2012 Nissan Leaf problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: What gas mileage does the 2012 Nissan Leaf get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Nissan Leaf at about 99 MPGe combined (106 city / 92 highway).

Q: How much is a 2012 Nissan Leaf worth?

Comparable 2012 Nissan Leaf listings run roughly $7,900–$12,000, typically around $10,442 (from 524 vehicles).

2012 Nissan Leaf at a glance

Safety recallsNone

Owner complaints57

Overall safety5 / 5 ★

Combined99 MPGe

Typical price$10,442

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Nissan Leaf recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2012 Nissan Leaf.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Nissan Leaf common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Air Bags

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.

Service Brakes

Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Engine

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.

Seats

Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Vehicle Speed Control

Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

2012 Nissan Leaf safety ratings

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash★★★★★

Side crash★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Nissan Leaf 5 HB FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2012 Nissan Leaf efficiency & running costs

Combined99 MPGe

City106 MPGe

Highway92 MPGe

Est. annual energy cost$750

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Nissan Leaf worth?

Low

$7,900

Typical price

$10,442

High

$12,000

From 524 comparable 2012 Nissan Leaf listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Nissan Leaf costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Energy (5 yrs)$3,750

Energy only$3,750

Per mile$0.05

How this is estimated: energy is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.