Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2019 Nissan Leaf
The 2019 Nissan LEAF has significant electrical system complaints and multiple recalls, especially focusing on battery charging and camera issues. Owners have reported problems with the propulsion and electrical systems. Given these issues, prospective buyers should conduct a detailed inspection and seek detailed service records to ensure past issues are resolved.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2019 Nissan Leaf has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 260 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #24V700000 Fire Risk from Quick Charging Battery NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V071000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V494000 Unintended Acceleration NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V048000 Incorrect Information in Owner's Manual/FMVSS 103 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V654000 No Back-Up Camera Display Image/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 178 complaints
- Unknown or Other 47 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 34 complaints
- Power Train 13 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 12 complaints
- Back Over Prevention 10 complaints
Of the 260 complaints on file, 4 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 260 complaints, owners report 5 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Battery may overheat during charging
How to check: Check for any overheating signs on the battery after charging.
Unintentional acceleration
How to check: Inquire if driving mode affects acceleration response.
Camera display may fail
How to check: Test rearview camera for distortion or loss of image.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Ensure all electrical components function properly.
Red flag: Electrical systems are malfunctioning.
- 02
Initial acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth acceleration without jerks.
Red flag: Acceleration is jerky or unresponsive.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test the e-Pedal for proper operation.
Red flag: e-Pedal does not function correctly.
- 04
Cruise control
What to check: Ensure cruise control maintains set speed.
Red flag: Speed fluctuates unexpectedly under cruise.
- 05
Parking
What to check: Test rearview camera functionality thoroughly.
Red flag: Camera image is distorted or missing.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the battery ever overheated?
- Were any recalls performed on this vehicle?
- Does the rearview camera work reliably?
- Have there been issues with unintentional acceleration?
- Is the Owner's Manual updated for defroster operation?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service records
- Recall repair documentation
- Owner's Manual
- Battery health certificate
- Warranty details
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2019 Nissan Leaf at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2019 Nissan Leaf? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.