DecodedCars2018 Nissan Leaf
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 5dr Hatchback
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- EV
- EV range
- 151 mi · 8 h on 240 V
- Length
- 176.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,439 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Short EV rangeUp to 151 miles on a charge (EPA) — plan around charging.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Nissan Leaf is a midsize car powered by electricity and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 176 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,439 lb.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 151 miles and takes about 8 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 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 67 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2018
- Longest EV range up from 107 to 151 miles
- Lightest version 174 lb heavier
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Leaf →
Trims, performance & features
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Smyrna, Tennessee
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2018 Leaf configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5dr Hatchback | 176.4 in | 70.5 in | 61.4 in | 106.3 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,439 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf EV | 110 kW DCPM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 151 mi · 30.0011 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Nissan Leaf.
Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Nissan Leaf (this car) | 151 mi | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (4)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Feb 2, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V071000 · 57,914 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2022 LEAF vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23D7.
Vehicle Speed Control · Jul 17, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V494000 · 66,159 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The vehicle may accelerate unintentionally if the driving mode is changed ("D" to "B"; e-Pedal "On"; or "ECO" mode) after disengaging the cruise control.
- Risk
- Unintentional acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module (VCM), free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23A6.
Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual · Feb 2, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V048000 · 64,732 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect, and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
- Risk
- Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Nissan will mail an addendum with updated instructions on how to operate the defroster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 1, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22C5.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 12, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V654000 · 1,228,830 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Not every 2018 Nissan Leaf is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Nissan Leaf buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 19 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 18 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 13 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 7,500 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 151 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 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 |
| 2017 Leaf | 107 mi | 175.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 17 |
| 2016 Leaf | 107 mi | 175.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 36 |
| 2015 Leaf | 84 mi | 175.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 109 |
| 2014 Leaf | 84 mi | 175.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 31 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →