Nissan Recalls Thousands of LEAF Vehicles Due to Fire Risk

Nissan North America, Inc. has initiated a recall affecting approximately 19,077 of its electric LEAF vehicles due to a potential defect in the lithium-ion battery pack. The issue involves the potential for excessive lithium deposits within the battery cells, which could increase electrical resistance and lead to fluctuations in the vehicle’s charge state. This condition poses a significant safety risk, particularly during Level 3 (CHAdeMO) quick charging. According to Nissan’s submission to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the increased electrical resistance could cause rapid heating of the battery, potentially resulting in a fire and increasing the risk of injury, with no preceding warning to the customer.

The recall specifically targets certain Model Year 2021-2022 Nissan LEAF vehicles equipped with a quick charge port and manufactured at the Nissan Smyrna plant between November 3, 2020, and May 23, 2022. Additionally, certain Model Year 2019-2020 Nissan LEAF vehicles with the same quick charge port feature, manufactured between August 29, 2018, and November 3, 2020, are also encompassed by this recall, though these vehicles were previously subject to a different recall, NHTSA Recall Number 24V-700. The vehicles involved in this new recall are primarily identified by their lithium-ion battery packs, which are supplied by Automotive Energy Supply Corporation. The potentially affected battery part numbers include those for both 40kWh and 62kWh configurations. Nissan has stated that this vehicle population was determined based on its production records and that no other Nissan or INFINITI vehicles are believed to be affected.

Nissan is developing a software remedy designed to prevent the progression of thermal incidents related to the battery defect. Once this software is ready for deployment, owners of all potentially affected vehicles will receive an invitation to have the repair performed. The remedy will be provided free of charge. In the interim, Nissan plans to issue an interim owner letter on October 24, 2025, advising customers not to use Level 3 quick charging until the remedy is completed. Dealers are scheduled to be notified of the recall beginning October 3, 2025. Owners will be able to check if their vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is included in the recall starting October 4, 2025. Nissan also indicated that it will include a statement in owner notifications regarding reimbursement for the cost of obtaining a pre-notification remedy, as some of the affected vehicles may no longer be under warranty.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Nissan North America, Inc.

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