I purchased this 2020 Nissan Leaf S Plus on September 22, 2020 for $39,104. The vehicle was fully functional when I delivered it to Nissan's authorized service center to comply with the federal safety agency Recall 24V‑700. Following the software update performed by Nissan's technician, the vehicle would not operate. It has remained inoperable since that date. Nissan provided a rental vehicle, which I am currently using. I did not cause this damage. I complied fully with Nissan's recall instructions. Nissan's own repair process destroyed the functionality of my vehicle.
The worst 2020 Nissan Leaf problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical123
- Fuel system35
- Transmission14
- Driver assistance12
- Engine8
- Brakes3
- Visibility3
- Acceleration2
- Suspension2
- Airbags1
- Body1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 Nissan Leaf
Recalls 6
Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery
- What is wrong
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging.
- Risk
- A quick charging battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed June 3, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1‑800‑867‑7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R24B2, P4A38, and P5A22.
Recall number 24V700000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2022 LEAF vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑867‑7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23D7.
Recall number 24V071000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The vehicle may accelerate unintentionally if the driving mode is changed ("D" to "B"; e-Pedal "On"; or "ECO" mode) after disengaging the cruise control.
- Risk
- Unintentional acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module (VCM), free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1‑800‑867‑7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23A6.
Recall number 23V494000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: owners/service/other manual
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 23V048000 · Recall details
Visibility: glass, side/rear
- What is wrong
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima, Maxima and Leaf vehicles. The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.
- Risk
- Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑867‑7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC752.
Recall number 20V570000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 LEAF electric vehicles. Under certain circumstances, the images for the back-up camera can disappear while in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with 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.
- Remedy
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. This recall began August 31, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑867‑7669.
Recall number 20V412000 · Recall details
See all 6 recalls for the 2020 Nissan Leaf
Defect investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP22005
Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Nissan Leaf 95
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Wiring harness repair information
- VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2018-2025 LEAF; HVAC REPROGRAM INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary...
- Campaign bulletin HVAC
- Dealer Announcement Nissan is committed to delivering the highest levels of product quality and customer...
- Certification label and VIN plate replacement service information
- Telematics service information hint
- Intelligent cruise control inoperative and AEB/feb warning light on or radar obstruction message displayed...
- Automatic emergency braking warning light blinking applied systems
- Dealer Announcement Nissan is conducting a service campaign on certain specific MY2018-2025 Nissan LEAF...
- VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2018-2025 LEAF; HVAC REPROGRAM CAMPAIGN ID #: P4A17 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2018-2025...
2020 Nissan Leaf fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric motor Electric 226 mi range | FWD | 114-123 | 94-99 | 104-111 MPGe |
What 2020 Nissan Leaf owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
In XXX, my 2020 Nissan Leaf experienced a catastrophic battery failure while plugged into a Level 3 DC fast charger at the Nissan dealership where the vehicle was originally purchased. During the charging session, the high-voltage traction battery severely overheated, physically expanded/swelled, and tripped a major vehicle fault sensor. The dealership confirmed the battery was permanently damaged and rendered the vehicle entirely inoperable. Initially, Nissan corporate quoted $22,000 out-of-pocket to replace the defective battery. A few weeks after this safety incident, a national safety recall was officially issued regarding Nissan Leaf high-voltage battery defects and fire risks during fast charging. Approximately two years later, I received an official letter from Nissan offering a vehicle buyback due to the recall and lack of replacement parts. I spent three months actively working with a Nissan corporate representative to finalize the buyback paperwork. However, with the claim nearly complete, Nissan abruptly closed the case without resolution and transferred it to a third-party administrator, [XXX], forcing me to restart the entire process from the beginning. [XXX] has completely ignored all communications and has failed to respond or advance the claim for over a month. Safety Risk & Request for Action: The vehicle experienced a severe thermal event (overheating and physical expansion) during normal operation at an authorized charging station, presenting an immediate fire and explosion hazard. To date, the vehicle has been disabled and unrepairable for over two years. Nissan has failed to provide a timely remedy under the federal safety recall, and their administrative handling has unreasonably delayed removing this hazardous vehicle/component from circulation. I am requesting the federal safety agency intervention to hold Nissan accountable for executing their recall remedy and resolving this safety claim immediately. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle: 2020 Nissan Leaf SV, VIN [[XXX]], ~55,000 miles Recall: R24B2 / the federal safety agency campaign 24V700000 (battery may overheat during Level 3 charging — fire risk) I brought my vehicle to Conicelli Nissan (Conshohocken, PA) for the R24B2 recall software update.The vehicle has been held at the dealership since on or about XXX with the recall remedy incomplete; the dealer says it cannot proceed without Nissan's approval (dealer case XXX). I opened case XXX with Nissan Consumer Affairs requesting rental coverage while the vehicle is grounded for this safety recall. Nissan verbally denied the request on XXX and refused to put the denial in writing. I have no transportation. Nissan provided rental cars to owners in its XXX Leaf battery recall until repairs were complete, but refuses the same here. I ask the federal safety agency to intervene: (1) compel completion of the recall remedy, and (2) require Nissan to provide alternate transportation while the vehicle is grounded for a safety recall its own procedure failed to remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
We were asked by Nissan corporate to bring in the vehicle for a safety recall related to the battery. The Nissan dealership updated the battery software then gave the vehicle back to us. However, as soon as we drove away the dash lit up with warning lights. We were on the freeway so we pulled over. It was a dangerous situation. We called the dealership and they required us to bring the car back. So we slowly and carefully drove the car a few miles back to the dealership. In their analysis, they decided the battery must be replaced. However, they no longer make that kind of battery, the stocks were on back order for up to a year, and the software update could not be reversed. So they initiated a buyback. We were not interested in selling the vehicle -- we simply wanted the recall issue fixed -- but we had no choice. The procedure for determining a buyback dollar amount has been extremely frustrating and manipulative. From our perspective, it's unlikely we'll be able to buy a working used EV for the amount they're offering. We have searched and it's difficult-to-impossible. No one informed us this situation was a possibility. We asked for a higher dollar amount, only enough to actually buy an equivalent replacement vehicle. They tell us they require the original Bill of Sale for the vehicle. But we don't have that and can't get it. We sent it to DMV after the purchase. We did get certified copies from DMV at a cost but Nissan insists they must have the original Bill of Sale in order to make us an offer greater than Kelly Blue Book value + 40%, which is insufficient as noted. Obviously, this is an arbitrary demand. If they can offer us one amount without the Bill of Sale, they can offer us any amount. But they refuse to discuss or negotiate.
My 2020 Nissan LEAF is subject to open safety recall 24V700 / R24B2 for a high-voltage lithium-ion battery defect that poses a fire risk during Level 3 quick charging. On [XXX], I brought the vehicle to an authorized Nissan dealer for the recall remedy. Three days later, on [XXX], while driving from New Hampshire to Connecticut, the vehicle displayed a "Service EV" warning and entered a reduced-power (limp) state on the highway, creating a hazardous condition in traffic. A separate authorized Nissan dealer diagnosed a fault in the high-voltage battery pack. The vehicle is now undrivable and cannot be charged. Nissan has been unable to supply a replacement battery and has indicated the vehicle will likely be repurchased because the recall remedy is unavailable. As a result, I am the owner of a vehicle that is undrivable due to an unremedied federal safety recall, with no available remedy and no timeline for one. The mileage at diagnosis was 99,100, within the vehicle's battery warranty period. I am filing this complaint because the recall remedy for 24V700 was not effective in my case, the vehicle failed dangerously shortly after the recall service was performed, and Nissan is currently unable to remedy the recall. I am also documenting the manufacturer's failure to provide interim transportation while the recall remains unremedied. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V700000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that 100 miles of using the ED system, the power reduced message was displayed. The contact stated that the battery became disabled. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after a week. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
SAFETY COMPLAINT / INCIDENT DESCRIPTION Vehicle presented to Dennis Dillon Nissan on June 20 2026 for a factory high voltage battery recall software update intended to fix Level 3 fast charging safety risks. The software update rendered the vehicle completely inoperable by disabling standard Level 2 charging. The vehicle has been held in continuous dealer custody for 58 consecutive days without a working repair. Nissan failed to disclose that the recall patch could brick a functioning EV. Loaner support was revoked prematurely forcing 850 in out of pocket rental costs. Inadequate buyback offer via Morley Companies was rejected. Factory recall update rendered vehicle useless and unsafe to operate.
Regarding Nissan Safety Recall 24V‑700 / Campaign R24B2. After the recall remedy was performed on my 2020 LEAF in June I experienced the "Service EV System" message during normal highway driving on 8/1/26. I have an invoice from the dealership that documented logged safety recall code P33ED along with EV system codes P317E-97 and P3180-97. The dealership improperly cleared the recall safety codes, charged me a diagnostic fee, and released a vehicle that is subject to an active safety hold under Recall 24V‑700 / Campaign R24B2. The dealership released an unsafe vehicle back to me that remains a documented thermal and fire risk. The Nissan Nissan Safety Recall 24V‑700 / Campaign R24B2 states that vehicles that experience this situation after the recall remedy was performed will have the battery replaced or vehicle repurchased.
See attached document for complaint.
This recall appointment does not take 2 hours to complete. The dealer quoted me 1-2 days with an inability to offer a loaner vehicle. Several Leaf owners have completed the recall appointment and subsequently been left stranded because the car went into an undrivable mode leaving the owner stranded and incurring towing and rental fees for weeks without resolution. Nissan Consumer Affairs has denied to consider a buyback without taking the vehicle in for the recall notice even though the recall notice successfully being applied does not guarantee the car will not stop abruptly after that visit. Without the recall appointment, Nissan has limited my ability to safely fast‑charge, preventing me from using the full functionality of the vehicle. Nissan is conditioning buyback eligibility on my willingness to undergo the recall inspection, even though the recall remedy has repeatedly resulted in battery failure and sudden loss of power for other Leaf owners. This effectively forces me to expose myself to a known safety hazard in order to qualify for a remedy Nissan itself acknowledges may be required. I am being denied both safe vehicle operation and access to the promised buyback unless I accept a repair that may leave me stranded or without a functioning battery. Nissan recognizes the potential risk of the recall remedy by issuing a second notice dated 6/17/2026 that if the vehicle experiences this battery specific condition within 12 months after the date the software reprogram remedy was completed on the vehicle. Nissan will replace the battery or offer to re-purchase the car. Nissan has also recognized that batteries are rare at this time. I thought that a manufacturer must offer a remedy that was deemed Safe and this does not seem like it’s guaranteeing safety.
Compare the 2020 Nissan Leaf
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2020 Nissan Leaf
Is the 2020 Nissan Leaf reliable?
Owners have filed 167 complaints about the 2020 Nissan Leaf, 2.5 times a typical Leaf model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2020 Nissan Leaf year score?
The 2020 Nissan Leaf scores 39 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Leaf: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Nissan Leaf?
Electrical system, with 123 complaints, typically around 18,000 miles. Next is fuel system (35).
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Leaf have?
6 recalls, covering electrical system, back over prevention and vehicle speed control.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Nissan Leaf get?
The 2020 Nissan Leaf is rated at 104-111 MPGe combined, with up to 226 miles of range.
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