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Nissan Leaf (40 Kwh Battery): which year should you buy?

Across the 2011 to 2025 model years, the public record is strongest on the 2012 (91/100). Every year below is scored on its own NHTSA complaint and recall history. Pick the year, not just the nameplate.

Best years to target

2012 91 · 2011 90 · 2023 84 · 2018 76

Every model year, scored

Same math for every year (how we score). A neutral Unproven or Too New stamp means too few owner reports are on file to affirm the year, not that it’s clean.

202564/100
Unproven

7 complaints · 0 recalls

202464/100
Unproven

4 complaints · 0 recalls

202384/100
Buy

19 complaints · 0 recalls

202272/100
Buy

88 complaints · 0 recalls

202175/100
Buy

51 complaints · 4 recalls

202072/100
Buy

158 complaints · 6 recalls

201964/100
Caution

251 complaints · 5 recalls

201876/100
Buy

63 complaints · 4 recalls

201664/100
Caution

35 complaints · 4 recalls

201564/100
Caution

107 complaints · 4 recalls

201464/100
Caution

34 complaints · 6 recalls

201364/100
Caution

81 complaints · 5 recalls

201291/100
Buybest year

57 complaints · 0 recalls

201190/100
Buy

95 complaints · 0 recalls

Zeroing in on the 2012?

The full year-by-year verdict is free. When you’re ready to inspect and negotiate one specific car, the Full Report turns the 2012 Nissan Leaf (40 Kwh Battery)’s complaint breakdown and recall list into an inspection-ready, shareable PDF.

Recalls, complaint breakdown & inspection checklist, all in a shareable PDF

Cross-shopping a different nameplate? Compare the 2025 Nissan Leaf (40 Kwh Battery) head-to-head →

The fine print: each year’s verdict is computed from public NHTSA complaint and recall records for the Nissan Leaf (40 Kwh Battery) as a model, not for any individual car. A well-kept example of a weaker year can outlast a neglected strong one. Informational only, so always get a professional pre-purchase inspection.