2019 Nissan Leaf Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Sell your car for what it's worth.
Every receipt, every service, one signed PDF you hand the buyer. OSC is the paperwork trail your resale price depends on.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
Quick Facts · 2019 Nissan Leaf
- Has 5 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the back over prevention: sensing system: camera.
- Outscores the 2017 Nissan Leaf by 13 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
- The system most likely to surface first: high voltage battery pack (major severity).
The 2019 Nissan Leaf at a glance
- Is the 2019 Nissan Leaf reliable?
- Autojunket rates the 2019 Nissan Leaf 83/100 (grade B), categorized as moderate risk. A practical EV with low running costs, but long-term battery health is its critical vulnerability.
- Should I buy a used 2019 Nissan Leaf?
- Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 2019 Nissan Leaf. The 2019 Nissan Leaf can be a fantastic entry into EV ownership, offering low running costs and a practical package. However, the critical caveat is its passively cooled battery, which makes battery degradation a near certainty over time. Approach this purchase with a thorough understanding of the specific vehicle's…
- Which Nissan Leaf years are the most reliable?
- Best model years to buy: For the Leaf, later models (2020+) saw some incremental improvements, but the fundamental battery cooling issue remains consistent for all second-generation models. The 2019 Leaf Plus (62kWh) offers more range but suffers from the same degradation risk.. Years to avoid: No specific years to avoid within the 2018-2024 second generation, but rather prioritize individual car history (climate, charging habits)..
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Nissan Leaf?
- The top failure points on the 2019 Nissan Leaf are High Voltage Battery Pack (typically around 30,000-80,000 miles), HVAC System (typically around 40,000-70,000 miles), Charging Port / Onboard Charger (typically around 60,000-100,000 miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
- At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Nissan Leaf?
- The first major mileage danger zone for the 2019 Nissan Leaf is around 30,000. Early Degradation Check — This is the first checkpoint where you might start to see noticeable battery degradation, especially if the car has been frequently DC fast charged or used in hot climates. Monitor the 'State of Health' bars on the dashboard.
Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.
Read the full free reportShould You Buy the 2019 Nissan Leaf?
The 2019 Nissan Leaf presents a compelling value in the used EV market due to its simple electric powertrain and generally low running costs. However, its passively air-cooled battery design is a significant long-term concern, dictating that buyers must prioritize battery health and charging habits to ensure sustained reliability and range.
The 2019 Nissan Leaf can be a fantastic entry into EV ownership, offering low running costs and a practical package. However, the critical caveat is its passively cooled battery, which makes battery degradation a near certainty over time. Approach this purchase with a thorough understanding of the specific vehicle's…
Best Model Years
For the Leaf, later models (2020+) saw some incremental improvements, but the fundamental battery cooling issue remains consistent for all second-generation models. The 2019 Leaf Plus (62kWh) offers more range but suffers from the same degradation risk.
Years to Avoid
No specific years to avoid within the 2018-2024 second generation, but rather prioritize individual car history (climate, charging habits).
Biggest Strengths
- Extremely reliable electric motor and single-speed transmission
- Low routine maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts
- Excellent brake component longevity due to regenerative braking
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2019 Nissan Leaf, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The passively air-cooled battery pack (both 40kWh and 62kWh 'Plus' versions) is prone to capacity loss, particularly in hot climates or with repeated DC fast charging. This leads to reduced range and slower subsequent charging. There are…
Issues with the A/C compressor or heating system have been reported, impacting cabin comfort. A failing A/C can also indirectly exacerbate battery degradation as it can't assist in cooling the cabin which surrounds the battery, though it…
While less common, some owners experience issues with the charging port (CHAdeMO or Level 2 AC) or the onboard charging unit, leading to charging interruptions or complete failure to charge. Diagnosis can be complex and parts are expensive.
2019 Nissan Leaf Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2019 Nissan Leaf most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Early Degradation Check
This is the first checkpoint where you might start to see noticeable battery degradation, especially if the car has been frequently DC fast charged or used in hot climates. Monitor the 'State of Health' bars on the dashboard.
Mid-Life Battery Impact
At this mileage, battery degradation will likely be more pronounced, impacting usable range and potentially fast charging speeds. HVAC system issues may also begin to surface.
Elevated Component Wear
Beyond significant battery degradation, other components like suspension parts and potentially the onboard charger unit may require attention. Range will be significantly diminished compared to new.
High Risk / End-of-Life Consideration
At this point, the battery could be severely degraded, making the car primarily suitable for very short-range local driving. Major high-voltage component failure risks increase, and battery replacement may become a serious consideration.
2019 Nissan Leaf Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2019 Nissan Leaf on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$400-600
Moderate Repairs
$500-1,500 occasionally
How Long Does the 2019 Nissan Leaf Last?
Focus less on total mileage and more on the battery's State of Health (SoH) and the car's charging history. A lower mileage Leaf from a hot climate with frequent fast charging can have a worse battery than a higher mileage one from a cool climate charged primarily at home.
What 2019 Nissan Leaf Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Smooth, quiet, and responsive acceleration for city driving.
- Low running costs with minimal routine maintenance.
- Practical hatchback design with good cargo space.
- e-Pedal feature offers convenient one-pedal driving.
Common Frustrations
- Significant battery degradation over time, leading to reduced range.
- Lack of active battery thermal management is a major drawback, especially in hot climates.
- CHAdeMO fast charging standard is less prevalent than CCS.
- Infotainment system can be sluggish and outdated.
Who Should Buy the 2019 Nissan Leaf?
Best For
- Commuters with predictable, shorter daily routes (under 70 miles round trip).
- Drivers in mild to cool climates who primarily charge at home (Level 1 or 2).
- Those seeking a very affordable used EV with low mechanical maintenance.
Not Ideal For
- Drivers in hot climates (e.g., Arizona, Texas, Florida) due to rapid battery degradation.
- Individuals needing consistent long-range travel or frequent road trips.
How the 2019 Nissan Leaf Compares to Rivals
While the Leaf offers decent value, its passive battery cooling system significantly lags behind rivals like the Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3 in long-term battery health and thermal management, which is a critical reliability factor for EVs.
More Reliable Than
- Mitsubishi i-MiEV (older, less range)
- Smart EQ Fortwo (even less range, less practical)
Comparable To
- Hyundai IONIQ Electric (earlier generations, similar range)
- BMW i3 (range extender optional, unique design)
NHTSA Recalls
5 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 2019 Nissan Leaf?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
Autojunket OSC · OSC Transfer
Sell your 2019 Nissan Leaf for what it's actually worth.
Log every service. Sell with a signed PDF. Every receipt, mileage-verified, in the buyer's hands.
Nissan Leaf by Year
Compare AutoScores across nearby years of the Nissan Leaf. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by AutoScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2019 Nissan Leaf
Parts and accessories matched to your 2019 Nissan Leaf
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Where the 2019 Nissan Leaf report beats Carfax + CR
Carfax tells you if it crashed. Consumer Reports rates the whole nameplate. Autojunket tells you what will actually break on this specific year — and how to negotiate it.
Year-specific reliability score
Common problems + repair costs
Mileage danger zone map
AI negotiation script + walk-away price
Single report price
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
Sell your 2019 Nissan Leaf for what it's actually worth.
Log every service on your Nissan Leaf. When it's time to sell, hand the buyer a signed PDF — every receipt, mileage-verified, close the deal at your price.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
Recommended Reading for the Nissan Leaf
How Long Does a Nissan Altima Last? (Real Owner Data)
Wondering how many miles a Nissan Altima truly lasts? Our article reveals its real lifespan with compelling data directly from genuine owners.
Nissan Altima Common Problems and Repair Costs
Before you head to the mechanic, understand all common Nissan Altima problems, like transmission issues, and what their real repair costs are.
Nissan Altima Years to Avoid (Worst to Best Ranked)
Uncover the definitive ranking of Nissan Altima model years, revealing which to avoid and the best options for reliability, performance, and value.