2017 Nissan Leaf Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2017 Nissan Leaf
- Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags.
- Scores 13 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2019 Nissan Leaf earns a 83.
- The system most likely to surface first: high voltage battery (major severity).
Should You Buy the 2017 Nissan Leaf?
The 2017 Nissan Leaf is a practical, affordable entry into EV ownership, best suited for specific use cases. While its electric drivetrain is mechanically robust, the critical lack of active battery thermal management leads to significant capacity degradation over time, making it a high-risk proposition for anyone needing consistent long-range capability or operating in hot climates.
Biggest Strengths
- Mechanically simple electric drivetrain with fewer moving parts
- Low routine maintenance costs compared to ICE vehicles
- Instant torque and quiet operation for urban commuting
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2017 Nissan Leaf. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2017 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."
What breaks on the 2017 Nissan Leaf?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Nissan Leaf by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Nissan Leaf. Click any year for its full report.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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