Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2023 Nissan LEAF
Our scoring places the 2023 Nissan LEAF at 7.2/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this ev. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Performance at 6.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional ev — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.2/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.0/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.0/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $28,260–$35,401, 110 MPG, seating 5, the Nissan LEAF sits in the mid-market bracket of the ev segment. The 7.5/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2023 Nissan LEAF is a passable ev but not a standout one. Weaknesses in performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among EVs
The 2023 Nissan LEAF ranks #218 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 19% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $28,260 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $52,750 by about 46%.
$0 — 3 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which LEAF Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Nissan LEAF scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.2 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Exceptional fuel efficiency at 110 MPG — among the best in its class
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Nissan LEAF (3 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Equipment / Other / Owners/service/other manual 02/02/2023 · 23V048000
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…
Service brakes, hydraulic / Foundation components / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 22/05/2023 · 23V362000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 LEAF vehicles. The right-hand brake tubes may have been damaged during production and could corrode, possibly causing a hole in the brake line and a brake fluid leak.
Vehicle speed control 17/07/2023 · 23V494000
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.
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2023 Nissan LEAF that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2023 Nissan LEAF
Is the 2023 Nissan LEAF reliable?
We rate the 2023 Nissan LEAF's reliability 7.2/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2023 Nissan LEAF have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2023 Nissan LEAF worth buying?
It scores 7.2/10 overall, ranking #218 of 268 evs in our database (better than 19% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2023 Nissan LEAF cost?
The 2023 Nissan LEAF starts at $28,260 and ranges up to $35,401 across trims (MSRP when new). At 110 MPG, expect roughly $477/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which LEAF years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest LEAF years we've rated are 2016 (6.8/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.3/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2023 Nissan LEAF have?
The documented issues for the 2023 Nissan LEAF are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Equipment, Service brakes, hydraulic, Vehicle speed control (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Nissan LEAF
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Similar EV to Consider
Other evs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
