BatteryCritical
Capacity loss on earlier 24kWh and 30kWh cars
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Check bar count and run a state-of-health report before you buy
2013 Nissan Leaf problems
A 2013 Nissan Leaf is now 13 years old, so an average example has covered around 175,500 miles. This is the first model year of the generation · early-build cars carry the highest share of teething faults and the most recall activity, so check the service history for completed recall work. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2013 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2013 Nissan Leaf is 13 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 175,500 miles. At that mileage most documented faults are still ahead of it, so servicing evidence matters more than wear.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
BatteryHigh
Rapid-charge slowdown when the pack heats up
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Try a rapid charge and note whether the rate drops sharply
BrakesMedium
Rear disc corrosion from regenerative braking
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Inspect rear discs for heavy scaling
ElectricalMedium
12V battery failure causing false warning lights
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Test the 12V battery separately from the traction pack
Inspecting a 2013 Nissan Leaf?
Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.
Check this exact carNissan Leaf · frequently asked questions
What is the first Leaf check?
State of health. A car with heavy degradation is a trade unit, not a retail one, whatever the mileage says.
Do older Leafs still sell?
Yes as cheap second cars, provided you are honest about real-world range.
Is rapid-charge slowdown a fault?
It is a characteristic of the air-cooled pack, but buyers must be told before purchase.