RoadVitals

2020 Nissan Leaf

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
165
+2 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Sep 19, 2024
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 165 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Nissan Leaf, most frequently naming the electrical, fuel system and powertrain (other) categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 92 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:MODULE:SOFTWARE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Sep 19, 2024
25,704 units potentially affected
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging.
The risk: A quick charging battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed June 3, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R24B2, P4A38, and P5A22.
Nissan North America, Inc.Manufacturer number R24B2, P4A38, P5A22View on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Feb 2, 2024
57,914 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: 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.Manufacturer number R23D7View on NHTSA.gov

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Jul 17, 2023
66,159 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Unintentional acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: 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.Manufacturer number R23A6View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

DP22005ClosedDefect Petition

Pedestrian alert sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023
Closed Aug 7, 2023

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEMLed to recall 22V063000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Sep 24, 2026

Vehicle: 2020 Nissan Leaf SV, VIN [[XXX]], ~55,000 miles Recall: R24B2 / NHTSA campaign 24V700000 (battery may overheat during Level 3 charging — fire risk) I brought my vehicle to Conicelli Nissan (Conshohocken, PA) for the R24B2 recall software update.The vehicle has been held at the dealership since on or about XXX with the recall remedy incomplete; the dealer says it cannot proceed without Nissan's approval (dealer case XXX). I opened case XXX with Nissan Consumer Affairs requesting rental coverage while the vehicle is grounded for this safety recall. Nissan verbally denied the request on XXX and refused to put the denial in writing. I have no transportation. Nissan provided rental cars to owners in its XXX Leaf battery recall until repairs were complete, but refuses the same here. I ask NHTSA to intervene: (1) compel completion of the recall remedy, and (2) require Nissan to provide alternate transportation while the vehicle is grounded for a safety recall its own procedure failed to remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11766659
Incident
Sep 21, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Sep 1, 2026

We were asked by Nissan corporate to bring in the vehicle for a safety recall related to the battery. The Nissan dealership updated the battery software then gave the vehicle back to us. However, as soon as we drove away the dash lit up with warning lights. We were on the freeway so we pulled over. It was a dangerous situation. We called the dealership and they required us to bring the car back. So we slowly and carefully drove the car a few miles back to the dealership. In their analysis, they decided the battery must be replaced. However, they no longer make that kind of battery, the stocks were on back order for up to a year, and the software update could not be reversed. So they initiated a buyback. We were not interested in selling the vehicle -- we simply wanted the recall issue fixed -- but we had no choice. The procedure for determining a buyback dollar amount has been extremely frustrating and manipulative. From our perspective, it's unlikely we'll be able to buy a working used EV for the amount they're offering. We have searched and it's difficult-to-impossible. No one informed us this situation was a possibility. We asked for a higher dollar amount, only enough to actually buy an equivalent replacement vehicle. They tell us they require the original Bill of Sale for the vehicle. But we don't have that and can't get it. We sent it to DMV after the purchase. We did get certified copies from DMV at a cost but Nissan insists they must have the original Bill of Sale in order to make us an offer greater than Kelly Blue Book value + 40%, which is insufficient as noted. Obviously, this is an arbitrary demand. If they can offer us one amount without the Bill of Sale, they can offer us any amount. But they refuse to discuss or negotiate.

NHTSA ID
11761248
Incident
Jun 26, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Aug 26, 2026

My 2020 Nissan LEAF is subject to open safety recall 24V700 / R24B2 for a high-voltage lithium-ion battery defect that poses a fire risk during Level 3 quick charging. On [XXX], I brought the vehicle to an authorized Nissan dealer for the recall remedy. Three days later, on [XXX], while driving from New Hampshire to Connecticut, the vehicle displayed a "Service EV" warning and entered a reduced-power (limp) state on the highway, creating a hazardous condition in traffic. A separate authorized Nissan dealer diagnosed a fault in the high-voltage battery pack. The vehicle is now undrivable and cannot be charged. Nissan has been unable to supply a replacement battery and has indicated the vehicle will likely be repurchased because the recall remedy is unavailable. As a result, I am the owner of a vehicle that is undrivable due to an unremedied federal safety recall, with no available remedy and no timeline for one. The mileage at diagnosis was 99,100, within the vehicle's battery warranty period. I am filing this complaint because the recall remedy for 24V700 was not effective in my case, the vehicle failed dangerously shortly after the recall service was performed, and Nissan is currently unable to remedy the recall. I am also documenting the manufacturer's failure to provide interim transportation while the recall remains unremedied. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11759797
Incident
Aug 20, 2026
Electrical
Filed Aug 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that 100 miles of using the ED system, the power reduced message was displayed. The contact stated that the battery became disabled. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after a week. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID
11757377
Incident
Aug 10, 2026
Mileage
80,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Aug 16, 2026

SAFETY COMPLAINT / INCIDENT DESCRIPTION Vehicle presented to Dennis Dillon Nissan on June 20 2026 for a factory high voltage battery recall software update intended to fix Level 3 fast charging safety risks. The software update rendered the vehicle completely inoperable by disabling standard Level 2 charging. The vehicle has been held in continuous dealer custody for 58 consecutive days without a working repair. Nissan failed to disclose that the recall patch could brick a functioning EV. Loaner support was revoked prematurely forcing 850 in out of pocket rental costs. Inadequate buyback offer via Morley Companies was rejected. Factory recall update rendered vehicle useless and unsafe to operate.

NHTSA ID
11757287
Incident
Jul 20, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 10, 2026

Regarding Nissan Safety Recall 24V-700 / Campaign R24B2. After the recall remedy was performed on my 2020 LEAF in June I experienced the "Service EV System" message during normal highway driving on 8/1/26. I have an invoice from the dealership that documented logged safety recall code P33ED along with EV system codes P317E-97 and P3180-97. The dealership improperly cleared the recall safety codes, charged me a diagnostic fee, and released a vehicle that is subject to an active safety hold under Recall 24V-700 / Campaign R24B2. The dealership released an unsafe vehicle back to me that remains a documented thermal and fire risk. The Nissan Nissan Safety Recall 24V-700 / Campaign R24B2 states that vehicles that experience this situation after the recall remedy was performed will have the battery replaced or vehicle repurchased.

NHTSA ID
11756009
Incident
Aug 7, 2026
Electrical
Filed Jul 23, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11752391
Incident
May 20, 2026
Electrical
Filed Jul 3, 2026

This recall appointment does not take 2 hours to complete. The dealer quoted me 1-2 days with an inability to offer a loaner vehicle. Several Leaf owners have completed the recall appointment and subsequently been left stranded because the car went into an undrivable mode leaving the owner stranded and incurring towing and rental fees for weeks without resolution. Nissan Consumer Affairs has denied to consider a buyback without taking the vehicle in for the recall notice even though the recall notice successfully being applied does not guarantee the car will not stop abruptly after that visit. Without the recall appointment, Nissan has limited my ability to safely fast‑charge, preventing me from using the full functionality of the vehicle. Nissan is conditioning buyback eligibility on my willingness to undergo the recall inspection, even though the recall remedy has repeatedly resulted in battery failure and sudden loss of power for other Leaf owners. This effectively forces me to expose myself to a known safety hazard in order to qualify for a remedy Nissan itself acknowledges may be required. I am being denied both safe vehicle operation and access to the promised buyback unless I accept a repair that may leave me stranded or without a functioning battery. Nissan recognizes the potential risk of the recall remedy by issuing a second notice dated 6/17/2026 that if the vehicle experiences this battery specific condition within 12 months after the date the software reprogram remedy was completed on the vehicle. Nissan will replace the battery or offer to re-purchase the car. Nissan has also recognized that batteries are rare at this time. I thought that a manufacturer must offer a remedy that was deemed Safe and this does not seem like it’s guaranteeing safety.

NHTSA ID
11748187
Incident
Jul 2, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

Lithium - ion Battery

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

*****Dealer Announcement***** Nissan is committed to delivering the highest levels of product quality and customer satisfaction. In support of this commitment, Nissan is implementing a Lithium-ion Battery Post-Remedy Program for certain Model Year 2019–2022 Nissan LEAF vehicles that were previously remedied under voluntary safety recall campaigns R24B2 and R25C8. As a reminder, campaigns R24B2 and R25C8 addressed a potential risk of battery fire that could occur during Level 3 (CHAdeMO) Quick Charging. The remedy involved a software update designed to improve battery State-of-Charge (SOC) fluctuation detection. In rare cases, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) associated with SOC fluctuation may be detected after the remedy has been performed and the vehicle returned to the customer. To provide additional customer assurance regarding the long-term effectiveness of the remedy, Nissan is offering a Post-Remedy Program. Under this program, if a SOC fluctuation-related DTC is confirmed within twelve (12) months from the date the remedy software update was completed, the customer will be eligible for further support. Upon dealer diagnosis and confirmation of the applicable SOC fluctuation DTC: • Nissan will arrange for Lithium-ion battery replacement free of charge, or • If a replacement battery is not available, Nissan will initiate the process to offer vehicle repurchase at an amount exceeding the Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Private Party value. The above available remedy is available for all MY19-22 LEAFs regardless of mileage and whether the Lithium-Ion Battery Coverage under the New Electric Vehicle Limited Warranty is still in effect. Dealers must follow standard diagnostic procedures to confirm the condition prior to escalation. Once confirmed, Nissan will provide directions on next steps, including coordination of battery replacement or initiation of the repurchase process. *

NTB09-131C

STRUCTURE:BODY

CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).

NTB09-131C

STRUCTURE:BODY

CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).

NTB15-049CC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TELEMATICS SERVICE INFORMATION HINT: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 4G network compatible TCU. TCUs compatible with 3G network only are no longer supported. SERVICE INFORMATION The APPLIED VEHICLES that come equipped with a factory installed SOS switch, located near the overhead map lamp, also come equipped with a wireless communication device called a Telematics Communication Unit (TCU). With an active NissanConnect® Services subscription, the TCU communicates with the NissanConnect® Services Data Center to provide various security and convenience services. This bulletin contains important service procedures that must be performed properly in order to set-up and maintain the telematics system for the APPLIED VEHICLES. · A table has been provided on the next page that lists the steps required to successfully configure a TCU after it has been replaced. · A CHECK-OFF SHEET has been provided on page 20 to print and check off steps as they are performed. Staple the completed CHECK-OFF SHEET to the repair order.

NTB19-033G

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING; SERVICE BRAKES

INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE AND AEB/FEB WARNING LIGHT ON OR RADAR OBSTRUCTION MESSAGE DISPLAYED WITH DTC C1A16 OR C2582 IF YOU CONFIRM IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (on the next page) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair. Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle. The customer states that the ICC stopped working while driving, OR The customer states that the AEB/FEB warning light is ON, or turned ON, while driving (Figure 1), OR The message “Unavailable Front Radar Obstruction” or “Forward Driving Aids Temporarily Disabled Front Sensor Blocked See Owner's Manual” has displayed while driving (Figure 2). AND DTC C1A16, C1A16-97, C2582, or C2582-97 is the ONLY DTC stored. Figure 1 Figure 2 This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. Forward Driving Aids Temporarily Disabled Front Sensor Blocked See Owner’s Manual

NTB19-042F

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING; SERVICE BRAKES

AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING APPLIED SYSTEMS: Vehicles equipped with a lane camera (see Figure 1) SERVICE INFORMATION If the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) warning light or is blinking (but not illuminated steadily) or the customer states it is blinking, and there are no related DTCs, inspect the windshield. A blinking AEB warning light may occur under the following conditions:  When contamination or foreign material adhere to the lane camera viewing window on the windshield.  When driving while it is snowing or when frost forms on the lane camera viewing window on the windshield.  When the lane camera viewing window on the windshield is temporarily fogged up. Figure 1 Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle. HINT: o Refer to the applicable ESM for diagnosis if DTCs are present in the Laser/Radar, ICC/ADAS, or Lane Camera systems. o For further information:  Refer to the following pages.  Use the search keyword “blinking” in the ESM.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Nissan Leaf by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026220—
2025700—
2024500—
2023203064.4
2022944169.6
2021554172.5
2020Viewing1656166.4
20192595167.9
2018664167.5
2017172164.6
2016364153.5
20151104161.4
2014346363.3
2013815362.5
2012570349.4
2011950342.2
2010100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.