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Nissan North America, Inc. has announced a safety recall for approximately 19,077 of its LEAF electric vehicles due to a battery defect that poses a fire risk. The issue affects certain 2021-2022 models and is related to potential overheating during Level 3 quick charging sessions.
Key Highlights
- Affected Models: The recall includes certain 2021-2022 Nissan LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port.
- The Defect: The lithium-ion battery may develop excessive lithium deposits, increasing electrical resistance and the potential for overheating.
- The Safety Risk: During Level 3 quick charging, the battery may heat rapidly, potentially resulting in a battery fire and increasing the risk of injury.
- The Remedy: Nissan will provide a free software update to prevent the issue.
- Immediate Action: Owners are advised to stop using Level 3 quick charging until the vehicle’s software has been updated.
Details of the Defect
The recall targets Nissan LEAF vehicles from the 2021-2022 model years that were manufactured at the Nissan Smyrna plant. According to the report, the lithium-ion battery in the affected vehicles can experience excessive lithium deposits within its cells. This condition causes an increase in electrical resistance and can lead to a fluctuation in the battery’s state of charge. The issue is specific to vehicles equipped with the quick charge port for Level 3 charging via a CHAdeMO connector.
Safety Risk and Warnings
The primary safety concern arises when the vehicle is connected to a Level 3 quick charger. The increased internal resistance in the battery can cause it to heat up rapidly. If charging continues, this overheating can escalate, potentially leading to a battery fire. The manufacturer states that there is no preceding warning to alert the driver to the dangerous condition before it occurs.
Remedy and Owner Notification
Nissan is developing a software remedy that will prevent the battery from reaching a state where a thermal incident could occur. Once available, dealers will install the update free of charge for all affected vehicle owners.
Nissan plans to mail an Interim Owner Letter beginning on October 24, 2025, instructing customers not to use Level 3 quick charging until the final remedy is completed. A second notification will be sent once the software is ready for deployment. The manufacturer’s number for this recall is R25C8, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number is 25V655.
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