Is the 2018 Nissan LEAF reliable?

The 2018 Nissan LEAF has 112 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: BRAKES problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Nissan LEAF?

Top problems: BRAKES (17 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (17 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (16 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Nissan LEAF?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Contact any Nissan dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2018 Nissan LEAF?

The 2018 Nissan LEAF has an EPA rating of 112 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $686. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Nissan LEAF?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Nissan LEAF is approximately $1,975/year (ev-mainstream class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2018 Nissan LEAF qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2018 Nissan LEAF may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2018 Nissan LEAF

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Nissan LEAF has 112 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.5x the segment average of 76. The most common issue is brakes problems (15% of all complaints), specifically: when the brakes are applied moderately at around 40mph to slow down, and if a wheel go on top of some bumps or pot holes, car seems to loose braking power, brake padel drop about 1 inch, have to pedal hard to get the brakes back. at one time i saw a message on dashboard "not available" which i was n. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 18 crash reports 4 injuries

112

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BRAKES

17 complaints

15%

• WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED MODERATELY AT AROUND 40MPH TO SLOW DOWN, AND IF A WHEEL GO ON TOP OF SOME BUMPS OR POT HOLES, CAR SEEMS TO LOOSE BRAKING POWER, BRAKE PADEL DROP ABOUT 1 INCH, HAVE TO PEDAL HARD TO GET THE BRAKES BACK. AT ONE TIME I SAW A MESSAGE ON DASHBOARD "NOT AVAILABLE" WHICH I WAS N
• WHILE DRIVING FORWARD, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY, UNEXPECTEDLY AND VIOLENTLY APPLIES THE BRAKES WITHOUT ANY DRIVER INPUT WHATSOEVER! THERE ARE NO OTHER VEHICLES OR PEDESTRIANS IN THE VICINITY AT THE TIME. THIS SUDDEN BRAKING PROBLEM BEGAN ON OR ABOUT 5/15/18 AND HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER THAT.
• ON THE STREET WE USE TO LEAVE OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, THERE IS ONE SECTION OF THE CEMENT THAT IS A LITTLE TALLER THAN THE ONE BEFORE IT.INTERMITTENTLY, THE AUTOMATIC BREAKING WILL BE SET OFF IN THIS SPOT FOR NO REASON. IT IS ALARMING! WE ARE ALSO WORRIED IT WILL HAPPEN ON A BUSY STREET AND CAUSE AN ACCIDE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 5 crashes

“WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED MODERATELY AT AROUND 40MPH TO SLOW DOWN, AND IF A WHEEL GO ON TOP OF SOME BUMPS OR POT HOLES, CAR SEEMS TO LOOSE BRAKING POWER, BRAKE PADEL DROP ABOUT 1 INCH, HAVE TO PEDAL HARD TO GET THE BRAKES BACK. AT ONE TIME I SAW A MESSAGE ON DASHBOARD "NOT AVAILABLE" WHICH I WAS N”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Nissan LEAF

Based on 39 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 7K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 12K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

In line with typicalmedian 18K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 3K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 38K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

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 (4)

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA12/09/2019

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2018 Nissan LEAF

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$680

Per month

$57

Per mile

5.7¢

kWh/mi

0.30

Based 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 2018 Nissan LEAF

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,975

Full coverage / month

$165

Liability only / year

$679

vs US avg

+18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1975

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Nissan LEAF Service Intervals

Oil change

5K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

105K mi

Spark plugs

105K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

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

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2018 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 2018 Nissan LEAF

Updated 2026-07

Federal 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)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

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

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 112 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BRAKES: WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED MODERATELY AT AROUND 40MPH TO SLOW DOWN, AND IF A WHEEL GO ON TOP OF SOME BUMPS OR POT HOLES, CAR SEEMS TO LOOSE BRAKING POWER, BRAKE PADEL DROP ABOUT 1 INCH, HAVE TO PEDAL HARD TO GET THE BRAKES BACK. AT ONE TIME I SAW A MESSAGE ON DASHBOARD "NOT AVAILABLE" WHICH I WAS N
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED MODERATELY AT AROUND 40MPH TO SLOW DOWN, AND IF A WHEEL GO ON TOP OF SOME BUMPS OR POT HOLES, CAR SEEMS TO LOOSE BRAKING POWER, BRAKE PADEL DROP ABOUT 1 INCH, HAVE TO PEDAL HARD TO GET THE BRAKES BACK. AT ONE TIME I SAW A MESSAGE ON DASHBOARD "NOT AVAILABLE" WHICH I WAS N
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR STOPPED ITSELF SIMULATING A "SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES" AFFECT. THERE WAS NO WARNING, THE CAR JUST STOPPED. AFTER THE CAR STOPPED, AN ERROR APPEARED ON THE SCREEN SAYING "POWER SUPPLY FAILURE. TO AVOID ACCIDENT, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH DO NOT DRIVE. CO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: THIS NISSAN CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH FEATURES NAMED, PRO-PILOT ASSIST (PPA), INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL (ICC) AND EMERGENCY BRAKE ASSIST (EBA). WHEN ENGAGED, IT IS SUPPOSED TO KEEP LANES AND FOLLOW DISTANCE IF THERE IS A CAR IN FRONT. WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT IS STOPPED THIS CAR IS SUPPOSED TO STOP AS WELL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Nissan dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)