Is the 2021 Nissan LEAF reliable?

The 2021 Nissan LEAF has 76 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Nissan LEAF?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (31 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (11 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (8 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Nissan LEAF?

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

How much does it cost to charge a 2021 Nissan LEAF?

The 2021 Nissan LEAF has an EPA rating of 111 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $692. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Nissan LEAF?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Nissan LEAF is approximately $1,950/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 2021 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 2021 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.

2021 Nissan LEAF

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Nissan LEAF has 76 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 76. The most common issue is electrical problems (41% of all complaints), specifically: on june 20, 2021, the electric car front hood section area to charge the vehicle flew open while driving the vehicle on the highway. there was no indication that there was a problem with the charging hood at any time.. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 6 crash reports 3 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

31 complaints

41%

• On June 20, 2021, the electric car front hood section area to charge the vehicle flew open while driving the vehicle on the highway. There was no indication that there was a problem with the charging hood at any time.
• Vehicle showed a message "Service EV system - Unable to restart after power off". Took to my local Nissan dealer on Oct/21 and had the car serviced and message cleared. On my way back home from dealer, same message showed up again and shut off the car. Next morning the same message remained on dashb
• My car got stuck in a snowbank and became unresponsive. I attempted to gently rock it back and forth by putting it into drive and reverse two or three times. The car began to smoke. I took my foot off the accelerator and attempted to exit the vehicle, but the door was locked and did not automaticall

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 3 fire reports

“On June 20, 2021, the electric car front hood section area to charge the vehicle flew open while driving the vehicle on the highway. There was no indication that there was a problem with the charging hood at any time.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (4)

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL02/02/2023

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect, and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

Risk: Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Nissan will mail an addendum with updated instructions on how to operate the defroster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 1, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22C5.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2021 Nissan LEAF

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$686

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 2021 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

$1,950

Full coverage / month

$163

Liability only / year

$638

vs US avg

+16%

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 rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1950

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 2021 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 2021 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 76 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: On June 20, 2021, the electric car front hood section area to charge the vehicle flew open while driving the vehicle on the highway. There was no indication that there was a problem with the charging hood at any time.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: This vehicle failed to have airbags deployed in this accident on 3.23.2022, as photographs that are larger than 10MB will upload, but the Estimate did upload. BUT the car was spun nearly if not fully 360 after hit by a truck in a lane change of a blind spot that spun the car and into concrete barri
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: The error occurred on [XXX]. The car got me to my destination. Error occurred past the 1/2 way point. The next day was busy w/ personal issues. Later in the afternoon, I was by the vehicle, I called the Nissan Roadside Assistance number. It was at this point that I was informed that no one was avail
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: Our FEB system lights came on and then went off 3 times on our way home tonight. Will call Nissan on Monday to have it checked out. February 5 2022.
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)