with my 2019 Nissan Leaf. The car is seriously dangerous if you are not aware of this issue that occurs and that the only response is to forcefully hit the brakes...times this occurs: occasionally including merging onto highways at fast speeds and at low speeds as well. Problem is ongoing at least weekly since I bought the car 3/22. Serious injuries and deaths are likely to occur if this problem is not resolved. I would be surprised if injuries have not already occurred. I didn't know where to go to report this until I read an article with the above quotation. Here I am. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11533149

Jun 18, 2023Electrical system

Fron passenger lock has been faulty. Door will either latch or unlatch randomly. Dealership has reviewed and stated it is faulty but not their fault despite no evidence of driver responisbility. Car has various electrical issues including auto braking triggering and this lock issue is another example. Dealership is not ackolwedging issues.

NHTSA ODI 11527599

May 14, 2023Visibility & wipersBackup camera & sensorsDriver assistance

My vin number say 0 recalls which same problem with 2019 nissan leaf problem. NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V654000 Manufacturer Nissan North America, Inc. Components BACK OVER PREVENTION Potential Number of Units Affected 1,228,830 Summary Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility." Remedy Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Notes Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

NHTSA ODI 11521942

Apr 28, 2023Visibility & wipersEquipment

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the defroster was activated; however, the defroster fan motor became inoperable, causing the front and rear windshields to become foggy. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V048000 (Equipment, Visibility). No further assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11519524

Apr 3, 2023Visibility & wipers

Today I received a recall notice - 22v0-048 - regarding the defrosting and defogging systems. As currently programmed, the defroster limits visibility out of the windshield under cold conditions. The solution proposed by Nissan is reminiscent of the Apollo 13 instructions, complicated and difficult to follow by normal humans. Rather than actually reprogram the defrosting system, Nissan is resolving the recall by issuing inane instructions. This should not be allowed.

NHTSA ODI 11515144

Mar 15, 2023

Rear camera shows black screen when backing up. Guidance lines are still present. Research online indicates this to be a common issue with my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11511996

Feb 24, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

Stuck in a snow drift, slightly down hill, rocking the car forward and back, twice it went into an uncommanded full throttle forward. Even after removing my foot from the accelerator with no other control inputs the car was in high speed forward mode. I had to hit the brake each time to get it to shut down. Glad there was nothing to hit each time.

NHTSA ODI 11508912

Jan 27, 2023Electrical system

Backup camera stopped working. There has been no damage or known circumstance that may have contributed to this failure.

NHTSA ODI 11503949

Dec 13, 2022Visibility & wipers

I read "Due to a software issue in these Leaf hatchbacks, the back-up camera display can suddenly disappear when the car is in reverse and be replaced with the previous image. " Mine has same problem but doesn't have recall yet. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11497334

Oct 31, 2022

Car backup camera stopped working. Screen is black or showing green and pink static lines. Several months prior the car entertainment system would come on momentarily for few seconds when the car was off (not powered). other occasional issues related to blue tooth not recognizing phone ( not sure if all of these issues are related)

NHTSA ODI 11491641

Oct 29, 2022

The issue with our car is that the Distance-to-Empty (DTE) calculation for miles remaining for battery charge is very inaccurate. This issue causes the car to prematurely alert the driver that the battery is depleted when it truly is not depleted. While not a true safety issue, it's a driver distraction that can certainly lead to a safety issue. Here's an example of the problem: 1. Fully charge vehicle- the DTE registers 223 miles remaining; reset trip meters. The LeafSpy application shows a 215.9 miles which appears the more accurate reading. 2. Drive 158 miles, the DTE now says only 3 miles remaining. (The DTE dramatically drops after 100 miles of driving each time). The car's historic miles/KWH is 3.9 and is consistent so issue is not related to lost efficiency. 3. Drive another 14 miles to 172 miles, LeafSpy indicates a 23.8% Battery State of Charge and 49.5 miles remaining to 2% charge 5. Check the math for LeafSpy: 216 - 172 = 44 miles 6. I have been auditing the car for a few months and LeafSpy is super accurate. The battery is good, the Nissan DTE calculation is not. We have taken the car to two dealers and have contacted Nissan EV Customer support (1-877-664-2738). I warned Nissan I was going to issue a report so things get documented more.

NHTSA ODI 11491461

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Working with the data? Download all 251 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 24, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2019 Nissan Leaf Bev verdict →