2012 Nissan Leaf SL user reviews

Pros No gas. Helps the environment.

Cons Presently will not start, has a computer/brake problem, and Nissan cannot figure out why.

Spare tire does not exist, and tire repair system is poor and cost $300 per tire to use!

Range WAY lower than stated with heater, or on highways.

Summary I bought this car as a vote for electric cars which I believe in. However I would tell anyone any time to NEVER buy a first year model! This car did not change my mind about that.

The car did well until the first flat. It does not carry a spare in its limited trunk space, so instead they have an inflation/sealing sytem. The liquid in the sealing system costs $110.00 to replace!! It is guaranteed to ruin the tires pressure sensors ($150.00), so the minimum cost of a flat if you use their inflation system is $300.00 if the tire is repairable! WHO THOUGHT OF THAT?? When I used it at night (no light on the pump, and 14 instructions need to be followed) the pump spewed the liquid all over the car, and me, also ruining the pump ($350.00)! I bought a "Slime tire inflating kit for less than $20.00 which is guaranteed not to ruin the pressure sensor, with a light, which can be used to inflate only which the Nissan pump cannot. FIRE THE PERSON WHO THOUGHT OF THIS ONE!

However the main problem occurred when I took the car into the dealership for repair: The car had had a slide to it where I would press the brake and the car would not brake for 1/2 second, however I assumed that this was me until the car would not start, and it gave me the error that the brake peddle was not pressed (needed to start the car). I pressed harder and nothing. Took the car into the dealership (a week ago) and they could not figure out why. Fair enough. So they contacted Nissan. Nissan has not gotten back in touch with them, and they have not returned calls to me when promised.

Obviously the brakes not being seen by the computer is a hassard, as the car uses a computerized braking system. If I press on it, and the computer does not see that I am, the braking cannot work right, and the real possibility of crashing into the car in front occurs. Presently the car cannot be started or charged because of the same problem, and the dealership and Nissan USA has not been able to figure out why, or respond in a week. I have not had my prior car into the dealership for a week in the last 10 years! Knowing it is a braking problem and having had the car slide for a 1/2 second before the brakes grab does not inspire confidence, and the Nissan dealership, than Nissan USA not keeping their word and / or keeping in touch when a problem like this occurs does not inspire confidence either. Further I need a car, but one that is not a hassard!

Besides the fact that the computer will not allow the car to start, and the brakes to work right, the other problem is range on a cold day (using heater) or on the freeway. In both cases expect your milage to be about 40 when the car is new. Without a battery replacement policy for batteries that will not hold a charge, this virtually kills this car as a serious auto.