Is The Nissan Leaf Reliable & Cheap? [ Find Out Here ]

With EVs gradually making their way into the mainstream automobile market, car owners habitually look out for environment-friendly models that are minimalistic and affordable. The Nissan Leaf has zoomed into the EV market in style. It comes in the affordable range, and also has cargo space. The Nissan Leaf has got a plethora of interesting features, although its range is not as long as other electric cars. The elegant exterior design looks visually appealing, and drivers appreciate the e-pedal and great handling of the vehicle.

Well, as a potential buyer, it’s natural to be inquisitive about the capabilities of this car. In this article, we have demonstrated the reliability, mileage, and common issues of this car.

Is the Nissan leaf reliable?

The Nissan Leaf fares ‘about average’ in terms of reliability ratings.

As per the Vehicle Dependability Study that J.D. Power carried out, the Nissan Leaf 2019 comes under the ‘about average’ category. Therefore, this is a rather ordinary electric car. New car buyers would enjoy a limited warranty of up to 36K miles or three years. The powertrain and electric vehicle system come with a warranty of up to 60K miles or five years. The manufacturers also assure quality with a warranty on the lithium-ion warranty up to 100K miles or eight years.

As per Consumer Reports, the Nissan Leaf 2019 model has bagged 3/5 as the predicted reliability score. However, this EV has consistently ranked well over the years in terms of engine dependability, fuel system, transmission, suspension, and brakes. Besides, Consumer Reports gave 5/5 to Nissan for owner satisfaction. These cars are comfortable and provide decent acceleration.

Is Nissan Leaf worth buying?

The Nissan Leaf is worth buying, provided you know its shortcomings and take the necessary measures to make the most of it.

Firstly, these cars undergo depreciation very fast. A Nissan Leaf loses around 65% of its value in the first five years. Evidently, leasing out the vehicle is a viable way to mitigate this loss. Moreover, the annual maintenance expense for the Nissan Leaf is around $748. Considering the average maintenance cost, this is comparatively higher. By default, EVs involve less servicing than their gas counterparts when it comes to mechanical parts. These cars simply have an electric transmission, batteries, and electric motors.

The Nissan Leaf also has several perks that negate its drawbacks. The best thing about the Leaf is the calculated mix of utility, price, and size. At a price of around $20K, this car is undoubtedly one of the most affordable EVs in the US. The modern yet minimalistic interiors, along with the provision for fast charging make it a great pick. The upper trims of the car can seamlessly connect to your smart devices.  Comfortable seating, elevated stance, and adjustable controls make the car worth going for. You would also appreciate the cargo spaces in the rear part.

In terms of safety, the Nissan Leaf looks well-poised. It has the ProPilot Assist feature, ensuring adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. Front-wheel drivetrain and automatic transmission further enhance its security and reliability. Considering these aspects, the Nissan Leaf is worth buying, but you have better alternatives in the market too.

How many miles will a Nissan Leaf last?

If you settle for a first-generation Nissan Leaf, it can last between 100K to 150K miles. These cars come with a 24kWh or 30 kWh battery. However, second-generation cars of this model with a 40 kWh or 66 kWh battery would serve you more than 200K miles. Therefore, one can expect the Leaf to last around 10 to 15 years, as aging would degrade the car’s battery.

Well, new buyers get an 8-year warranty on Nissan Leaf’s battery. This assures that you can drive the first 100K miles without any glitches. The car’s lifeline significantly depends on several other factors, such as the operating temperature. Adhering to the recommendations of the manufacturer should help in keeping the electric motors and battery pack in good condition.

Does Nissan Leaf have issues?

Used Nissan Leaf cars have some technical issues, but fixing them wouldn’t drain your pockets.

1. Issues with the engine start button

In some models, the button for starting the engine might remain depressed. This is particularly an issue for the models that the manufacturer launched in 2013 and 2014. This depressed button might shut the vehicle down as the emergency stop protocol would trigger itself. In case you find this issue in the used car, you can get across to one of the Nissan dealers to get it fixed.

2. Losing steering control

In some models that hit the road between 2013 and 2014, dislodgement of the steering column’s safety clip happens to be an issue. This ultimately leads to a steering control loss.

3. Auto-aiming of headlight

Some Nissan Leaf cars that the company produced in 2017 come with a manufacturing issue. Here, you won’t be able to use the auto-aim function of the car’s headlights. However, resolving this issue is simple, and you simply need to update the software. Your Nissan dealer will help you carry out the update.

4. Sunroof issues

A faulty process in tempering the glass on the sunroof might cause it to explode. In some of the models, the giant glass piece on the top shattered into pieces due to this issue.

Some of the other issues with the Nissan Leaf include airbag problems, display of the backup camera, and circuit board issues.

Why Are Used Nissan Leafs So Cheap?

Currently, one can buy a used Nissan really cheap. Have a look at the reasons that make these cars so inexpensive.

1. Fast depreciation

In the first five years, the Nissan Leaf loses more than 65% of its value. The older models come with a denigrating battery and it serves a limited range. Replacing this battery costs around $5,500. Naturally, the car depreciates relatively faster than its competitors.

2. Old technology

While purchasing an EV, buyers prioritize the latest technology. With new EVs hitting the road every year, the Leaf might appear to be an outdated car. Considering the evolving standards, it’s challenging for older EVs to compete with the newer ones. Moreover, the older models come with outdated and boring designs.

3. Limited battery range

The models that Nissan Leaf produced before 2017 delivered a mileage of 70 to 100 miles (fully-charged car). The average battery life ranges between 8 to 10 years. Nissan also failed to deploy a mechanism for battery temperature management in the car. There is no protection over environmental changes in the battery.

Conclusion

The Nissan Leaf is moderately reliable, but you have a good pick within the affordable range. To keep your Leaf in good shape, align and balance the wheels every 20K miles. Tire rotation every 7.5K miles would be ideal for the car. Wash the vehicle regularly to keep away rust. Inspect the tire pressure, electric motors, and rotors regularly and do the needful. This way, you can make the most of the affordable EV and prolong its lifeline.