2021 Nissan Leaf

The LEAF's lithium-ion battery pack loses capacity over time, particularly in hot climates, due to the lack of an active thermal management (liquid cooling) system. Owners in warm regions report losing one or more battery capacity bars within 2-3 years, reducing range significantly. The 2018 40-kWh battery can lose 10-20% of its capacity within 5 years.

Battery degradation is covered under Nissan's 8-year/100,000-mile battery capacity warranty if it falls below 9 of 12 bars. Minimize rapid charging (Level 3/CHAdeMO), avoid fully charging to 100% daily, and park in shade in hot climates. If warranty applies, Nissan will replace or refurbish the battery pack.

The 12V auxiliary battery that powers the vehicle's electronics and enables the main traction battery to engage can fail prematurely or drain unexpectedly. Symptoms include the vehicle not powering on, error messages on the dash, or a completely dead vehicle that will not respond to the key fob. The 12V battery typically lasts only 2-3 years in the LEAF.

Replace the 12V auxiliary battery with an AGM-type battery meeting Nissan specifications. The 12V battery is located under the hood and is a straightforward replacement. Consider a battery maintainer if the vehicle sits for extended periods. Schedule proactive replacement every 2-3 years.

The charging port door and latch mechanism can malfunction, preventing the charging port from opening or closing properly. In cold weather, the latch can freeze, and the door actuator motor can burn out. Some owners report the charge port release button on the dash failing to open the door, requiring manual release from inside the vehicle.

Lubricate the charge port latch mechanism with silicone-based lubricant, especially before winter. If the actuator motor has failed, replace the charge port lid actuator assembly. For frozen latches, use a de-icer or warm water. The manual release cable inside the cargo area can open the port in an emergency.

During consecutive fast charging sessions, such as on a road trip, the battery management system aggressively limits Level 3 (CHAdeMO) charging speed to protect the passively cooled battery from overheating. Charging speeds can drop from 46 kW to as low as 20 kW, dramatically increasing charging time and making long-distance travel impractical.

Nissan released a battery management software update that partially improved thermal management behavior. Have the dealer apply the latest BMS software update. Pre-conditioning the battery by driving on the highway before charging can help. There is no hardware fix short of the newer 62-kWh models which have improved thermal tolerance.

Some 2018 LEAF models develop a whining or bearing noise from the electric drive motor, particularly noticeable at lower speeds. The noise increases with vehicle speed and may be accompanied by vibrations felt through the floor. The motor bearings can wear prematurely, especially in units manufactured during certain production periods.

Have the drive motor inspected at a Nissan dealer. If bearing wear is confirmed, the motor assembly or motor bearings may be replaced under the powertrain warranty (5 years/60,000 miles) or EV component warranty. TSB NTB18-083 addresses certain motor noise concerns. Out-of-warranty motor replacement is expensive.

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2022 LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging.

A quick charging battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

Owners are advised not to use Level 3 quick charging until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed October 24, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated in late March 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's Customer Service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R25C8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 4, 2025.

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2022 LEAF vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23D7.

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The vehicle may accelerate unintentionally if the driving mode is changed ("D" to "B"; e-Pedal "On"; or "ECO" mode) after disengaging the cruise control.

Unintentional acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.

Dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module (VCM), free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23A6.

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect, and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.

Nissan will mail an addendum with updated instructions on how to operate the defroster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 1, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22C5.