ABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Nissan Leaf brakes problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Nissan Leaf have filed 15 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 34,000 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Leaf | 20 |
| 2012 Leaf | 17 |
| 2013 Leaf | 22 |
| 2014 Leaf (this page) | 15 |
| 2015 Leaf | 63 |
| 2016 Leaf | 14 |
| 2018 Leaf | 12 |
When does it fail?
Of the 15 brakes complaints filed for the 2014 Nissan Leaf, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Brakes accounts for 44% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
Reported failure mileage clusters in the 25,000-50,000 mi band — 6 of 7 complaints with an odometer reading on file land there.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on Certain 2013-2015 LEAF vehicles to reprogram the Electrically-driven Intelligent Brake Control Unit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on Certain 2013-2015 LEAF vehicles to reprogram the Electrically-driven Intelligent Brake Control Unit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NISSAN: ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN INTELLIGENT BRAKE CONTROL UNIT, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, NEEDS TO BE REPROGRAM. MODEL 2013-15 LEAF.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems - Radio frequency interference causing a "No Data" (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition - Sensor leaks - Moving TPMS/LTPWS wheel assemblies from one vehicle to another and TPMS/LTPWS sensor registration - Air pressure changes with altitude and ambient temperatures - Aftermarket tire sealers - Aftermarket wheels - Inflating/deflating tires with TPMS/LTPWS sensors See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe four distinct brake failures in the 2014 Nissan Leaf. The most serious is sudden total electrical braking failure—a major component that provides brake actuation gives out without warning, leaving only the parking brake functional. The vehicle coasts or rolls unpredictably, and the pedal may sink to the floor. These failures occur at low and moderate speeds, often while reversing or starting to drive. Dealers diagnose electrical failures in the brake controller or ABS control unit and demand $2,200 or more to replace it, sometimes without guaranteeing the fix will work.
Cold weather creates a second class of failures. Below roughly 38°F, some Leafs develop excessive brake pressure that makes the pedal rock-hard and nearly impossible to depress fully. The pedal travel shrinks over days of driving, raising fears the brakes will lock completely. Other owners report that cold weather makes the regenerative brake system ultra-aggressive—the slightest pedal touch triggers abrupt, violent hard braking, creating a collision hazard.
A fourth failure involves brake pedal hesitation on inclines. When shifting into drive while depressed on a slope, the pedal fails to engage immediately, and the vehicle rolls downhill.
Warning lights accompany most of these failures: yellow and red brake warnings, VDC warnings, and master warning lights. One owner reports an audible tone and grinding noise from the engine bay during failures. Nissan has not recalled these failures, though a service notice was apparently distributed starting October 2015.
Same Nissan Leaf brakes reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden complete brake failure—electrical braking component
Major electrical component that provides brake actuation fails abruptly, leaving only parking brake functional. Vehicle coasts or rolls unpredictably when brake pedal is depressed. Occurs at low speeds (5–10 mph) and higher speeds while shifting or driving. Dealer diagnosis confirms electrical failure, not mechanical wear.
When: Low mileage (6,400–50,100 miles); no clear pattern except some occur after extended drives or following cold weather
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of responsive braking; pedal may feel soft or go to floor; Vehicle rolls or coasts when brakes are applied; ABS noise (grinding, whining) with zero brake response; Multiple warning lights: yellow brake, red brake, VDC, master warning; Emergency/parking brake remains functional as only backup
Codes mentioned: E-Driven Intelligent Braking COMM DTC
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaces braking controller (~$2,200 for ABS control unit replacement mentioned); some owners paid ~$300 for system reinitialization/reconfiguration. Nissan denies warranty coverage in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal recall issued as of complaint dates, though Nissan cited a 'Service Notice' effective October 15, 2015 that some owners never received. Cold-weather brake controller update applied to at least one vehicle one month before failure. Multiple owners report Nissan initially claimed no knowledge of similar complaints.
Cold-weather brake stiffness and reduced pedal travel
Below ~38°F, brake system develops excessive pressure, making pedal stiff and difficult to depress fully. Pedal travel decreases over days of driving, raising concern of eventual total lock. Dealer inspection found nothing wrong, offering no explanation.
When: Cold weather (below ~38°F); some reports follow parked periods of 40 minutes to several hours
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes extremely hard to press; Pedal travel decreases progressively; Excessive brake pressure that limits how far pedal can move; Audible noise from front when pedal is engaged (actuator noise); Pedal returns to normal operation after vehicle warms or sits (temporary relief)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid ~$300 for system reinitialization/reconfiguration; most received no repair or explanation from dealer. Some owners had received cold-weather brake controller update prior to complaints.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers report finding nothing wrong despite owner concerns. Nissan reportedly had no known issue for this symptom when contacted.
Aggressive regenerative braking in cold temperatures
Below ~38°F, regenerative brake system causes abrupt, jerky hard braking with minimal pedal input, creating safety hazard if following traffic is unaware. Second tap on brake temporarily resolves, but symptom recurs shortly after.
When: Temperatures below approximately 38°F
Symptoms owners cite: Slightest brake application triggers very hard, abrupt braking; Jerky vehicle behavior during deceleration; Second brake tap temporarily suppresses the symptom; Behavior repeats soon after temporary relief; Risk of collision if following vehicles cannot anticipate hard stops
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan dealer told owner this is not a known issue.
Brake pedal hesitation and slow response on inclines
When shifting into drive on an incline with brake pedal depressed, pedal hesitates to respond, allowing vehicle to roll downhill. Brake engagement is delayed, not immediate.
When: Low mileage (approximately 6,400 miles); triggered by shifting into drive on incline
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal hesitation on incline after shift from park to drive; Vehicle rolls downhill despite pedal being depressed; Delayed brake response
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified; no repair information provided in complaint.
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
As I was driving my car the breaks started to make some noises when activated . I change my route to take it to the dealership for a revision and as I was getting there the brakes started to fail to a point that, by the time I got to the dealership 9a couple of miles away) , it was almost not breaking at all. May this have happened in different conditions the result could have been a serious…
Brake Failure - ABS noise, there is zero brake action. Pedal goes all the way to the floor and nothing happens. Car makes an ABS noise but there is zero brake action. I reported this to Nissan dealer twice at first, they couldn't find a problem now their saying it maybe the ABS Control Unit. They want to replace the ABS Control Unit at $2,200 but does not guarantee that's the problems. The…
After coming from work (54 mile back and forth) on 11/4/2020, parked 2014 leaf sv at the driveway for 40 minutes. Then went back in, powered the car and shifted to reverse. The car backed-up fast because the brake seemed not working. So I have to stepped on the pedal harder. I know some thing is wrong because when you step on the brakes a noise a can be heard at the front. I checked and it seemed…
Upon starting the car in the parking lot, the brake pressure did not release as usual when starting the car. When driven in the parking lot at low speeds, the brake does not function as it should. There is so much pressure that I can only press the pedal down a limited amount to make the car stop. After a few days of driving the car less than 10 miles total, the problem has worsened and there is…
Drove vehicle from home to destination 15 miles away with no issues. Stopped and turned off vehicle. Audible tone came on with everything off. Started vehicle. Multiple warning lights appeared. Turned off vehicle. Turned back on, brake warning appeared, car idled forward and could not brake it to stop without hard braking. Turned off vehicle.
Complete braking system failure. After putting the car into reverse, only the emergency brake and parking system were functional. Once taken out of park, the vehicle was effectively free-rolling and nearly hit a structure. While in-gear, the brake sensation was that of having ABS actively working, and the brake needed to be smashed to the floor to get any functional braking. The fearful part…
Backing out of the driveway, the brakes failed and I was unable to stop the vehicle as it rolled into the street. Brake pedal went to the floor and loud noises were heard from inside the engine compartment. Towed to dealership, paid ~$300 to "reinitialize and reconfigure" the brake system.
Brake failure. Pressing on brakes with normal pressure had no effect. Pressing on pedal very hard would stop the car. When doing so there was a noise that I believe was associated with the ABS braking system. This could have been disastrous if there had been a pedestrian around. Took to dealer. They said the braking controller had failed. They replaced and it appears normal now.…
I was driving my 2014 Nissan leaf sl at a low speed (5-10 MPH) when the brakes had a sudden and unanticipated total brake failure. While pulling up to a stoplight to make a right turn, I was unable to stop the car for approximately 10 feet beyond where I had intended. Fortunately, there were no other vehicles or pedestrians in my path. This event happened in downtown salt lake city. From the…
Had brakes trouble with your 2014 Nissan Leaf?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2014 Nissan Leaf?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 15 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 16,500 and 45,000 miles, with the median around 34,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,500; a quarter make it past 45,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Nissan/Leaf.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.