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Buying guide

Nissan Leaf ZE1 (2017 to 2025): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Nissan Leaf ZE1 was built from 2017 to 2025 as a hatchback, with an automatic gearbox, front wheel drive and electric power. Chassis code: ZE1. 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
2017 to 2025
Chassis codes
ZE1
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 ZE1 (2017 to present). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Traction battery health

    Some degradation is normal, and Nissan rates capacity in 12 bars; below 9 bars can make the car eligible for a warranty repair to restore capacity.

    Where to look
    The battery capacity bars on the dash, and a Nissan dealer battery report
    How to test
    Ask for a Nissan dealer battery report and count the bars. Compare the range shown with the charge percentage.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost battery repair or replacement out of warranty

    Sources: carwow.co.uk (opens in a new tab), insideevs.com (opens in a new tab)

  2. Rapid charge throttling (early cars)

    On early second generation cars, software could limit rapid charging to below 20 kW once the pack was hot after an earlier rapid charge that day. The threshold was raised around 2019.

    Where to look
    The build date, and the charging speed on a second fast charge
    How to test
    Ask how the car copes with more than one rapid charge on a long trip and check the model year.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost nothing to fix; it limits long trips

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

  3. Brake disc corrosion

    Regenerative braking means the brakes see little use, which can let the discs rust and limit braking.

    Where to look
    The brake discs behind each wheel
    How to test
    Look at the disc faces for heavy rust and feel for vibration or weak braking.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost discs and pads

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

  4. Charging cables

    The charging cables are expensive to buy separately.

    Where to look
    The charging cables, usually in the boot
    How to test
    Check every cable is present and undamaged, and plug in to confirm charging starts.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost a replacement cable

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

  5. Parking lock recall

    A UK recall covered cars built between 19 July and 22 September 2019 where a poor weld could make the parking lock fail.

    Where to look
    The build date and the recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Ask a Nissan dealer to check the VIN, and on a slope check the car holds in Park.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a Nissan dealer

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

  6. Infotainment and phone app

    The infotainment is described as sluggish and the phone app as often not working.

    Where to look
    The centre screen, and the NissanConnect app
    How to test
    Work through the screen menus and ask the seller to show the app working.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a software update

    Sources: carwow.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.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it the 40 kWh or 62 kWh e+ battery?
  • How many capacity bars does it show, and is there a battery report?
  • Has it had the parking lock recall if built in 2019?
  • Are all the charging cables included?

New Zealand notes

  • NZ has both NZ new and Japanese import ZE1 Leafs, and all use the CHAdeMO fast charge plug.

A ZE1 Leaf suits a buyer who wants a practical EV with more range than the first car and checks the battery report.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

Nissan Leaf · Every Nissan model · Every make · Open in Redline search