ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:MODULE:SOFTWARE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
2021 Nissan Leaf
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 55 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Nissan Leaf, most frequently naming the electrical, fuel system and driver assistance categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 83 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 2 |
| Apr 2022 | 2 | 4 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 5 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 6 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 7 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 8 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 9 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 10 |
| Nov 2023 | 2 | 12 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 13 |
| Jan 2024 | 1 | 14 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 15 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 16 |
| May 2024 | 1 | 17 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 18 |
| Feb 2025 | 1 | 19 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 20 |
| Sep 2025 | 2 | 22 |
| Oct 2025 | 3 | 25 |
| Nov 2025 | 4 | 29 |
| Dec 2025 | 3 | 32 |
| Jan 2026 | 5 | 37 |
| Feb 2026 | 2 | 39 |
| Mar 2026 | 7 | 46 |
| Apr 2026 | 2 | 48 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 49 |
| Jun 2026 | 2 | 51 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 52 |
| Aug 2026 | 2 | 54 |
| Sep 2026 | 1 | 55 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Electrical3246.4%
- Fuel system913.0%
- Driver assistance710.1%
- Visibility68.7%
- Engine68.7%
- Powertrain (other)34.3%
- Exterior lighting22.9%
- Airbags22.9%
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
4 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.govBACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Pedestrian alert sounds
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.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Incident Summary & Ineffective Recall Remedy: I am reporting an acute high-voltage battery cell collapse on my 2021 Nissan LEAF (VIN: [XXX]). The vehicle previously received the software update for NHTSA Recall #25V655 (Nissan Recall #R25C8) at Kings Nissan. The software patch failed to repair the underlying defective battery hardware. Following a second service visit on XXX where Kings Nissan tested only the auxiliary 12V lead-acid battery to dismiss my complaint, I purchased an independent CAN-bus diagnostic tool. On XXX (63,702 miles), LeafSpy telemetry confirmed Cell #31 is severely degraded, exhibiting a 191–307 mV voltage collapse. This causes sudden dashboard state-of-charge drops from 70%+ down to 42–45% on active highways, forcing emergency power limits ("limp mode"). Refusal of Post-Remedy Service: Despite active Corporate Case #XXX with Nissan Consumer Affairs, authorized dealers (Kings Nissan, Nissan of Queens and Nissan of Staten Island) refuse to intake, scan, or ground the vehicle, leaving a severe hardware hazard active on public roads. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11763960
- Incident
- Aug 24, 2026
The contact owned a 2021 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V655000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that while at a dealer charging the vehicle for approximately 15- 20 minutes, there was a fire coming from the front of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department after several hours. A Police report was not filed. No injuries, medical attention, or damages were reported. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11761027
- Incident
- Aug 29, 2026
- Mileage
- 25,000 mi
A recall fix was done for the back up camera about a year ago. That was a national recall for an issue with the system. My car started the same exact issue about 3 weeks ago. No back up camera, pink or blue screen, glitchy. I contacted Nissan about it and it didn't seem like they wanted to make the repair again or fix the issue at no cost. I was wondering if other owners have had the same issue and if you can intervene. Thank you
- NHTSA ID
- 11759079
- Incident
- Aug 3, 2026
Our vehicle was affected by recall 25V655 for defective battery. The vehicle was serviced at the Nissan dealer and the software update to resolve the recall was applied. Yesterday the vehicle spontaneously combusted during DC fast charging despite the software update. It appears that the software update was ineffective at mitigating the fire hazard.
- NHTSA ID
- 11752892
- Incident
- Jul 25, 2026
Recall for FAST CHARGE LEVEL 3 CHADEMO has been issued for over 6 months. I am advised not to fast charge due to risk of devastating fire. Very dangerous to continue to use this car in an urban setting. Buyback was denied and told to wait for a fix. No fix yet! I can't get out of Philadelphia in this car. Tesla wouldn't let this happen!
- NHTSA ID
- 11745738
- Incident
- Jun 22, 2026
Level 3 quick charging was not working, and only Level 2 charging is working now. That creates a risk of not working if Level 2 charging does not work as well. Nissan issued the letter on 3/18/2026 to recall but not yet provided the detailed repair plan as of today. Please advise. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11743472
- Incident
- Jan 1, 2025
I own a 2021 Nissan Leaf with an open safety recall (NHTSA Recall 25V-655, Nissan Recall R25C8) issued on September 30, 2025. The recall involves a battery defect that creates a safety risk during DC fast charging (Level 3). As a result, I am unable to use public fast-charging networks such as EVgo. The recall currently has no remedy available and has been unresolved for over 7 months. I do not have access to home charging, and without fast charging, the vehicle cannot be used in a practical or reasonable way for daily transportation. This has resulted in a complete loss of use of my vehicle and has impacted my ability to work. Nissan has not provided a timeline for repair or an alternative solution such as a loaner or rental reimbursement. This delay is not reasonable, and I am requesting investigation into the lack of remedy and the impact on vehicle usability.
- NHTSA ID
- 11735427
- Incident
- Sep 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V655000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- NHTSA ID
- 11733592
- Incident
- Sep 30, 2025
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
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. *
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).
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).
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.
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.
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
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
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.