DecodedCars2011 Nissan Leaf
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV
- EV range
- 73 mi · 7 h on 240 V
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints59 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 230 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Short EV rangeUp to 73 miles on a charge (EPA) — plan around charging.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Nissan Leaf is a midsize car powered by electricity and front-wheel drive.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 73 miles and takes about 7 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf EV | 80 kW DCPM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 73 mi · 34 kWh/100mi | – | $750 | – |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Nissan Leaf.
Similar 2011 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Nissan Leaf (this car) | 73 mi | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Toyota Camry | 33 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Toyota Prius | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Hyundai Elantra | 32 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2011 Chevrolet Malibu | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Buick Regal | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2011 Nissan Altima | 33 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Nissan Leaf.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2011 Nissan Leaf is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Nissan Leaf buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 35 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 10 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 9 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 73 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Nissan Leaf. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Leaf years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Leaf | 303 mi | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 3 |
| 2025 Leaf | 212 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 7 |
| 2024 Leaf | 212 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2023 Leaf | 212 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 22 |
| 2022 Leaf | 226 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 96 |
| 2021 Leaf | 226 mi | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 57 |
| 2020 Leaf | 226 mi | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 167 |
| 2019 Leaf | 226 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 260 |
| 2018 Leaf | 151 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 67 |
| 2017 Leaf | 107 mi | 175.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 17 |
| 2016 Leaf | 107 mi | 175.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 36 |
| 2015 Leaf | 84 mi | 175.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 109 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →