Thinking about buying a used Nissan Leaf (2010–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 27 known faults for this model spanning electrical, brakes, suspension, and cooling. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
27
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$800–$4,500
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Nissan Leaf faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Battery Fire Risk During DC Fast Charging
CriticalRareElectrical $0–$18,000 to fix
Certain 2019-2020 Leaf models built at the Smyrna, Tennessee plant developed a confirmed battery cell defect in which excessive lithium plating deposits accumulate on cell anodes during repeated DC fast (CHAdeMO) charging. The deposits increase internal cell resistance, generating abnormal heat during subsequent fast charge sessions. NHTSA issued Safety Recall 24V700 (Nissan reference R24B2) in late 2024 covering approximately 25,704 vehicles. Owners reported burning smells, smoke and interrupted charging. Nissan's remedy is updated battery management software with additional thermal monitoring, but as of mid-2025 the software fix was still being finalised, with Nissan directing many owners to avoid CHAdeMO entirely in the interim. Vehicles with already-damaged cells require battery pack replacement.
Symptoms to notice
Burning smell or visible smoke from battery area during or after fast charging
CHAdeMO session interrupting unexpectedly at moderate state of charge
Battery temperature warning appearing during or immediately after DC charging
Unusual noise from the battery enclosure during fast charge
What to check
Run the VIN through NHTSA.gov recall lookup to confirm whether Recall 24V700 is open or completed on this vehicle. Ask the seller for Nissan dealer correspondence regarding the recall. Check whether the car has a CHAdeMO port (the Recall applies only to quick-charge-equipped units). Query Nissan NZ or AU for whether the software remedy has been applied. If the remedy is incomplete, factor in the restriction on DC fast charging and the uncertainty around long-term pack health.
Where to look: Battery pack under vehicle floor; CHAdeMO inlet at rear of engine bay
Ask the seller
“Has NHTSA Recall 24V700 (Nissan R24B2) been completed at a Nissan dealer?”
“Has this vehicle ever produced a burning smell or interrupted a DC fast charge session?”
“Does the car have a CHAdeMO DC fast charge port, and has it been used regularly?”
02Rear Torsion Beam Bush Collapse
MinorCommonSuspension $280–$650 to fix
The Leaf uses a twist-beam torsion bar rear axle with rubber-bonded pivot bushes at both ends where the beam mounts to the body. Over time, the natural rubber compound in these bushes degrades through age, ozone exposure, and the cyclic loading from the vehicle's kerb weight (the Leaf is approximately 100–150kg heavier than equivalent ICE hatchbacks due to battery mass). Collapsed bushes alter the rear axle's compliance geometry, producing handling instability and tyre wear that mimics misalignment.
Symptoms to notice
Rear end feels loose or darty over rough roads at highway speeds
Uneven rear tyre wear — inside or outside shoulder wear not correctable by standard alignment
Dull thud or knock from rear axle over sharp bumps or kerb impacts
Rear toe measurement outside specification when aligned despite no obvious damage
What to check
Check rear tyre wear for inside or outside edge feathering consistent with toe change. If a workshop inspection is possible: On a hoist, inspect the rear torsion beam mounting bushes visually for cracking, splitting, or rubber separation from the metal sleeve. Attempt to lever the axle fore-aft to check for excessive compliance movement — more than 5mm of movement indicates bush failure.
Where to look: Rear axle — torsion beam-to-body pivot points, one each side at the forward mounting
Ask the seller
“Has the rear axle or torsion beam bushes been replaced?”
“Has the car ever had uneven rear tyre wear that alignment couldn't fix?”
“Is there any knocking or thudding from the rear over rough roads?”
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25 more documented faults on the Nissan Leaf
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 27 documented faults for the Nissan Leaf, the recurring problem areas are electrical, brakes, and suspension. A Nissan Leaf with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Nissan Leaf?
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We've catalogued 27 known faults for the Nissan Leaf, covering electrical, brakes, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Nissan Leaf?
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Most single repairs on the Nissan Leaf fall between $800–$4,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 27 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Nissan Leaf?
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Yes. A Nissan Leaf inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.