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Nissan · Compact · 2010–2017 Custom Search

Nissan Leaf ZE0

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

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

Elektro · Electric· 109 PS
2010 2017

Nissan's own electric motor, fitted in the Leaf and e-NV200. Proven, but early 24 kWh batteries degrade quickly.

  • !! Accelerated battery degradation (no active cooling) from 80,000 km

    The Nissan Leaf uses passive air cooling for the battery. Especially the 24 kWh variant (ZE0) loses significant capacity in warm climates or with frequent fast charging. Remaining capacities below 70% after 80,000 km are documented.

    Symptoms: Decreasing range, fewer capacity bars on display, shorter distances per charge
    4,500–10,000 $
    Ad Battery Nissan Leaf ZE0 24kWhBattery pack Nissan Leaf replacementBattery degradation Leaf
  • !! Rapidgate: Charging throttled during repeated fast charging

    The Leaf ZE1 (40 kWh) drastically throttles fast charging speed after multiple CHAdeMO sessions on a long trip. The cause is the absence of active battery temperature management. Nissan improved the software but did not fully resolve the issue.

    Symptoms: Charging speed drops drastically during the second or third fast charge session, charging times double
    0–0 $
    Ad Fast charging Nissan Leaf ZE1CHAdeMO throttling Leaf 40kWh

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
!Battery warranty: only 5 years/100,000 km

Nissan only warranted the ZE0 battery for 5 years or 100,000 km. After expiry the buyer bears the full risk of a battery replacement. Used car buyers must check the SOH.

Symptoms: No direct symptom, but significant follow-on costs if capacity falls below the warranty threshold
Ad SOH check Leaf ZE0Battery Leaf ZE0 capacity test
 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
  1. 01 Brakes
    192 ⚠ 23
  2. 02 Electrical
    96 ⚠ 4
  3. 03 Airbags
    78 ⚠ 3
  4. 04 Other
    28 ⚠ 1
  5. 05 Cruise Control
    24 ⚠ 7

Top Reported Issues

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

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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, 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