Skip to content
MotorFiable

Leaf I 30 kWh, 109 hp (2015-2017) engine: faults and reliability

Nissan Leaf (ZE0, ZE1) and e-NV200: motor síncrono de 80 a 160 kW and baterías de 24 a 62 kWh refrigeradas por aire version

With caution

In the study sample degradation depends mostly on mileage, and the French listing records faster-than-expected loss of bars; buy with a battery health report.[1][2]

Years
2015–2017
Power
109 hp
Faults that affect it
4
2 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
1
in our database

3 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

30 kWh battery from autumn 2015, with denser modules and an eight-year or 160,000 km capacity warranty; same 80 kW motor. Still has no active cooling.[1][3]

Faults of the Leaf I 30 kWh, 109 hp (2015-2017) engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1High severityFrequency: CommonTraction batteryAccelerated degradation of the air-cooled batteryThe first-generation Leaf battery, and the 24 kWh e-NV200 battery that shares its technology, is cooled by air only and loses capacity faster than others: a study of 283 Leafs puts the loss of the 24 kWh battery at around 20% over five years.
  2. 2High severityFrequency: RareTraction batteryBattery module or electronics fault with prolonged immobilisationFrench listings record cases of failure of the electronics or of a module in the Leaf battery (BMS/PDM on a 24 kWh, sudden module failure on a 30 kWh, fault under warranty on a 62 kWh) that left the car off the road for two to six months.
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: RareChargingOn-board charger fault on AC chargingThe Leaf I's internal charger can fail and prevent AC charging (domestic socket or wallbox), although CHAdeMO fast charging may still work.
  4. 4Medium severityFrequency: RareElectric motor and reduction gearNoise from the transmission reduction gearThe French listings for the Leaf I and Leaf II describe growls or whines from the reduction gear (the single-speed transmission), more marked at steady speed, which can end in replacing the assembly.

Cars fitted with the Leaf I 30 kWh, 109 hp (2015-2017) engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Nissan

Frequently asked questions

Is the Leaf I 30 kWh, 109 hp (2015-2017) engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. In the study sample degradation depends mostly on mileage, and the French listing records faster-than-expected loss of bars; buy with a battery health report.[1][2]

What faults does the Leaf I 30 kWh, 109 hp (2015-2017) engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: accelerated degradation of the air-cooled battery (high severity), battery module or electronics fault with prolonged immobilisation (high severity), on-board charger fault on AC charging (medium severity) and noise from the transmission reduction gear (medium severity).

Which cars use the Leaf I 30 kWh, 109 hp (2015-2017) engine?

Nissan Leaf I (2011–2017).[2][3]

Are you buying a car with the Leaf I 30 kWh, 109 hp (2015-2017) engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Estudio comparativo de la degradación de la batería del Nissan Leaf de primera generaciónMovilidad Eléctrica · Motoring press · published 27 March 2018 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
  2. Fiabilité Nissan Leaf (2011-2017) : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
  3. Nissan Leaf (Wikipedia, de)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German