Nissan Leaf: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 12,192 Nissan Leaf cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2011 and 2026.
In a sample of 367 cars, 44.1% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (10.1% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 5 recalls for this model; 7.9% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.9% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Nissan Leaf
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 10.1% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 10.1% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 9.3% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 9% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 3.5% |
| Tyre damaged | 3.5% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 3% |
| Brake disc badly corroded | 2.5% |
| Front fog light incorrectly aimed | 1.6% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 1.4% |
Share of 367 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 11.7% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 3.3% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 1.6% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 12,192 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 7.9% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.9% |
| Used as a taxi | 1% |
| First registered | 2011 to 2026 |
All Nissan Leaf passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-08-10 | electrical system | serious | 10,882 |
| 2020-10-20 | brakes | – | 195 |
| 2015-07-14 | electrical system | – | 2,431 |
| 2015-03-13 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 4 |
| 2015-01-13 | steering | serious | 1,058 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Nissan Leaf fail the APK?
In a sample of 367 cars first registered 2012–2021, 44.1% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Nissan Leaf?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (10.1%), wipers give insufficient visibility (10.1%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (9.3%).
Does the Nissan Leaf have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 5 recalls. 7.9% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Nissan models
Qashqai · Micra · Note · Juke · Pixo · X-Trail · Almera · Pulsar · Ariya
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.