2012 Nissan LeafRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 57 owner complaints for the 2012 Nissan Leaf. Most complaints involve service brakes (22) and electrical system (15). The EPA rates it 99 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Service brakes22
- Electrical system15
- Air bags11
- Vehicle speed control4
- Visibility/wiper3
- Seat belts3
- Engine2
- Seats2
- Electronic stability control (esc)2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Service brakes
“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”
Electrical system
“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
“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 complaint list of well over 2000 Nissan Leaf owners regarding 2011 and 2012 Leaf owners who say there should be a safety recall as this issue has been known by Nissan and the 2013 and later models had safety changes installed for this issue but no safety recall was made for 2011 and 2012 models. I believe a safety recall to fix this issue is imperative.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Transmissions
- Automatic (A1)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Electricity
- EV range
- 73 mi (EPA)
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf Auto (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive | 106 | 92 | 99 | $750 | — |
- 99mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 4 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 11.0%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire rotation | 6,000–8,000 mi | 6–12 months | EVs wear tires faster (weight, torque) |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–4 years | Regen braking spares the pads, not the fluid |
| Battery coolant | Per manual | Per manual | Intervals vary widely by maker |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years |
- Tire rotation6,000–8,000 mi
6–12 months - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–4 years - Battery coolantPer manual
Per manual - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2012 Leaf questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Leaf have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2012 Nissan Leaf problems?
Owners filed 57 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (22), electrical system (15), air bags (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2012 Nissan Leaf get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Nissan Leaf at 99 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2012 Nissan Leaf?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 Nissan Leaf 5 out of 5 stars overall.