Which Years of Used Nissan Leafs Are Most Reliable?
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The Nissan Leaf is one of the most famous and popular electric vehicles. As a five-door electric hatchback, it’s also quite the affordable electric car compared to competitors like Teslas. For this reason alone, it’s a good idea to look for one of the most reliable Nissan Leaf years possible. Let’s take a closer look.
THE NISSAN LEAF YEARS TO AVOID
The Leaf is an attractive small vehicle that packs a lot of function into a small package. That said, there are some Nissan Leaf years to avoid, just like any vehicle.
Most Reliable Years for the Nissan Leaf
In general, the later model year you purchase for the Nissan Leaf, the more reliable vehicle will be. Indeed, the most reliable Nissan Leaf years include:
- 2023 Nissan Leaf
- 2022 Nissan Leaf
- 2021 Nissan Leaf
- 2020 Nissan Leaf
- 2017 Nissan Leaf
These years are marked by a significant improvement in car manufacturing, features, and electric battery driving range. In a nutshell, the later model years of the Nissan Leaf allow you to drive further without having to recharge the electric battery, maximizing the value for money you’ll get with your purchase. This is especially true when buying a used car, as all batteries – including car batteries – lose some of their energy capacity over time.
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The above Nissan Leaf years have good reliability ratings and strong user reviews across a variety of websites and sources. Even though they are a little more expensive than older models, they’re likely still worthwhile since you won’t have to pay more in the long run because of maintenance or frequent (and expensive) battery replacements.
Are Nissan Leafs Generally Reliable?
On average, you can expect a Nissan Leaf to be fairly reliable. According to copilotsearch.com, there aren’t as many Nissan Leaf years you should avoid compared to years when the vehicle has been known to be a reliable, excellent purchase, especially for a used car.
Of course, you should pick the right model year to guarantee reliability. According to evsguy.com, the most reliable Nissan Leaf model years are newer models from 2018 and onward because they are:
- On average, more reliable compared to older models
- Fitted with newer batteries that have larger capacities
- Fitted with better dashboard UIs and better features
Which Nissan Leafs Are the Least Reliable?
On the flip side, you’ll want to avoid some Nissan Leaf years so you don’t end up with a dud vehicle. In contrast to the most reliable Nissan Leaf years, the least reliable years include:
- 2015 Nissan Leaf
- 2011 Nissan Leaf
- 2013 Nissan Leaf
- 2016 Nissan Leaf
These Nissan Leaf years have been known for a variety of major problems. Unfortunately, those problems can also vary depending on the model year you purchase. For example, the 2013 Nissan Leaf is known for minor complaints like windshield wiper failures and problems with the steering system. The 2015 Nissan Leaf is infamous for its mediocre electric battery range (only being capable of driving 84 miles on a full charge).
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Are Nissan Leafs Expensive to Maintain?
Provided you get a Nissan Leaf from one of the best model years, you’ll also want to know how much you should expect to pay every year in terms of maintenance. Fortunately, maintenance costs won’t run you too much money.
According to repairpal.com, the average maintenance cost of a Nissan Leaf is $748 per year. Certain repairs, like radiator fan motor replacements and AC compressor replacements, could cost significantly more, however. The most affordable repairs include tire and wheel assembly rotations and balance checks, airbag occupant sensor replacements, and strut bearing replacements.
Which Nissan Leaf is Most Reliable?
If you want to really maximize the longevity of your next used vehicle, purchase the most reliable Nissan Leaf: the 2023 Nissan Leaf. According to motorbiscuit.com, even though this is the most recent model year for the Nissan Leaf, the 2023 model is overall the best in large part because of its high-quality lithium-ion battery and reduced likelihood of body part problems.
On top of that, purchasing a 2023 Nissan Leaf might be a wise idea thanks to its EPA range of up to 149 miles. Support for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a variety of other features are included by default. The pro-pilot system is also a nice touch, as is the availability of adaptive cruise control systems and lane-centering controls. Don’t forget the fact that the cabin is quite spacious compared to earlier models as well.
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What Are the Most Common Nissan Leaf Problems?
If you purchase a used Nissan Leaf from previous years, however, you might encounter a variety of potential maintenance issues. According to rerev.com, some of the most common Nissan Leaf problems include:
- Setting engagement of the brakes
- Hybrid system inverter problems
- Shutdowns of the vehicle
- Problems with a faulty defogger
- Issues with the airbag system
- Electrical systems, particularly in the 2016 Nissan Leaf
If you encounter any of these maintenance issues, be sure to take your vehicle to a mechanic ASAP.
Is the Nissan Leaf Worth It?
Given the above information, it’s clear that a used Nissan Leaf could very well be worth it if you purchase one of the most reliable Nissan Leaf years possible. That way, even if you purchase your electric car in used condition, you can rest assured that the electric battery will retain a good amount of capacity, and the rest of the vehicle will be in excellent condition.
If you aren’t sure about the quality of the battery, ask for a vehicle maintenance report or accident history report from the seller. If they don’t have it, it might be a good idea to move on instead. You don’t want to purchase an electric vehicle with a battery that only has enough capacity for 30 miles or so!
Final Thoughts
All in all, the Nissan Leaf is an affordable and popular electric vehicle for lots of good reasons. So long as you purchase a more recent Nissan Leaf, you’ll have a great driving experience and be able to do your part for the planet with your electric car. Plus, you’ll be able to drive anywhere you need to without having to constantly stop at an electric charging station.
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