What 251 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Nissan Leaf Bev

Received a notification from Nissan Corporation that my 2019 Leaf is the subject of a safety recall concerning risk of lithium ion battery fire during Level 3 charging. The notice explains that the vehicle's lithium-ion battery may experience "excessive lithium deposits within certain battery cells which could increase electrical resistance and result in a fluctuation in the state of the charge." The notice explicitly cites that the battery may contain excessive lithium deposits but the potential remedy (it has not been issued yet) relates only to a softwear update to prevent rapid heating of the battery. However, there is no remedy planned or addressed to the problem of "excessive lithium deposits" which increase electrical resistance and the impact of that damage to the battery life, performance, deterioration or efficiency. The NHTSA report actually cites specific batteries installed in the Leaf model years implicated in the resulting safety recall. It is essential that NHTSA evaluate the impact of these batteries, the effect of excessive lithium deposits on the car's general safety and performance and the necessity of requiring full replacement of batteries damaged by this defect. The issue of damaged batteries is inextricably related to the safety recall and fire risk. As the problem of damaged batteries is confirmed by Nissan Corporation's Recall Notice and cited in the Defect Information Report filed by Nissan with NHTSA (which reference the specific battery components involved), these defective batteries should be subject to replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11620215

On 7/19/2024 while charging the car at Chargepoint Johns Creek, I heard a "clunk" sound as if something had popped off from beneath the body of the Leaf. At the same time, the charging emergency stopped. Smoke started to come out from under the Leaf. There was a smell as if something was melting, making me feel dizzy and nauseous. I felt a sense of confusion from inhaling the smoke. Since both my son and I were outside the car, we were able to quickly pull away and escape as soon as the smoke started. If we had been inside the car, or if this had happened while driving, we might have been unable to escape in time, lost consciousness from the smoke, and possibly died in the fire. The smoke continued for about 15 minutes, followed by a fire. At the same time, there was a sound of something exploding. The police arrived, followed by the fire truck. It took a long time to extinguish the fire, possibly because the lithium battery caught fire. Please refer to the video. ︎Mental and Physical Condition After the Accident Both my son and I are experiencing symptoms similar to PTSD. When we smell smoke or drive a car, we feel chills, nausea, and dizziness, which negatively affect our daily lives. This incident left burn scur to my son and has started having nightmares and crying at night. Seeing an electric vehicle scares us to the point that our bodies freeze and we can't move. Also, seeing fire or hearing car sounds suddenly makes us tremble, our hearts race, and we have difficulty breathing. We start crying uncontrollably in a panic, and it takes time to calm down. It is difficult to control our emotions. We are experiencing insomnia, likely due to the excitement of our nerves from the accident. We probably need mental treatment such as therapy and physical treatment to alleviate insomnia and tension.

NHTSA ODI 11608237

The rear view camera, activated when the vehicle is in reverse, works on and off. The inconsistent nature of the rear cameras view presents a danger everytime I backup.

NHTSA ODI 11607976

During the last 3 winters I have noticed the car do something strange when going up an extended highway inclines. The battery % along with the estimated miles left will drop suddenly (~40% in a minute) and when I would go over the top of the hill most of the battery % and miles would return. During the 2021-2022 winter, I noticed this happen only once or twice. During 2022-2023 winter, I noticed this happen more often but I did not know what was causing it except it seemed to only happen on very cold days and also when the battery % prior to the drop was around 50% or less. During the current 2023-2024 winter, this issue became common. It no longer had to be very cold but just an extended incline and battery at 50% or less. It usually happened between exit [XXX] and exit [XXX] on [XXX] in New Jersey. It has become so common that I was able to record it. The videos show the car will lose over 40% of battery in about a minute. However, once I would go over the hill most of the battery % would come right back. In one video the “Battery charge is low Charge now” warning is triggered. On a few occasions, when I had around 30% of battery prior to going up this hill and the battery started to drop suddenly, I had to make a rapid emergency stop on the right shoulder midway up the hill. When stopped the battery would recover back to around 30% and I was able to get over the hill. This obviously created a safety concern. My car battery is still covered under Nissan’s EV battery warranty. I have taken the car to two 2 Nissan dealerships. One of the dealership was able to replicate the issue, but stated the only way they will approve the warranty repair is if they disassembles the battery. They stated once they approve the warranty repair they can order the battery but that it might take up to 8-9 months to get the battery. They stated that during this whole time my car will be inoperable and Nissan will not provide or reimburse for a loaner car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11590153

Total Battery Failure at 130,000 miles - Electric Vehicle will not operate

NHTSA ODI 11586771

Brake warning sign came off and the car won't shift out of parking brake, causing the passenger to get stranded. Upon dealer inspection, there's defective wire hardness which has been noted in Nissan service bulletin Ref: NTB19-054a. Dealer confirmed that it is bulk wire harness issue and will require replacement (~$3.2K for part and labor). i have reported to Nissan since the leaf has 22k mileage only, but rejected by Nissan that it is a manufacturer issues. Please investigate this as i have seen many similar issues with other Leaf owners and it will be un-safe to have parking brake issue suddenly pops up, where it will brick and unable to move the vehicle. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11572468

AFTER RECENTLY DOING THE RECALL UPDATE ON THE VEHICLE, I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE BATTERY PERCENTAGE LIGHT INDICATOR NOW SIGNIFICANTLY DROPS ITS PERCENTAGE SOMETIMES UPT TO 15% WITHIN A COUPLE OF MINUTES DRIVING AT A CONSTANT SPEED AND THEN WHEN SLOWING OR COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP THE BATTERY PERCENTAGE WILL INCREASE BACK ANYWHERE BETWEEN 10 AND 15 PERCENT WHICH LEADS TO DECEIVING THE DRIVER AND MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO SAFETY MODE. CONTINUES TO OCCUR EVERY DAY I USE IT SINCE IT IS A COMMUTER VEHICLE FOR ME. Unable to updload a video. Please email me correspondence so i may send a video.

NHTSA ODI 11554429

Back up camera failed intermittently. Could not see directly behind vehicle. Pedestrian and collision hazard. Dealer confirmed it’s a common problem. I Ordered and paid for a replacement camera through the dealer. No warning lamps or messages.

NHTSA ODI 11553702

On 9/17, 2019 Nissan Leaf S 40 kWh lost braking power just after start up. I started the vehicle, placed the vehicle into drive and went to creep through open parking spot. The brake pedal was either dead or lost enough power to feel dead. The vehicle was returned to park in order to stop slow roll. No injuries or damages. Experience seems similar to NHTSA ID 11488058. I don’t recall whether any warning lights came on as I rushed to power down the car. No indicator lights illuminated after restart and vehicle drove home without issue. A few hours prior to brake issue, a humming/ringing sound was heard throughout the cabin just after shutdown. My passengers also observed the sound, which stopped after powering on the vehicle and turning the fan dial. This had not happened before and only occurred once. On 09/18, the vehicle indicated “Warning: Service EV System No Power”. Numerous warning lights were illuminated, a photo taken, and a tow truck scheduled. Two hours later, I went to check whether the vehicle could be placed into neutral. The vehicle started and went into gear without issue and no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealership for inspection as precaution. My 12V battery was the original battery, so I suspected it needed replacement and asked the dealership to test it. I have read online about other issues from Nissan Leaf owners when the 12V battery is deteriorated. Dealership confirmed 12V battery failed testing. They were not able to duplicate the brake issue described above. The only time that the vehicle provided a warning about the 12V battery was when it generated the warning described above once. Otherwise, no indication that battery needed replacement. Nissan needs to provide a system update to give the driver more specific 12V battery health information. Also address the 12V battery more clearly in maintenance schedule. Vehicle operating as expected with a new 12V battery installed.

NHTSA ODI 11545486

Reverse camera is intermittently blank

NHTSA ODI 11543797

Fron passenger lock has been faulty. Door will either latch or unlatch randomly. Dealership has reviewed and stated it is faulty but not their fault despite no evidence of driver responisbility. Car has various electrical issues including auto braking triggering and this lock issue is another example. Dealership is not ackolwedging issues.

NHTSA ODI 11527599

Backup camera stopped working. There has been no damage or known circumstance that may have contributed to this failure.

NHTSA ODI 11503949

A warning light came on with a circle and exclamation mark and when I starting to back up my brake pedal was not stopping the car it kept on going it was very scary , then another warning light came on with a picture of a car and exclamation. Sign and everything stopped working the car will not moved , took the car to the dealer and they said the 12 volt battery was defective

NHTSA ODI 11488058

Backup camera fails to display when in reverse. Dangerous reduced visibility of surroundings while reversing vehicle. Called dealership and they confirmed that my VIN is not on the recall list, but I am having the issue! They said I would be charged service to repair this federal safety requirement. Blank screen when entering Reverse mode.

NHTSA ODI 11476984

1. The vehicle infotainment screen has been rebooting multiple times over the last few months while driving and the navigation maps screen goes black during the reboot, this is very distracting . 2. The navigation map turn by turn directions intermittently stops working independent of this reboot, causing missed turns, again distracting. 3. The rear camera video intermittently is grayed out instead of showing the rear camera video. I took the car to multiple dealers. The 1st dealer (Nissan of New Rochelle, NY; odometer @ approximately 18,470 miles) said unless the problem is repeatable while in for service there is nothing they can do about it. The other dealer (Star Nissan of Flushing, NY; odometer at 20,470 miles) did a AV software update. Since that AV update on 1/28/2022, Problem #1 and #3 so far have not returned. It may be too early to declare success since today is 2/16/2022. Problem #2 remains! I also noticed that when using Apple Car Play (using a USB wired connection to the Infotainment System) received phone call audio is poor and sounds like someone is gargling. If I switch the phone connection to wireless Bluetooth the audio quality is perfect, so it is not a carrier or phone connection to the network issue. This may be related to problem #2, where the navigation audio stops working. BTW When the Navigation audio stop working,I also lose the ability to change the radio audio. It shows it is changing visually from 0 to +40 on the screen, but the sound audio level remains unchanged. Usually if the car is turned off for more than an hour all returns to normal, at least initially until the next intermittent repeat of the issue. If I turn off the car and turn it back after only a minute or two, the audio problem remains the same.

NHTSA ODI 11452323

The Backup Camera only works intermittently and if it is not working it will not begin working again unless the car is completely turned off and restarted. The failure seems more likely to occur if the car is started and then quickly put into reverse. The failure seems less likely to occur, but still does periodically, if the car is started and then not put into motion until 10-20 sec after the dash start-up graphics have finished. When the camera is failing the display is solid magenta colored with static-lines scrolling through it. The safety issue is that the rear camera cannot be used. We have not yet shown this problem to anyone else. There were no warning lights or alarms indicating a failure. The failure occurrence was very infrequent when we bought the car (new) in 2019, but now is happening at least 50% of the time that we back out of our garage.

NHTSA ODI 11434145

Vehicle suddenly loses power while driving, no warnings prior to power loss. 1st incident vehicle lost power and all check engine lights came on. Unable to shift gears or accelerate. Towed to Nissan. This has happened twice again in the past week. Complete power loss while driving, have to coast to a stop and get towed again! 3 times total. Huge safety issue to be without power in the middle of the road. Nissan tried to “reset” it but this has not worked. The 3rd time we picked it up from service it happened again less than a mile away. Screens say “When parked apply parking brake” while I’m driving. Other screen said “Power Supply Failure. To avoid accident injury or death DO NOT DRIVE”. This car is dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11429793

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY GOING ROUGHLY 70MPH WITH PRO PILOT CRUISE CONTROL ENABLED. THE CAR SENSED A CAR AHEAD AND SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, BUT THERE WERE NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME AND WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY A CAR GOING 70+ MPH ON I5 . *TR

NHTSA ODI 11326570

LEAF BACKUP SCREEN TURNS PINK WHEN IN REVERSE. UNABLE TO BACKUP SAFELY!!! CALLED AND DROVE LEAF TO DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE LEAF.. DEALER SAID THERE WOULD BE A 'BOX DELIVERED NEXT WEEK' AND THEY WOULD CALL ME. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11325221