🇩🇪 Deutsch
Nissan · Compact · 2010–2017

Nissan Leaf ZE0

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Nissan Leaf ZE0 is available with one engine variant at 109 hp.

Elektro · Elektro· 109 PS
2010 2017
Be Careful 2 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Nissan Elektro (Elektro, 109 PS) has the EM57 (Elektro) — rated: "Be Careful", 2 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Battery degradation without active cooling

The Leaf ZE0 has no active liquid cooling for the battery. In warm climates and with frequent fast charging, the 24 kWh battery loses capacity quickly: ADAC testing showed 11% loss at 80,000 km.

Symptoms: Decreasing range, fewer capacity bars on display, reduced charging capacity
from 80,000 km
Ad Battery Nissan Leaf ZE0 24kWhLi-ion battery pack Leaf ZE0 replacementAZE0 battery Nissan Leaf
 High
!Fast charging accelerates battery ageing

Frequent DC fast charging via CHAdeMO significantly accelerates battery ageing in the ZE0 as there is no liquid cooling. The battery heats up and ages more quickly.

Symptoms: Accelerated capacity loss after regular fast charging, charging speed drops in heat
from 60,000 km
Ad CHAdeMO charging cable Leaf ZE0Charge controller Leaf ZE0
 High
!12V auxiliary battery drains during standstill

The Leaf ZE0 12V auxiliary battery drains during extended periods of inactivity. The vehicle is then impossible to start even if the traction battery is fully charged.

Symptoms: Vehicle does not respond to key, dashboard stays dark, no start possible
Ad 12V battery Nissan Leaf ZE0Auxiliary battery LeafStarter battery Nissan Leaf
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
408 complaints · 2010–2017
Brakes
192 ⚠ 23
Electrical
96 ⚠ 4
Airbags
78 ⚠ 3
Other
28 ⚠ 1
Cruise Control
24 ⚠ 7

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Brakes (192 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (96 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (78 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

Audi RS3 8V

Kompaktklasse (2015–2020)

Same Segment

Fiat Tipo 356

Kompaktklasse (2015–2024)

Same Segment

Hyundai Elantra AD

Kompaktklasse (2015–2020)

Same Segment

MINI MINI Clubman F54

Kompaktklasse (2015–2024)

Same Segment

BMW 2er Coupé F22

Kompaktklasse (2014–2021)

Same Segment

BMW 2er F45

Kompaktklasse (2014–2021)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 8 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Leaf ZE0 (2010–2017) — 2 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Other, Suspension, Brakes.

Leaf (EM57, 2010–2017) — Be Careful: Accelerated battery degradation (no active cooling), Rapidgate: Charging throttled during repeated fast charging. Power: 109 PS.

What to watch out for with the Nissan Leaf? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Nissan Leaf ZE0 have? +
The Nissan Leaf ZE0 has 2 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Nissan Leaf ZE0? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: EM57 (Elektro). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the EM57 (Elektro).
Which Nissan Leaf ZE0 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Nissan Leaf ZE0 — rated: "Decent". {description} 109 hp electric drivetrain — instant torque makes it surprisingly quick in city traffic.
Is the Nissan Leaf ZE0 worth buying used? +
The Nissan Leaf ZE0 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Nissan Leaf ZE0? +
The Nissan Leaf ZE0 is available with engine variants from 109 to 394 hp.

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee