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Buying guide

Nissan Leaf ZE0 (2010 to 2017): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Nissan Leaf ZE0 was built from 2010 to 2017 as a hatchback, with an automatic gearbox, front wheel drive and electric power. Chassis codes: ZE0 and AZE0. Redline has a curated guide to its 6 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2010 to 2017
Chassis codes
ZE0, AZE0
Body types
Hatchback
Gearboxes
Automatic
Drive
FWD (front wheel drive)
Fuel
Electric

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Nissan Leaf ZE0 and AZE0 (2010 to 2017). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Traction battery capacity

    All Leaf batteries lose capacity, and early air cooled packs before 2015 suffered badly from heat. A Leaf that started with about 117 km of range may now manage far less.

    Where to look
    The battery capacity bars on the right edge of the dash (12 when new), and a battery report
    How to test
    Count the capacity bars and ask for a recent battery report from a Nissan dealer or a LeafSpy scan showing the state of health. Compare the range shown at full charge with what you need.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a replacement or upgraded battery pack

    Sources: insideevs.com (opens in a new tab), autotrader.ca (opens in a new tab)

  2. 12 volt battery

    A weak 12 volt battery causes a string of odd accessory faults, often from short trips or the car left in accessory mode.

    Where to look
    The 12 volt battery under the bonnet
    How to test
    If any electrics act up, ask when the 12 volt battery was last replaced, and check the car powers up cleanly.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a new 12 volt battery

    Sources: autotrader.ca (opens in a new tab)

  3. Outstanding software updates

    Updates were issued for cold weather braking, the range display and compatibility with some chargers.

    Where to look
    The Nissan dealer record for the VIN
    How to test
    Give a Nissan dealer the VIN and ask whether any updates are outstanding.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a dealer software update

    Sources: autotrader.ca (opens in a new tab)

  4. Charging cables and charge port

    Charging cables are expensive to replace, and a frayed cord or cracked plug is a safety hazard.

    Where to look
    The charging cables in the boot, and the charge ports under the front flap
    How to test
    Check every cable the car should have is there, and look for fraying, splits and cracked plugs. Plug in and confirm it starts charging.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost a replacement cable

    Sources: carbuyer.co.uk (opens in a new tab), autotrader.ca (opens in a new tab)

  5. Infotainment SD card

    The SD card the infotainment needs is tailored to each car and costs hundreds to replace.

    Where to look
    The SD card slot by the infotainment screen
    How to test
    Check the card is present and the sat nav and screen work.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost a replacement coded card

    Sources: carbuyer.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  6. Recalls

    UK recalls covered a steering column clip on 2013 to 2014 builds, the start button on September 2013 to January 2014 builds and headlamp aim on early 2017 builds.

    Where to look
    The build date and the recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Ask a Nissan dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a Nissan dealer

    Sources: carbuyer.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

  • Service: every year or 18,000 miles on the UK schedule, with brake fluid at the major service. The brakes see little use, so fluid and discs still need care. (carbuyer.co.uk (opens in a new tab))

Questions to ask the seller

  • How many battery capacity bars does it show, and is there a battery health report?
  • Is it a 24 kWh or 30 kWh car?
  • Does it have the heat pump heater?
  • Are all the charging cables included?
  • Has the 12 volt battery been replaced?

New Zealand notes

  • Most NZ Leafs are Japanese imports and use the CHAdeMO fast charge plug. Ask for a battery state of health report before you buy.

A first generation Leaf suits a town driver with home charging who checks the battery capacity first.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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