Credov's researched list of the 8 faults the Nissan Leaf is known for (2012–2017), 8 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Brake hard from low speed several times and feel for a soft, low or thumping pedal.
Why it matters: A weak 12 V battery was noted in several cases (a link suspected, not proven), and Nissan advised against leaving aftermarket OBD2 dongles plugged in permanently. Some cars needed a new brake unit.
What to look for: Count the capacity bars on the dash and ask for a Leaf Spy reading of state of health.
Why it matters: A tired pack means a used pack swap or an aftermarket pack costing several thousand dollars (Driven quoted about $10,000 for a replacement). Judge the car on battery health first and km second: high km with good SOH is better than low km with poor SOH.
What to look for: Ask for a Leaf Spy reading taken on arrival, not after a long charge or a 12V battery disconnect.
Why it matters: SOH also says little about one weak cell pair, which can cripple range on a pack that shows good numbers. Buyers who trusted a high reading have later found the range much shorter than expected.
What to look for: Compare the pack capacity on a Leaf Spy reading with the car's original badge and build date.
Why it matters: Heavier 62 kWh packs can sit lower and may need stiffer springs. A well-done upgrade adds a lot of range and value, but the car is now non-standard and the dash or app numbers may not reflect the real pack.
What to look for: Run the heater on max for several minutes and check it blows properly warm, not just lukewarm.
Why it matters: A newer revised part number exists. CarComplaints owners also report heater failures around 70,000 km.
What to look for: Ask whether the 30 kWh firmware update has been done, and get a Leaf Spy SOH reading to compare.
Why it matters: Once corrected, testing suggested the 30 kWh pack was not really ageing faster than the 24 kWh pack, but a 30 kWh pack's SOH number cannot be read the same as a 24 kWh car's without knowing the software. A real range drive is still the best check, as rapid charging just before a sale lifts readings for a while.
What to look for: Ask for a Leaf Spy reading taken on arrival, not straight after a rapid charge or battery disconnect.
Why it matters: A pack can also show a good SOH but have one weak cell pair that cuts usable range sharply. Judge the battery on several numbers plus a real range drive.
What to look for: Ask whether the car has ever shown a high-voltage isolation fault or failed to restart after charging.
Why it matters: Fix is a battery replacement, with long parts waits reported; owners have also had warranty disputes near 100,000 km. Owners advise not replacing the 12 V or clearing codes first so the fault is recorded.
Got a question about a Nissan Leaf? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.