2013 Nissan Leaf — Full Specifications
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The 2013 Nissan Leaf is a hatchback powered by an electric motor, with an EPA-rated range of around 75 miles per charge. Owners often keep a Nissan Leaf workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2012 Nissan Leaf: The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. The overall NHTSA rating moves from 5★ to 4★. EPA passenger volume changes from 90 to 92 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine | Electric motor |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (A1) |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 92 cu ft (2,605 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 24 cu ft (680 L) |
| EPA Range | 75 miles |
| Efficiency | 29.0 kWh/100 mi |
| CO₂ Emissions | 0 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 10 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 1 configuration for the 2013 Nissan Leaf, all with the Electric motor engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric motor | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 138 | 115 (129/102) | — | $650 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 92 cubic feet (about 2,605 litres) and luggage volume at 24 cubic feet (about 680 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2013 Nissan Leaf
Running Costs: 2013 Nissan Leaf
Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2013 Nissan Leaf Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2013 Nissan Leaf (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Equipment (1), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Equipment — campaign 23V296000, reported 26 April 2023. Risk: Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 16V244000, reported 26 April 2016. Risk: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
- Service brakes — campaign 16V119000, reported 29 February 2016. Risk: If the brake relay fails, longer distances or additional brake effort would be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Electrical system — campaign 14V138000, reported 25 March 2014. Risk: If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could…
Showing the 4 most recent of 5 campaigns.
Owners have filed 81 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Nissan Leaf. The most-reported areas are Service brakes (32), Electrical system (18), Air bags (17). Complaints include 11 reported crashes, 1 reported fire, 4 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 56 complaints across the 16 Nissan Leaf model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2013 Nissan Leaf
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Brakes (1 recall campaign · 32 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Air bags (2 recall campaigns · 17 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 18 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2013 Nissan Leaf
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2013 Nissan Leaf have?
It's powered by an electric motor with an EPA-rated range of around 75 miles per charge.
What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Nissan Leaf?
It uses around 29.0 kWh per 100 miles.
Does the 2013 Nissan Leaf have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2013 Nissan Leaf have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2013 Nissan Leaf (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Equipment (1), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2013 Nissan Leaf?
Among the 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Service brakes (32 complaints), Electrical system (18 complaints), Air bags (17 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2013 Nissan Leaf have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 92 cubic feet (about 2,605 litres) and luggage volume at 24 cubic feet (about 680 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.