2012 Nissan Leaf SL
JN1AZ0CP3CT020459
Vehicle history report for the 2012 Nissan Leaf SL (VIN JN1AZ0CP3CT020459). Blue, hatchback/liftback/notchback, electric. 27,339 mi reported. Registered in Pa. No open recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 2012 Nissan Leaf worth?
What comparable 2012 Nissan Leaf vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
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What a full report checks for VIN JN1AZ0CP3CT020459
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls None found
No open NHTSA recall campaigns were found for this 2012 Nissan Leaf.
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Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Leaf, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 57
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2012 Nissan Leaf.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
High voltage battery keeps shorting out stalling while driving on interstate almost got hit by 18 wheeler a few times it's a very unsafe car to drive and I keep smelling something like an odor from the battery I've been trying to get help to do the door ship Nissan consumer affairs and seem to be getting nowhere and they're letting me drive a car with a high…
NHTSA ODI #11719541ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Lithium batteries Depletion
NHTSA ODI #11635786AIR BAGS
Dealer is Mike Erdman Nissan Merritt Island Fl 32953 Airbag warning light flashing red on console. Paid $260 for diagnostic check on July 21, 2024. They cannot fix it as an airbag sensor on the passenger side seat is malfunctioning and the entire passenger side seat must be replaced and part is not available or is no longer in stock. They MAY be able to loca…
NHTSA ODI #11603953AIR BAGS
My Nissan Leaf is showing a warning sign that front passenger side airbag is disabled. I see that this is a common complaint from many 2011-12 Nissan Leaf owners. I would like to add my name to the list of owners who had a similar complaint and please update if you make Nissan do a recall for this issue.
NHTSA ODI #11541074ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Car stops completely due to a defective battery should be recalled by dealer manufacturer
NHTSA ODI #11539574AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
The brakes on the vehicle jerk alot when going under 15, causing everyone in the vehicle to get jerked forward multiple times and are touchy resulting in almost being in an accident. Airbag sensor for front passenger also no longer works and Nissan refuses to repair any defect
NHTSA ODI #11529118AIR BAGS
The passenger occupancy sensor has failed and as a result the passenger airbag is now permanently off, as indicated on the console. The dashboard airbag and general error lights are now constantly flashing as well. The dealer indicated the failure is the mat in the seat, OBD code B1018, and there is no repair for this failure. I see there are mutiple complai…
NHTSA ODI #11514951ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
I believe my newly purchased 2012 Nissan LEAF is suffering from the same passenger-side airbag faulty sensor problem that has been documented in NHTSA case id: 11234415. I am experiencing the same flashing warning lights when I operate the vehicle. There are no signs of damage or tampering with the passenger-side seat. I will do my best to make the vehicle…
NHTSA ODI #11473743+ 49 more complaints on record.
