2014 Nissan LEAF
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2014 Nissan LEAF has 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.6x the segment average of 76. The most common issue is brakes problems (40% of all complaints), specifically: tl*the contact owns a 2014 nissan leaf. the contact stated that while shifting from park to drive on an incline and the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle rolled down hill. the contact mentioned that the brake pedal hesitated to respond. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer wa. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.
45
Total Complaints
6
Recalls Issued
4/5
Safety Stars
0.6x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
BRAKES
18 complaints- • TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 NISSAN LEAF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE ON AN INCLINE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN HILL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WA
- • WHENEVER OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW +/- 38F, THE REGENERATIVE BRAKE SYSTEM BEHAVES VERY AGGRESSIVELY IN THE SENSE THAT THE SLIGHTEST USE OF THE BRAKES RESULTS IN A VERY JERKY BEVAHIOUR OF THE CAR, BRAKING VERY ABRUPTLY AND HARD. USUALLY, A SECOND TAP ON THE BRAKE RESOLVES THE ISSUE TEMPORARILY,
- • LOSS OF ALL BRAKING POWER DUE TO ABS FAILURE.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 NISSAN LEAF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE ON AN INCLINE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN HILL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WA”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2014 Nissan LEAF
Based on 33 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 26K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
BRAKES
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (6)
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 LEAF vehicles manufactured November 19, 2012, to July 31, 2015. During very cold temperatures, the relay inside the electronic brake booster may freeze, requiring the driver to exert more effort to slow the vehicle down.
Risk: If the brake relay fails, longer distances or additional brake effort would be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Intelligent Brake Control Unit software, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Charging Cost Calculator for 2014 Nissan LEAF
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2014 Nissan LEAF
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Nissan LEAF Service Intervals
CVT-equipped models (Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Pathfinder) MUST use Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid, not conventional ATF. Frequent CVT service extends life significantly.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Nissan New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2014 LEAF, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Nissan dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
EV Incentives for 2014 Nissan LEAF
Updated 2026-07Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30
Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.
State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 45 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐BRAKES: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 NISSAN LEAF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE ON AN INCLINE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN HILL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: I WAS READING A RECENT ARTICLE REGARDING A NISSAN LEAF AND A FIRE. WE JUST HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN AT OUR FACILITY, 3003 SUMMIT BLVD. ATLANTA GA 30319. THE ISSUE IS THAT WE ARE NOT SURE IF IT WAS THE VEHICLE OR THE CHARGING UNIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND A COUPLE OF OTHER CARS NEARBY WERE ALSO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: TWO PASSENGERS, ONE IN DRIVER'S SEAT, ONE IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHO WEIGHS APPROXIMATELY 140 LBS. APPLIED BRAKE, PUSHED THE POWER SWITCH TO THE ON POSITION, SHIFTED CAR TO REVERSE. BACKED UP A SHORT DISTANCE, THEN SHIFTED THE CAR TO DRIVE (B MODE). DROVE ABOUT 20 FEET. NOTED THAT THE FRONT PASSENG
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SEATS/RESTRAINTS: THIS IS A GENERAL COMPLAINT ABOUT RECENT-MODEL HEAD RESTS. IT IS NOT LIMITED TO OUR CAR. I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT I THINK SOMEONE AT THE TRANSPORTATION BOARD IS OVERLY ZEALOUS IN THIS. MOST NEW CARS TODAY HAVE THE HEADRESTS VERY FAR FORWARD. IT SEEMS AS IF THE TRANSPORTATION BOARD WANTS THE HEADRE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Nissan dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Nissan LEAF — Year Comparison
How does 2014 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 45
- Recalls
- 6
- Fire reports
- 3
- Crash reports
- 4
- Injury reports
- 3
- Segment avg
- 76
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2014 Nissan LEAF