Nissan Leaf ZE1
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Generations
Engine Overview
The Nissan Leaf ZE1 is available with one engine variant at 109 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Nissan Elektro (Elektro, 150–217 PS) comes with 2 different engines: EM57 (2017–2024, Be Careful) und EM57 (2019–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Elektro!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rapidgate: charging power collapses on repeated fast charging In the Leaf ZE1 40 kWh the DC fast charging power drops sharply after multiple fast charges on a single journey — down to 16 kW instead of 50 kW. Nissan released a software update that reduces the throttling to ~40 kW. Symptoms: Second and third fast charge sessions significantly slower, charge bar fills very slowly on display | Low | |
| Battery degradation 30 kWh faster than 40 kWh Leaf ZE1 models with the 30 kWh battery demonstrably degrade faster than the 40 kWh variant. After 4 years, 30 kWh vehicles often achieve only the range of older 24 kWh models. Symptoms: Decreasing range, reduced bars on battery display, shorter charging times to full from 80,000 km | High | |
| CHAdeMO charging error Some Leaf ZE1 vehicles show errors during DC fast charging via CHAdeMO. Error messages at the vehicle or at the charging station are known and can indicate communication errors between vehicle and charger. Symptoms: Error message 'A vehicle fault has been detected' during CHAdeMO charging, charging session aborts from 60,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
BMW 2er U06
Kompaktklasse (2022–2025)
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BMW 2er Coupé G42
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Honda Civic FL
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Kia EV6 CV
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Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W206
Kompaktklasse (2021–2025)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 6 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Leaf ZE1 (2017–2024) — 2 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, HVAC.
Leaf (EM57, 2017–2024) — Be Careful: Accelerated battery degradation (no active cooling), Rapidgate: Charging throttled during repeated fast charging. Power: 150 PS.
Leaf (EM57, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Accelerated battery degradation (no active cooling), Rapidgate: Charging throttled during repeated fast charging. Power: 217 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 ZE1 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Nissan Leaf ZE1? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Nissan Leaf ZE1 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Nissan Leaf ZE1 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Nissan Leaf ZE1? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee