2018 Nissan Leaf Reliability ReportKeepScore 78/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2018 Nissan Leaf
- Scores 5 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).
- Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the back over prevention: sensing system: camera.
2018 Nissan Leaf: Buy or Avoid?
The 2018 Nissan Leaf presents a compelling, budget-friendly entry into EV ownership, but it demands careful scrutiny of its battery health to avoid significant future costs. While the electric powertrain is inherently robust, accelerated battery degradation in this model year is a critical factor that can quickly diminish its range and resale value. Proceed with caution, ensuring a thorough inspection of the battery state of health.
Biggest Strengths
- Reliable electric motor and simple single-speed transmission
- Low routine maintenance costs compared to ICE vehicles
- Good short-range city commuter performance
2018 Nissan Leaf — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 2018 Nissan Leaf. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 2018 Nissan Leaf
4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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."
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
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."
What breaks on the 2018 Nissan Leaf?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Nissan Leaf — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Nissan Leaf. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2018s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2018 Nissan Leaf
Parts and accessories matched to your 2018 Nissan Leaf
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Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
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