I BORROWED A LEAF FROM A CO-WORKER TO DRIVE OVERNIGHT. I PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY (NOT BY A PLUG) AND PLUGGED THE 110V CHARGER INTO AN EXTENSION CORD TO CHARGE THE BATTERY. I AWOKE AT MIDNIGHT TO A STRONG BURNED PLASTIC/OZONE TYPE SMELL IN MY BEDROOM, WHICH IS ABOVE THE GARAGE. I WENT TO THE GARAGE AND FOUND THE EXTENSION CORD WAS OVERHEATING, MELTING THE PLASTIC INSULATION FROM THE WIRING. I DISCONN…
2011 nissan Leaf electrical problems
moderate 27 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$850
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
BATTERY CAPACITY HAS DROPPED 1 BAR. NISSAN CASE NUMBER [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
I BELIEVE THE BATTERY WAS RIGGED INTO RUNNING LOW RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY RAN OUT
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2011 nissan Leaf?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 27 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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