The 2023 Nissan Leaf showcases a concerning reliability profile, particularly regarding its braking and speed control systems. With three active recalls, it's crucial for owners to address these issues promptly to ensure passenger safety, especially for children seated in the back.
Key Factor:Multiple critical recalls
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (3) than the average NISSAN vehicle (1.3). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
3 recalls for this vehicle1.3 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
📋Why This Matters
Defects in essential vehicle systems like brakes and speed control can have severe implications for passenger safety. In the event of a brake fluid leak or unintended acceleration, the risk escalates significantly, particularly when children are involved. Ensuring that these systems operate flawlessly is paramount to avoiding dangerous situations on the road.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Various
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.3)
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Summary: Year-over-year, Nissan has generally maintained a reputation for building reliable vehicles; however, this model year presents notable risks that should not be overlooked. The combination of multiple recalls related to vital components raises alarm bells for potential buyers and current owners alike.
Safety & Reliability Score
68/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-24
Complaint Impact-2.75
Investigation Impact-5
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2023 NISSAN Leaf
Model Year2023
MakeNISSAN
ModelLeaf
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
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Sep22
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan23
NEWProduction
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb23
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
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No Consumer Complaints Reported
Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2023 NISSAN Leaf. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.
🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
EQUIPMENTSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Service Brakes
Issue: Potential corrosion in right-hand brake tubes leading to fluid leaks.
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Immediately contact your Nissan dealer to schedule an inspection and potential repair.
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Request detailed service records specifically addressing brake system inspections or repairs.
Campaigns:21V-12322V-45623V-789
2
Vehicle Speed Control
Issue: Risk of unintended acceleration when changing driving modes after disengaging cruise control.
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Avoid changing driving modes until the vehicle is thoroughly inspected under recall conditions.
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Inquire about software updates or repairs related to speed control before making a purchase.
Campaigns:21V-124
3
(Equipment) Owner's Manual
Issue: 'Instructions for defroster operation are incorrect.' This non-compliance could lead to reduced visibility conditions.
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'Review updated manuals provided by Nissan.' Safety first!
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'Ensure you receive the latest owner’s manual during purchase.'
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your NISSAN dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (3)
Campaign: 23V048000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
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Summary
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect, and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Consequence
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.
Additional 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.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 23V362000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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Summary
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 LEAF vehicles. The right-hand brake tubes may have been damaged during production and could corrode, possibly causing a hole in the brake line and a brake fluid leak.
Consequence
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.
Additional 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.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 23V494000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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Summary
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The vehicle may accelerate unintentionally if the
driving mode is changed ("D" to "B"; e-Pedal "On"; or "ECO" mode) after disengaging the cruise control.
Consequence
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.
Additional 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.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
1 investigation
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2023 Leaf.
INV-2023-1000🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Leaf performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 23,973
Consumer Complaints
0 complaints
✓
No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any recalls for the 2023 NISSAN Leaf?
Yes, the 2023 NISSAN Leaf has 3 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Is the 2023 NISSAN Leaf safe to drive?
The 2023 NISSAN Leaf has 3 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.
Where can I check if my 2023 NISSAN Leaf has open recalls?
You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local NISSAN dealer.
📊Year-over-Year Context
➡️Stable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2023 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
🧭What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official NISSAN records to ensure no 3 recalls remain open.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in NISSAN's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Obtain proof of recall completion for all 3 campaigns before purchase.
Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.