DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Nissan Leaf steering problems
severe 5 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 5 steering complaints filed for the 2018 Nissan Leaf, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.
DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018-2021 LEAF AND 2017-2020 ROGUE; STEERING WHEEL CHROME FINISHER REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION If the chrome finisher on the steering wheel needs to be replaced, the chrome finisher can be ordered separately from the steering wheel. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Remove the driver side air bag module. ï· For removal of the driver side air bag module, refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM), section REPAIR â RESTRAINTS â SRS AIRBAG â REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION â DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE. NOTE: ï· When removing the chrome finisher from the steering wheel, reference Figure 2 for the 6 attachment points. ï· During removal of the chrome finisher (step 2 on page 3), pull on the chrome finishe
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Nissan propilot has a serious safety flaw. When using propilot on my 2018 Nissan leaf sv in stop and go highway traffic, sometimes when my Nissan leaf coasts to an almost complete stop 15 feet behind a "boxy" vehicle like a semi-truck, the leaf suddenly accelerates like if there is no vehicle directly in front of me and if I am not completely attentive and if I do not immediately apply the…
Steering wheel paint chipping causes multiple lacerations on finger during turn
Had steering trouble with your 2018 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 steering problem on the 2018 Nissan Leaf?
It's a meaningful issue. 5 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 5 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 12,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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/2018/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.