2022 Nissan Leaf Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2022 Nissan Leaf, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical5853.7%
- Fuel system1715.7%
- Powertrain (other)98.3%
- Brakes87.4%
- Driver assistance65.6%
- Engine65.6%
- Visibility21.9%
- Exterior lighting10.9%
- Airbags10.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
VIN [XXX] battery percentage drops drastically and instantly once it reaches 50–60%. is behavior aligns with the active lithium deposit defects found under open Recall R25C8. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
After having the recall (Recall 25V655) remedy applied to my car, it will not restart after charging. I charged it once after receiving it back (the dealership had not fully charged it during the recall work - it was returned at 76%). And it immediately started throwing errors and will only be in neutral now. The Dealership service center maintains that this is not the result of the recall issue or the recall fix, which is quite unbelievable. I do not believe the recall remedy is actually a remedy.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am reporting a critical safety hazard involving my 2021 Nissan Leaf S Plus (approx. 117,000 miles). Since January 2025, the vehicle has exhibited dangerous battery degradation and voltage sag during operation. On my 30-mile highway commute, while driving at normal highway speeds—especially on inclines—the vehicle would suddenly display a low-power warning, and the remaining battery percentage would instantly crash. This caused a sudden, dangerous loss of propulsion in high-speed traffic, creating severe crash risks. I primarily charged at home and rarely used DC fast charging. On May 22, 2026, while actively driving, the dashboard flashed: "Service EV system unable to restart after power off." I pulled over, and upon turning the car off, it completely bricked. The auxiliary electronics power up, but the vehicle permanently refuses to enter "READY" (Drive) mode due to a high-voltage safety lock. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Nissan dealer. The certified technician's diagnostic report confirmed that the high-voltage traction battery has completely failed and is internally damaged. Crucially, this vehicle is currently under an active, unremedied safety recall (NHTSA Recall 25V655 / Nissan R25C8) due to excessive lithium deposits that cause severe battery degradation, sudden power loss, and fire risks. The physical failure of my battery is a direct manifestation of this exact manufacturing defect. Nissan’s software-only "interim remedy" did not fix the hardware defect; it simply bricked my car after exposing my family to highway propulsion loss. Nissan must be held legally responsible for replacing these defective, recalled battery packs regardless of mileage, as they present a severe, systemic risk of catastrophic failure and traffic accidents.
Nissan Recall R25C8 (NHTSA ID: 25V655), Incomplete, remedy not available Primary Issue: High-voltage battery fire risk during Level 3 (DCFC) charging due to excessive lithium deposits. I have been told by Nissan not to use Level 3 fast charging. This has significantly impaired the utility of my vehicle due to: - Limited Range/Utility: Without fast charging, I can't use the car for trips beyond its immediate single-charge radius, basically turning a long-range EV into a local-only car. The proposed software may limit charging or prevent the vehicle from restarting if it detects a dangerous condition, rather than permanently fixing the defect. - Time Loss: I can't charge at home unless (only overnight & if weather permits) I run a cable out of my apartment window, across the grass & sidewalk for a trickle charge (Level 1). Otherwise I have to drive to a Level 2 charger & wait many hours to charge up. This is significantly longer, makes it impossible to quickly 'top off' as advertised. For comparison: L3 (DCFC) gets me at least 15% in about 15 minutes (60% per/hour); L2 only gets 11% per/hour. L1 only gets 2% per/hour. Without DCFC this car is almost useless. - Diminished Value: Nissan sold me a $38,000 car & I'm concerned that a software-only 'fix' that may throttle charging speeds or simply disable the car if it detects heat will permanently reduce the vehicle's market value. I actually expected to keep this car for the rest of my life, but the CHAdeMO system (which appears is becoming un-supported) that also lacks a cooling system, makes that very unlikely. - Impact to income due to part-time employment that requires travel, which the LEAF was capable of doing with DCFC stops. Now, I need to rent a vehicle for these events. Purchased Cherry Hill Nissan March 11, 2022 2/3/2026: Nissan Service appointment. They are still unable to fix the recall issue, whether via software or hardware. 3/18/2026: I received another safety recall notice. Still no solution.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am reporting a critical safety hazard involving my 2021 Nissan Leaf S Plus (approx. 117,000 miles). Since January 2025, the vehicle has exhibited dangerous battery degradation and voltage sag during operation. On my 30-mile highway commute, while driving at normal highway speeds—especially on inclines—the vehicle would suddenly display a low-power warning, and the remaining battery percentage would instantly crash. This caused a sudden, dangerous loss of propulsion in high-speed traffic, creating severe crash risks. I primarily charged at home and rarely used DC fast charging. On May 22, 2026, while actively driving, the dashboard flashed: "Service EV system unable to restart after power off." I pulled over, and upon turning the car off, it completely bricked. The auxiliary electronics power up, but the vehicle permanently refuses to enter "READY" (Drive) mode due to a high-voltage safety lock. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Nissan dealer. The certified technician's diagnostic report confirmed that the high-voltage traction battery has completely failed and is internally damaged. Crucially, this vehicle is currently under an active, unremedied safety recall (NHTSA Recall 25V655 / Nissan R25C8) due to excessive lithium deposits that cause severe battery degradation, sudden power loss, and fire risks. The physical failure of my battery is a direct manifestation of this exact manufacturing defect. Nissan’s software-only "interim remedy" did not fix the hardware defect; it simply bricked my car after exposing my family to highway propulsion loss. Nissan must be held legally responsible for replacing these defective, recalled battery packs regardless of mileage, as they present a severe, systemic risk of catastrophic failure and traffic accidents.
The vehicle has been unable to charge at a lvl3 charger due to safety recall 25V-655 meaning I am no longer able to use this car as a daily commuter for my purpose.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was at a red light on a slight decline with my foot on the regular brake. I am 99% certain the Epedal was on. Something startled me and I took my foot off the regular brake, but the Epedal should have held the car still. It didn't, and I rolled into a Jeep SUV, smashing in the front of my car where the charging port is. Progressive Insurance says my car is totalled. The airbags did not deploy, and no one was hurt, but my passenger, an 89-year old with a recent hip replacement, could have been compromised. I am researching Black Box retrieval options, but they appear to cost more than my deductible. There were no warnings that the system was faulty.
The high-voltage battery on my 2022 Nissan Leaf is subject to Recall 25V655. The recall notice states that the battery cells can develop excessive lithium deposits, which increases electrical resistance and can cause rapid battery heating during Level 3 fast charging. Nissan instructs owners not to use Level 3 charging at all until a “remedy” is available. The issue is that the remedy described by Nissan is not an actual repair of the battery defect. Nissan states it will install software that monitors for “state-of-charge fluctuation” and, if detected, will prevent the vehicle from restarting or recharging in order to avoid a thermal incident. This means the defect inside the battery cells is still present, and the car may disable itself if the defect begins to appear. The recall materials also state there is no warning before overheating occurs. This creates multiple safety concerns: • The underlying battery defect remains uncorrected. • The vehicle can become immobilized (unable to restart or recharge) if the software detects the condition. • Loss of Level 3 charging capability affects the ability to travel safely or plan charging when needed. • A battery fire risk exists during Level 3 charging if the defect is not detected in time. Nissan’s documents state that the software is meant only to prevent the “progression” of a thermal incident, not to repair the defective battery. I am concerned that my vehicle contains a known hazardous defect that has not been physically repaired and that the software-only response is inadequate to ensure safety. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA is aware that the remedy being offered does not address the internal battery defect itself and may leave owners exposed to continued safety and reliability risks.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
"2022 Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (VIN: [XXX], ~41,570 miles) lost motive power at highway speed on [XXX]. Vehicle entered turtle mode and shifted into neutral while traveling on the freeway, requiring me to coast to an off-ramp (I was completely unable to use the accelerator nor move the car into Park). Vehicle was inoperable and required towing. This followed a similar incident on [XXX], where the vehicle entered turtle mode 7 miles from home despite showing 120 miles of indicated range. LeafSpy diagnostics confirm 8 weak battery cells with a 261 mV spread. Open recall NHTSA 25V-655 is unresolved. This is a safety defect, not normal degradation. I am attaching photos that show significant variance in mileage--at one point, I had 95 miles, and within 7 miles, it had gone to 0 miles and after another 8 miles, it entered turtle mode. 3 miles after that, the car essentially shut off and went into neutral. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
in reduced traction environments vehicle will accelerate a full throttle without driver input to accelerator pedal. The issue is repeatable. though it seems to happen under multiple conditions. Vehicles acceleration is often opposite of the direction selected on shifter. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
"2022 Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (VIN: [XXX], ~41,570 miles) lost motive power at highway speed on [XXX]. Vehicle entered turtle mode and shifted into neutral while traveling on the freeway, requiring me to coast to an off-ramp (I was completely unable to use the accelerator nor move the car into Park). Vehicle was inoperable and required towing. This followed a similar incident on [XXX], where the vehicle entered turtle mode 7 miles from home despite showing 120 miles of indicated range. LeafSpy diagnostics confirm 8 weak battery cells with a 261 mV spread. Open recall NHTSA 25V-655 is unresolved. This is a safety defect, not normal degradation. I am attaching photos that show significant variance in mileage--at one point, I had 95 miles, and within 7 miles, it had gone to 0 miles and after another 8 miles, it entered turtle mode. 3 miles after that, the car essentially shut off and went into neutral. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I bought my vehicle used, in May 2025. Then, in October (if not earlier), a safety recall was issued relating to the fast charging of the EV battery. This recall tells me that I’m not to use the CHAdeMO charging port due to battery fire risk. Now, almost 6 months later, there still isn’t a remedy available. Not being able to fast charge puts a huge restriction on where I’m able to go in my car. NO ONE wants to sit around for hours waiting for their car battery to recharge in order to get to their destination. I have contacted Nissan’s corporate office to ask if they would offer me a loaner vehicle for my longer distance drives, but they said no and didn’t have any other assistance to offer until the remedy is available. I would like to know, are they given any sort of deadline to remedy such a HUGE safety recall, or what most people would consider a DEFECT? If so, what kind of penalty do they face if this deadline isn’t met? If not, is there anything I can do to hold them accountable for selling me a defective Electric Vehicle? Thank you for your time
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Heater will start to intermittently blow cold air when air temperatures are below ~18F. This started happening after I took vehicle in to fix recall P4A17 in December 2024. I had no issues prior to this recall "fix". In addition to being uncomfortable with cold air being blown on me at cold temperatures, this leads to the front and side windshields to start to fog up, impairing visibility. I have not taken it into a dealer to be examined as there are numerous reports already on-line that this is a known issue after the P4A17 "fix" and yet Nissan has not yet released an actual fix for the current problem of blowing cold air with cold temperatures. There are no warning lamps or messages.
I was just at Empire Lakewood Nissan Dealership in Colorado on [XXX] for a few things. During my visit recall P4A17 was performed. I now notice on my drive in to work my heater isn't working now. It just blows cold air through the defroster and not at my feet as the HVAC indicator shows. I always have my auto climate feature set to 68 degrees F. It didn't finally come on until I'm almost to work. One of the best things about an electric car is I don't have to wait for the engine/coolant to warm up. My car was always warm by the time I left my neighborhood. Now I'm pulling into work and it's finally warm? What did P4A17 do to my car? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle was involved in a head on collision at approximately 25-30 MPH and driver's airbag did not deploy
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .