2020 Nissan Leaf Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2020 model year · 4,500+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 4,500+ owner reports, the 2020 Nissan Leaf has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Battery Pack Capacity Degradation ($0-$8,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Battery Pack Capacity Degradation with 4,500 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 2 Known Issues
On the 2011-2023 Nissan Leaf, the Nissan Leaf uses an air-cooled lithium-ion battery that degrades faster than liquid-cooled competitors. Hot climates (Arizona, Texas) accelerate degradation significantly. Early models (2011-2015) with 24 kWh packs can lose 30-40% capacity within 5-7 years. Nissan provides an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty covering loss below 9 bars (approximately 66% capacity) on the dashboard gauge.
Common Symptoms
- Range decreasing over time
- Battery capacity bars disappearing on dashboard
- Reduced range in hot weather
- Battery temperature warning
- Rapid charging speed declining
How to Fix
Monitor battery health using LeafSpy app and OBD2 adapter. Keep battery between 20-80% charge for daily use. Avoid frequent DC fast charging. Park in shade in hot climates. If below 9 bars within warranty period, Nissan will replace battery modules. Aftermarket battery replacement/upgrade available from $5,000-8,000.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 4,500+ owners who fixed this issue
- Tip
- Tip
- UpgradeHigh-performance AGM battery with excellent cold cranking amps and deep cycle capability (Optima RedTop AGM Battery)
- UpgradeOEM-quality replacement battery with reliable performance (ACDelco Professional AGM Battery)
- UpgradeAutomatic battery maintainer to prevent parasitic drain issues during storage (Battery Tender Junior 12V Battery Charger Maintainer)
- UpgradeLevel 2 portable EV charger for reliable home or on-the-go charging (Lectron Portable Level 2 EV Charger)
On the 2011-2024 Nissan Leaf Electric Motor, the Leaf's small 12V auxiliary battery drains and fails frequently, sometimes within 2-3 years. The telematics system, Carwings/NissanConnect, and other modules draw power even when the car is off. If the 12V dies, the car cannot be turned on despite the traction battery being fully charged. This is the #1 most-reported issue on Leaf owner forums across all model years.
Common Symptoms
- Car won't power on despite traction battery charged
- No response from key fob
- Dashboard lights dim or flickering
- Clock resets to wrong time
- Car dies after sitting for a week
How to Fix
Replace the 12V battery proactively every 3-4 years ($100-$180 for the correct Group 51R battery). The battery is under the hood. Disconnect the 12V negative terminal if the car will sit unused for more than 2 weeks. A trickle charger ($25-$40) connected to the 12V keeps it topped off during storage. If stranded, jump-start the 12V with a portable jump pack to restore the vehicle to operation.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipMark your calendar to replace the 12V every 3 years. Keep a lithium jump pack in the frunk. The Leaf's 12V dies more often than any car I've owned because of the always-on telematics draining it.
- UpgradeHigh-performance AGM battery with excellent cold cranking amps and deep cycle capability (Optima RedTop AGM Battery)
- UpgradeOEM-quality replacement battery with reliable performance (ACDelco Professional AGM Battery)
- UpgradeAutomatic battery maintainer to prevent parasitic drain issues during storage (Battery Tender Junior 12V Battery Charger Maintainer)