Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2022 Nissan Leaf due to repeated and sudden battery failure that has created unsafe driving conditions. Over the past several months, my vehicle has experienced severe and unpredictable battery drain. Even after a full charge (approximately 100 miles indicated), the battery rapidly depletes to 20–30 miles or less within a short distance. On multiple occasions, the vehicle has lost charge unexpectedly, leaving me stranded and requiring assistance to safely return home. This issue presents a serious safety concern, as the sudden loss of battery power can occur while driving, increasing the risk of being stranded in unsafe locations or traffic conditions. I took the vehicle to an authorized Nissan service center (Bommarito Nissan), where it remained for several days for diagnosis. During this time, I was informed that the issue was being evaluated and that replacement of several battery modules or possibly the entire battery pack might be required. However, after internal review, the issue was dismissed and attributed solely to “weather conditions,” and no repair or replacement was performed. This explanation is not acceptable, as the same issue has occurred in normal and mild weather conditions. The problem persists and continues to impact the safe operation of the vehicle. Despite multiple requests, I have not received a complete diagnostic report or a clear technical explanation from Nissan. The vehicle remains unreliable and unsafe to operate due to the risk of sudden battery depletion. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter as a potential safety defect related to battery performance and loss of propulsion in an electric vehicle. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety concern. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11729239