Summary
The Nissan LEAF has 25 recalls spanning 2013 through the 2026 model year, with the most serious being a high-voltage battery defect on 2026 models where internal damage can cause a short circuit and fire risk even while the vehicle is parked and off.
The 2026 model year has only this one recall. On 2023 models, brake lines on the right side can be damaged from production and corrode through, leaking brake fluid and extending stopping distances. The 2021-2022 model years share a battery overheating issue specific to vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port, where the lithium-ion battery can overheat during fast charging and create a fire risk. The same Level 3 charging overheating concern applies to 2019-2020 models as well.
Across 2018-2023 models, a drive mode and cruise control interaction can cause the vehicle to accelerate unintentionally when switching modes such as from D to B, enabling e-Pedal, or engaging ECO mode after disengaging cruise control. On 2018-2022 models, the rearview camera wiring harness can be damaged by vibration, causing the image to distort or disappear while reversing. The 2020 model year alone has an additional software-related issue where the backup camera image can drop out while in reverse. There is also an owner's manual error on 2018-2023 models where defroster instructions under maximum fan speed in very cold conditions can lead to a windshield that won't clear properly.
Going back to the 2016 model year, a wiring harness connector can pull away from the dual-stage passenger airbag inflator, preventing the airbag from deploying in a crash. On 2013-2015 models, a relay inside the electronic brake booster can freeze in very cold temperatures, resulting in a hard pedal and longer stopping distances. The 2014 model year has two structural concerns: certain vehicles built in a narrow window may have missing welds on the front structural member, reducing crash protection, and a narrow batch of 2014 models has an inverter circuit board problem that can cause the vehicle to shut down without warning while driving. The 2013 model year has a passenger seat occupant detection sensor that can malfunction and permanently suppress the front passenger airbag. Both 2013 and 2018-2023 models are subject to incorrect owner's manual defroster instructions that can leave the windshield uncleared in cold weather.
