2016 Nissan Leaf — Full Specifications
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The 2016 Nissan Leaf is a hatchback powered by an electric motor, with an EPA-rated range of around 107 miles per charge. Owners often keep a Nissan Leaf workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2015 Nissan Leaf: The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
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 | 107 miles |
| Efficiency | 30.0 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 2016 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 | 137 | 114 (126/101) | — | $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 2016 Nissan Leaf
Running Costs: 2016 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.
2016 Nissan Leaf Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Nissan Leaf (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (3), Equipment (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 17V253000, reported 13 April 2017. Risk: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag doesn't deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury to passengers.
- Air bags — campaign 16V436000, reported 15 June 2016. Risk: If the wiring harness disconnects, the passenger air bag may not to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- 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.
Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Nissan Leaf. The most-reported areas are Service brakes (16), Electrical system (13), Fuel/propulsion system (8). Complaints include 1 reported crash, 1 reported fire. That is close to the median of 56 complaints across the 16 Nissan Leaf model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 Nissan Leaf
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (3 recall campaigns) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Brakes (16 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Electrical system (13 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Fuel system (8 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
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 2016 Nissan Leaf
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 Nissan Leaf have?
It's powered by an electric motor with an EPA-rated range of around 107 miles per charge.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Nissan Leaf?
It uses around 30.0 kWh per 100 miles.
Does the 2016 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 2016 Nissan Leaf have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Nissan Leaf (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (3), Equipment (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 2016 Nissan Leaf?
Among the 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Service brakes (16 complaints), Electrical system (13 complaints), Fuel/propulsion system (8 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 2016 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.