There are no safety recalls for the 2012 Nissan Leaf, but owners have filed 57 complaints with NHTSA.
2012 Nissan Leaf problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Service Brakes | 22 | |
| Electrical System | 15 | |
| Air Bags | 11 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | |
| Seat Belts | 3 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 2 | |
| Seats | 2 | |
| Engine | 2 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | |
| Equipment | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual — 1
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch — 1
- Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 14,340 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Nissan Leaf complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · reported Feb 21, 2026
High voltage battery keeps shorting out stalling while driving on interstate almost got hit by 18 wheeler a few times it's a very unsafe car to drive and I keep smelling something like an odor from the battery I've been trying to get help to do the door ship Nissan consumer affairs and seem to be getting nowhere and they're letting me drive a car with a high voltage battery problem that obviously has a short in it help me
Air Bags · reported Jul 23, 2024
Dealer is Mike Erdman Nissan Merritt Island Fl 32953 Airbag warning light flashing red on console. Paid $260 for diagnostic check on July 21, 2024. They cannot fix it as an airbag sensor on the passenger side seat is malfunctioning and the entire passenger side seat must be replaced and part is not available or is no longer in stock. They MAY be able to locate an entire seat Nissan Leaf 2012 somewhere, but if they do (and they said probably not) it will cost $4000.00. The seat is no longer made by Nissan and after market seats would not meet safety standards (they said). There is a published…
Air Bags · reported Aug 28, 2023
My Nissan Leaf is showing a warning sign that front passenger side airbag is disabled. I see that this is a common complaint from many 2011-12 Nissan Leaf owners. I would like to add my name to the list of owners who had a similar complaint and please update if you make Nissan do a recall for this issue.
Air Bags · reported Jun 27, 2023
The brakes on the vehicle jerk alot when going under 15, causing everyone in the vehicle to get jerked forward multiple times and are touchy resulting in almost being in an accident. Airbag sensor for front passenger also no longer works and Nissan refuses to repair any defect
Air Bags · reported Apr 1, 2023
The passenger occupancy sensor has failed and as a result the passenger airbag is now permanently off, as indicated on the console. The dashboard airbag and general error lights are now constantly flashing as well. The dealer indicated the failure is the mat in the seat, OBD code B1018, and there is no repair for this failure. I see there are mutiple complaints online about this same problem on 2011-2012 LEAFs, and that NHTSA had opened an investigation. Do I have some recourse here? I am concerned to have people ride in the vehicle with no airbag.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Nissan Leaf have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2012 Nissan Leaf as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Nissan Leaf?
Owners report service brakes problems most often (22 reports), followed by electrical system (15). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 14,340 miles.
Are Nissan recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.