2018 Nissan LEAF

The 2018 Nissan LEAF is a fully electric hatchback known for its affordability and practicality as an electric vehicle. The 2018 LEAF has a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack paired with an electric motor that produces 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Owners appreciate the LEAF’s quiet ride, decent range for its class, and available advanced safety features. However, common complaints include battery degradation over time, especially in hot climates, and limited range compared to newer EVs.

Electric Motor

40 kWh Electric Motor

• Premature Battery Degradation
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery’s capacity degrades faster than expected, especially in hot climates, leading to reduced driving range. Owners report a noticeable decrease in range after a few years of ownership.
  • Solution: Nissan extended the battery warranty for some model years and may offer a battery replacement or refurbishment in severe cases. Some owners have sought legal remedies for diminished battery capacity.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Battery replacements can be very expensive, ranging from $5,000 - $10,000+, depending on the dealer, if the battery is new or refurbished, and the specific battery pack.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• 12V Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The 12V auxiliary battery, used to power accessories and start the car’s systems, can drain prematurely, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle or electrical malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replacing the 12V battery and ensuring proper charging system function. Also, ensure no aftermarket accessories are draining the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Charging Port Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported problems with the charging port, including difficulty latching, slow charging, or complete failure to charge. This could be related to the charging port connector itself or the onboard charging system.
  • Solution: Diagnosis by a qualified technician to determine the cause (charging port, onboard charger, or wiring). Replacement of the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the specific issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Software updates may fix the issue, but in some cases, the infotainment unit needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software updates) - $1,000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2018 Nissan LEAF is a decent electric vehicle option, but it is plagued with issues, especially with battery degradation, which could be a costly repair and drastically affects range. Other electrical and interior issues are prevalent, but not as severe.