136 of the
1,515 complaints filed about the Nissan Leaf
are about the fuel system —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2019.
Incident Summary & Ineffective Recall Remedy: I am reporting an acute high-voltage battery cell collapse on my 2021 Nissan LEAF (VIN: [XXX]). The vehicle previously received the software update for NHTSA Recall #25V655 (Nissan Recall #R25C8) at Kings Nissan. The software patch failed to repair the underlying defective battery hardware. Following a second service visit on XXX where Kings Nissan tested only the auxiliary 12V lead-acid battery to dismiss my complaint, I purchased an independent CAN-bus diagnostic tool. On XXX (63,702 miles), LeafSpy telemetry confirmed Cell #31 is severely degraded, exhibiting a 191–307 mV voltage collapse. This causes sudden dashboard state-of-charge drops from 70%+ down to 42–45% on active highways, forcing emergency power limits ("limp mode"). Refusal of Post-Remedy Service: Despite active Corporate Case #XXX with Nissan Consumer Affairs, authorized dealers (Kings Nissan, Nissan of Queens and Nissan of Staten Island) refuse to intake, scan, or ground the vehicle, leaving a severe hardware hazard active on public roads. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11763960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My Nissan Leaf entered turtle mode on the freeways 8 times over the course of about a week and a half. This causes the car to slow itself down, and severely limit acceleration. The first time was on August 16th, 2026. This is incredibly dangerous, especially on the interstate. No one expects a car to be going 35mph on I-10, or any highway, therefore, this could have easily caused a severe rear end accident. I took it to Nissan of Mission Hills in Los Angeles for inspection after the first 4 times, they claimed that they couldn’t touch it without permission from corporate, and the next day said everything is fine. Due to severe safety concerns, I didn’t want to be driving it any longer and had to give it up for bank repossession. I have attached the photo of the slip from the dealer that did not fix the issue and a photo of the warning light.
NHTSA complaint #11762055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We were asked by Nissan corporate to bring in the vehicle for a safety recall related to the battery. The Nissan dealership updated the battery software then gave the vehicle back to us. However, as soon as we drove away the dash lit up with warning lights. We were on the freeway so we pulled over. It was a dangerous situation. We called the dealership and they required us to bring the car back. So we slowly and carefully drove the car a few miles back to the dealership. In their analysis, they decided the battery must be replaced. However, they no longer make that kind of battery, the stocks were on back order for up to a year, and the software update could not be reversed. So they initiated a buyback. We were not interested in selling the vehicle -- we simply wanted the recall issue fixed -- but we had no choice. The procedure for determining a buyback dollar amount has been extremely frustrating and manipulative. From our perspective, it's unlikely we'll be able to buy a working used EV for the amount they're offering. We have searched and it's difficult-to-impossible. No one informed us this situation was a possibility. We asked for a higher dollar amount, only enough to actually buy an equivalent replacement vehicle. They tell us they require the original Bill of Sale for the vehicle. But we don't have that and can't get it. We sent it to DMV after the purchase. We did get certified copies from DMV at a cost but Nissan insists they must have the original Bill of Sale in order to make us an offer greater than Kelly Blue Book value + 40%, which is insufficient as noted. Obviously, this is an arbitrary demand. If they can offer us one amount without the Bill of Sale, they can offer us any amount. But they refuse to discuss or negotiate.
NHTSA complaint #11761248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car all of a sudden lost drive power while I was driving up Parleys Canyon on I-80. My car started slowing down in traffic rapidly and I had to make emergency maneuvers to get to the side of the road. After the incident the car had trouble accelerating and couldn't keep up with traffic to get it to the shop. This is an active recall and Nissan refuses to fix the battery.
NHTSA complaint #11760989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2020 Nissan LEAF is subject to open safety recall 24V700 / R24B2 for a high-voltage lithium-ion battery defect that poses a fire risk during Level 3 quick charging. On [XXX], I brought the vehicle to an authorized Nissan dealer for the recall remedy. Three days later, on [XXX], while driving from New Hampshire to Connecticut, the vehicle displayed a "Service EV" warning and entered a reduced-power (limp) state on the highway, creating a hazardous condition in traffic. A separate authorized Nissan dealer diagnosed a fault in the high-voltage battery pack. The vehicle is now undrivable and cannot be charged. Nissan has been unable to supply a replacement battery and has indicated the vehicle will likely be repurchased because the recall remedy is unavailable. As a result, I am the owner of a vehicle that is undrivable due to an unremedied federal safety recall, with no available remedy and no timeline for one. The mileage at diagnosis was 99,100, within the vehicle's battery warranty period. I am filing this complaint because the recall remedy for 24V700 was not effective in my case, the vehicle failed dangerously shortly after the recall service was performed, and Nissan is currently unable to remedy the recall. I am also documenting the manufacturer's failure to provide interim transportation while the recall remains unremedied. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11759797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The high-voltage battery on my 2022 Nissan Leaf is subject to Recall 25V655. The recall notice states that the battery cells can develop excessive lithium deposits, which increases electrical resistance and can cause rapid battery heating during Level 3 fast charging. Nissan instructs owners not to use Level 3 charging at all until a “remedy” is available. The issue is that the remedy described by Nissan is not an actual repair of the battery defect. Nissan states it will install software that monitors for “state-of-charge fluctuation” and, if detected, will prevent the vehicle from restarting or recharging in order to avoid a thermal incident. This means the defect inside the battery cells is still present, and the car may disable itself if the defect begins to appear. The recall materials also state there is no warning before overheating occurs. This creates multiple safety concerns: • The underlying battery defect remains uncorrected. • The vehicle can become immobilized (unable to restart or recharge) if the software detects the condition. • Loss of Level 3 charging capability affects the ability to travel safely or plan charging when needed. • A battery fire risk exists during Level 3 charging if the defect is not detected in time. Nissan’s documents state that the software is meant only to prevent the “progression” of a thermal incident, not to repair the defective battery. I am concerned that my vehicle contains a known hazardous defect that has not been physically repaired and that the software-only response is inadequate to ensure safety. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA is aware that the remedy being offered does not address the internal battery defect itself and may leave owners exposed to continued safety and reliability risks.
NHTSA complaint #11759526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAFETY COMPLAINT / INCIDENT DESCRIPTION Vehicle presented to Dennis Dillon Nissan on June 20 2026 for a factory high voltage battery recall software update intended to fix Level 3 fast charging safety risks. The software update rendered the vehicle completely inoperable by disabling standard Level 2 charging. The vehicle has been held in continuous dealer custody for 58 consecutive days without a working repair. Nissan failed to disclose that the recall patch could brick a functioning EV. Loaner support was revoked prematurely forcing 850 in out of pocket rental costs. Inadequate buyback offer via Morley Companies was rejected. Factory recall update rendered vehicle useless and unsafe to operate.
NHTSA complaint #11757287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car was fast charged on July 9th. 2026. After fast charging from 13% to 80%, and driving for a few miles, the overheating warning came on and car was forced to stop on the side of a busy highway until the engine cooled off. While there is an active recall for a similar problem (24V700), my car is not included and we were not notified.
NHTSA complaint #11749783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MANUFACTURER RECALL CAMPAIGN: Nissan R24B2 / NHTSA Campaign 24V-700 VEHICLE: 2019 Nissan LEAF (13,801 original miles) SUMMARY OF SAFETY DEFECT & REMEDY FAILURE: The manufacturer's safety recall software remedy has failed to stabilize or remedy a known high-voltage battery defect under real-world driving conditions, creating a severe, immediate risk of unexpected vehicle stalling in active traffic. The vehicle was serviced for the R24B2 campaign and returned a baseline "No DTC" stationary scan at 13,801 miles. Immediately upon driving the vehicle into public traffic post-repair, the high-voltage battery pack suffered a severe energy collapse under standard road loads. I documented the failure via an 11-photograph instrument cluster log in real time over a brief 39-minute window: 05:03 PM | 13,801 miles | 100% Battery | 127 mi Range (Trip Start) 05:07 PM | 13,802 miles | 98% Battery | -- mi Range 05:09 PM | 13,802 miles | 96% Battery | 123 mi Range 05:11 PM | 13,803 miles | 94% Battery | 118 mi Range 05:23 PM | 13,807 miles | 89% Battery | 108 mi Range 05:28 PM | 13,808 miles | 87% Battery | 105 mi Range 05:31 PM | 13,809 miles | 85% Battery | 102 mi Range 05:33 PM | 13,810 miles | 84% Battery | 100 mi Range 05:42 PM | 13,813 miles | 81% Battery | 95 mi Range (Trip End) CRITICAL SAFETY HAZARDS: 1. UNEXPLAINED ENERGY DRAIN: The vehicle consumed 19% of its total battery capacity to travel a distance of only 12 miles. This drops the vehicle's functional real-world range to roughly 63 miles on a full charge. 2. INACCURATE RANGE AND RISK OF STRANDING: While the battery charge dropped by nearly 20% in 12 miles, the dashboard continued to display an inflated, mathematically impossible estimate of "95 miles remaining, creating a risk of sudden, unpredictable stranding. 3. CONSIDERED TOGETHER, this proves that the software update fails to accurately remedy or even measure the state of health and safety of the battery, and adds additional safety risks.
NHTSA complaint #11747842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2020 Nissan Leaf affected by recall 24V-700 (Nissan R24B2). The recall opened in September 2024 because the high-voltage battery can overheat and catch fire during Level 3 fast charging. Owners were told not to use fast charging until a remedy is available. The recall has been open since September 2024 and there is still no available remedy. Nissan has pushed the fix date repeatedly, first to November 2024, then Spring 2025, and now an unspecified point in 2026, with no firm date and no working repair at the dealer. I bought this vehicle more recently and understood there was an open recall, but a recall is supposed to mean a fix is coming, not a safety defect left unresolved for over a year and a half. In the meantime I am paying for a vehicle whose fast-charging capability I cannot safely use. This is well past any reasonable time to remedy a known safety defect. I am asking NHTSA to hold Nissan accountable for delivering an actual fix on a real timeline.
NHTSA complaint #11745152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has experienced approximately ten+ incidents while driving at freeway speeds on dry roads where the traction-control indicator illuminated and the vehicle unexpectedly lost power. During these events, the vehicle would not accelerate normally despite accelerator input, and vehicle speed decreased significantly. The incidents occurred under normal driving conditions and were not associated with any apparent loss of traction. The vehicle was inspected by a Nissan dealership, but the concern could not be reproduced and no root cause has been identified. A case has been opened with Nissan North America. I am reporting this because unexpected loss of propulsion at highway speeds creates a potential safety hazard. The speed decreases from 70mph to around 30-40mph on the freeway suddenly.
NHTSA complaint #11743717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a critical safety hazard involving my 2021 Nissan Leaf S Plus (approx. 117,000 miles). Since January 2025, the vehicle has exhibited dangerous battery degradation and voltage sag during operation. On my 30-mile highway commute, while driving at normal highway speeds—especially on inclines—the vehicle would suddenly display a low-power warning, and the remaining battery percentage would instantly crash. This caused a sudden, dangerous loss of propulsion in high-speed traffic, creating severe crash risks. I primarily charged at home and rarely used DC fast charging. On May 22, 2026, while actively driving, the dashboard flashed: "Service EV system unable to restart after power off." I pulled over, and upon turning the car off, it completely bricked. The auxiliary electronics power up, but the vehicle permanently refuses to enter "READY" (Drive) mode due to a high-voltage safety lock. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Nissan dealer. The certified technician's diagnostic report confirmed that the high-voltage traction battery has completely failed and is internally damaged. Crucially, this vehicle is currently under an active, unremedied safety recall (NHTSA Recall 25V655 / Nissan R25C8) due to excessive lithium deposits that cause severe battery degradation, sudden power loss, and fire risks. The physical failure of my battery is a direct manifestation of this exact manufacturing defect. Nissan’s software-only "interim remedy" did not fix the hardware defect; it simply bricked my car after exposing my family to highway propulsion loss. Nissan must be held legally responsible for replacing these defective, recalled battery packs regardless of mileage, as they present a severe, systemic risk of catastrophic failure and traffic accidents.
NHTSA complaint #11742970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manufacturer announced a recall regarding L3 charging more than 18 months ago. The announcement included a warning that, under NO CIRCUMSTANCES, should L3 charging be attempted. The announcement included assurances that the fix would be announced by March 2025. In the interim period, two follow-ups have been announced, both coming well after the previous deadline. At this point. I have been unable to use my car in a normal manner, causing us to purchase an additional vehicle to cover the loss of use due to the defect. The manufacturer has offered no fix, no concrete timeline, and no compensation for the loss of use of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11740583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2020 Nissan Leaf is affected by recall R24B2 / NHTSA recall 24V-700 involving the high-voltage battery and Level 3 DC fast charging system (CHAdeMO). Nissan and NHTSA instructed owners not to use Level 3 quick charging because the battery may rapidly overheat and potentially create a fire risk. The recall remains incomplete and the remedy is still unavailable. This issue has existed for a prolonged period and materially impacts the vehicle’s usability, charging capability, long-distance travel capability, and safety confidence. The vehicle’s Level 3/DC fast charging capability was effectively removed or severely restricted due to the recall. Nissan dealerships confirmed the recall status and lack of available repair remedy. The issue was documented during service visits and remains unresolved. The battery system and charging system are available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11738000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My electric vehicle is subject to an active battery recall (NHTSA ID: 24V-700) involving excessive lithium deposits within battery cells, which may increase electrical resistance, cause dangerous battery overheating, and create fire risk during Level 3 DC fast charging. Due to this defect, Nissan has instructed owners not to use Level 3 quick charging (CHAdeMO), removing a core function of the vehicle and rendering it effectively unusable for normal EV operation, reliable long-distance travel, relocation, and essential transportation. Nissan’s guidance assumes owners can rely on Level 2 charging, which for my vehicle requires approximately 7–8 hours for a full charge under ideal conditions. Because I do not have residential Level 2 access, the loss of Level 3 charging renders the vehicle functionally unusable for my living situation. This defect severely compromises both my safety and mobility by forcing me into an impossible choice: either risk using the charging method associated with battery overheating and potential fire, or lose access to essential transportation. The defect also forces prolonged public Level 2 charging sessions simply to maintain vehicle operation, creating significant daily hardship. Without safe fast charging capability, the vehicle cannot reasonably support long-distance travel or interstate relocation, leaving me effectively unable to move out of state without major financial and logistical burden. I have pursued resolution directly with Nissan and through BBB Auto Line. Nissan acknowledged the recall but declined buyback or meaningful relief, instead advising continued waiting for a future remedy. After approximately two years without timely corrective action, the vehicle remains subject to serious safety restrictions, diminished value, loss of core functionality, and ongoing consumer harm.
NHTSA complaint #11737653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle is affected by an unrepaired safety recall involving the high-voltage battery during Level 3 quick charging. The recall states that affected vehicles may develop excessive lithium deposits in battery cells, increasing electrical resistance and potentially causing rapid battery heating while Level 3 quick charging. The recall also states that if quick charging continues, a battery fire may occur, increasing the risk of injury. The recall status remains incomplete with the remedy not yet available. Owners are instructed not to use Level 3 quick charging through the CHAdeMO connector until the remedy is completed. This removes the vehicle’s fast-charging capability and leaves the vehicle subject to an unresolved battery safety recall. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue is confirmed by the active NHTSA recall record and manufacturer recall number R24B2 / NHTSA recall number 24V-700.
NHTSA complaint #11737683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While traveling at normal highway speeds (55 MPH), the vehicle's battery capacity rapidly dropped from 80-90% down to 10% in less than 30 seconds, resulting in activation of the vehicle's "turtle mode" and power throttling, which made it impossible to maintain posted highway speed of 55 MPH. A warning appeared on the dashboard, which stated, "Warning Power Reduced". The vehicle traveled at approximately 40 MPH creating a serious hazard to others on the roadway who were traveling at the posted speed limit of 55 MPH. Upon pulling over to the side of the freeway, the battery charge rebounded back up to 75%, but maintained power throttle, making it unsafe to reenter the roadway, as the vehicle was incapable of accelerating to the posted speed limit of 55 MPH. It was extremely slow to accelerate at all, making it from 0 - 40 in about a minute, which again, was extremely hazardous to others on the roadway. Nissan has since acknowledged that this was due to a factory defect, and covered under their factory warranty. I have attached photos of the warning message displayed, and have videos of the rapid battery loss, but those files are too large to attach.
NHTSA complaint #11732974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The battery does not charge. Warning lights activated to check EV system. This first occurred about two months ago. Dash lights spontaneously resolved, but MIL light has remained on in Nissan App since that time. Dealership service initially said to return with vehicle when dash light and message reappeared. Potential garage/house or parking lot fire as there exist reports of 2026 LEAFs spontaneously combusting in North America. Vehicle is currently at Nissan dealership service department for inspection and diagnosis.
NHTSA complaint #11732845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When operating the vehicle above the minimum temperature recommended by the manufacturer, the battery state of charge has dropped multiple tens of percentage points in moments while driving on the highway while driving the speed limit. The starting point for the state of charge in this situation was roughly 64% when beginning the trip. This has occurred at roughly 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The vehicle gives a warning that the driver should pull over immediately, which is very dangerous when driving on an interstate highway in traffic. The state of charge dropped into the teens in moments. This cold weather issue was not disclosed when purchasing the vehicle. The minimum operating temperature for the vehicle is -1 to -13 degrees F depending on the operating conditions (charging, driving, etc.). This should not occur at 10 degrees F. A software fix to the battery to slow the state of charge will not remedy the issue with a faulty battery in this case. Why is this accepted when the Chevrolet Bolt vehicles were required to swap their batteries to remedy the issue? I have not had time to bring this into the dealer due to my schedule availability. I will try to reproduce this upcoming winter. Others online have reported this same problem though.
NHTSA complaint #11732334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.