Nissan Leaf Complaints

1,117 consumer complaints on file.

#11499635December 31, 2022
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The car (2023 Nissan Leaf SV Plus) was being driven down an urban street during daylight hours and in good weather (no precipitation). The car was being driven in the middle lane, between the right lane and the left turn lane, and at slow speed, as it had been stopped for a stop light. There was a truck parked in the right lane with a "cherry picker" on it that was involved in tree trimming. The truck was not moving. As the Nissan Leaf started to accelerate from the stoplight, the car suddenly applied it's brakes, rapidly slowing the car to a stop, and almost causing the car following to strike the Leaf from behind.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499319December 29, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving with one passenger going at very low speed. I began to turn into parking area and suddenly the car accelerated at an alarming speed. I applied total pressure on the brake to no avail, it did not override the acceleration. I steered into the back of another parked vehicle. The impact pushed the large heavy vehicle down into a ditch and deployed the airbags for both myself and passenger. 911 was called, Police arrived, tow trucks. My vehicle was totalled, and insurance now has the claim. If this has occurred on a highway or busy city street, many lives would have been at risk.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499464December 29, 2022
AIR BAGS
Vehicle was involved in a head on collision at approximately 25-30 MPH and driver's airbag did not deploy
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11498756December 24, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
We were driving the car on a highway (the 405 in Los Angeles) in the midafternoon on December 21. We were going uphill and in the flow of traffic. I'd say the speed was about 60-65. The car was functioning well. Then, the driver accelerated to pass a car and suddenly the car lost all power and went into neutral. Fortunately, we made our way to the freeway shoulder without an accident. But, it could have been very different, as we were on a fast-moving highway and there could have been a pile-up. The car had plenty of battery power (around 47 miles) but it would not shift back into drive. We turned the car on and off and it was stuck in neutral. A tow truck came by and suggested a jump start. That worked and we took the car immediately to a Nissan dealership. The dealership found an error code (I believe it's P3398 but I am unsure) and says that a part of the lithium battery is malfunctioning and the car is unsafe to drive. It is under warranty but they say they are unable to replace the battery for many months. I saw no warning lamps prior to the failure (apart from a recurring message about tire maintenance that we had addressed repeatedly). For what it is worth, I had just had the brake pads checked that morning at a local mechanic who said the brakes were in excellent shape.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11497334December 13, 2022
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I read "Due to a software issue in these Leaf hatchbacks, the back-up camera display can suddenly disappear when the car is in reverse and be replaced with the previous image. " Mine has same problem but doesn't have recall yet. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11496215December 6, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving down the road and applied pressure to the brakes. The brakes did not respond and the dash lights lit up indicating several failures. It took 15-20 feet before I was able to completely stop. If this had happened on a busy street or freeway, the results would have been catastrophic. The vehicle is currently located a Nissan dealership and is available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11495515November 30, 2022
POWER TRAIN
The car stopped responding to accelerator pedal and eventually stopped in the middle of the road just before a hill. Haven't noticed any error messages and instrument panels seemed normal. Switched off power and then turned on again, the car worked normally. I am going to bring the car to a service center but it seems hard to find an appointment.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11493573November 14, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
On Monday, 11/14/2022, while driving at 25 mph in approximately 28 degree temperatures, the brakes completely failed on my 2015 Nissan Leaf and the parking brake light, ABS light and traction control warning light suddenly illuminated on the dashboard. I glided to a stop in the breakdown lane, and while in both Drive and in Park when I pressed the brake pedal to the floor there were odd buzzing/knocking sounds towards the front of the vehicle (where the motor, etc. are located) and a vibration under foot accompanied by a clicking noise similar to that experienced during anti-skid braking. I turned the ignition on and off several times but the system malfunction was still present. I was able to drive 100 yards into a parking lot with minimal braking ability (the emergency brake served as a backup). I left the car parked, and when I returned two hours later to meet the tow-truck, the vehicle started normally with no lights on the dash. Brake functionality had returned, at least temporarily. I thus drove very carefully three miles home without incident. (However, had this occurred on the highway or while in traffic, a fatal accident could have occurred.) I have since found many reports from others who have experienced the same issue, which seems to be common enough to justify a recall, particularly as the brake failure reoccurs (see https://www.carproblemzoo.com/nissan/leaf/2015/service-brakes-problems.php). Tomorrow I bring the car to the dealer to diagnose the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492170November 3, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Around 45 degree weather, while driving on the freeway, a warning light indicating the AEB had been turned off started flashing on my dashboard without any collision, jerky movements, sudden stops, or changes to settings. At the same time this happened, my electric battery mileage started to fluctuate erratically (73% to 8% to 14% back to 70% and finally to 60%). This is extremely concerning because of the car immediately brakes or if the battery dies on the freeway, it could cause a major collision.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492173November 3, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Around 45 degree weather, while driving on the freeway, my electric battery mileage started to fluctuate erratically (73% to 8% to 14% back to 70% and finally to 60%). It gave me low battery warnings two separate times. At the same time this happened, a warning light indicating the AEB had been turned off started flashing on my dashboard without any collision, jerky movements, sudden stops, or changes to settings. This is extremely concerning because of the car immediately brakes or if the battery dies on the freeway, it could cause a major collision.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491641October 31, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car backup camera stopped working. Screen is black or showing green and pink static lines. Several months prior the car entertainment system would come on momentarily for few seconds when the car was off (not powered). other occasional issues related to blue tooth not recognizing phone ( not sure if all of these issues are related)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491461October 29, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The issue with our car is that the Distance-to-Empty (DTE) calculation for miles remaining for battery charge is very inaccurate. This issue causes the car to prematurely alert the driver that the battery is depleted when it truly is not depleted. While not a true safety issue, it's a driver distraction that can certainly lead to a safety issue. Here's an example of the problem: 1. Fully charge vehicle- the DTE registers 223 miles remaining; reset trip meters. The LeafSpy application shows a 215.9 miles which appears the more accurate reading. 2. Drive 158 miles, the DTE now says only 3 miles remaining. (The DTE dramatically drops after 100 miles of driving each time). The car's historic miles/KWH is 3.9 and is consistent so issue is not related to lost efficiency. 3. Drive another 14 miles to 172 miles, LeafSpy indicates a 23.8% Battery State of Charge and 49.5 miles remaining to 2% charge 5. Check the math for LeafSpy: 216 - 172 = 44 miles 6. I have been auditing the car for a few months and LeafSpy is super accurate. The battery is good, the Nissan DTE calculation is not. We have taken the car to two dealers and have contacted Nissan EV Customer support (1-877-664-2738). I warned Nissan I was going to issue a report so things get documented more.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11490939October 26, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle showed a message "Service EV system - Unable to restart after power off". Took to my local Nissan dealer on Oct/21 and had the car serviced and message cleared. On my way back home from dealer, same message showed up again and shut off the car. Next morning the same message remained on dashboard and was unable to start the vehicle. Through an internet research, the same issue is happening with Nissan Leaf all over the world (Japan, UK, etc)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11490696October 24, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle is 2016 Nissan Leaf. Odometer reading 42,537. On August 28, 2022 in a shopping center parking lot under fair weather conditions and temperatures in the 80s, upon starting car, brake system control light and ABS indicator light both illuminated. Pulled car back into parking spot. Brakes did not work. Used emergency brake to stop vehicle. 9/11/2022 Inspection by Melloy Nissan. [XXX], Service manager, reported that vehicle has two faulty components: brake control assembly and actuator assembly that require replacement. Stated that technician called Nissan USA. Other vehicle on East Coast had same problem that was fixed with this repair. Cost of parts $4,099. Cost of labor $900. Total repair cost $5,000. Service manager advised owner that vehicle is not safe to drive. 9/27/2022 Inspection by Reliable Nissan. [XXX], Service manager, reported that vehicle has error codes for electrically driven intelligent brake system. Stated that other Nissan Leaf had recently been repaired for same problem at Reliable Nissan. Cost of part (brake control assembly) $2,792. Cost of labor $700. Total cost $3,854. Service manager advised owner that vehicle is not safe to drive. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11488828October 11, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear view mirror camera does not display an image on the console. Visibility behind the car is very poor without this camera due to the car's design, creating a hazardous driving condition.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11488147October 6, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
Complete brake failure due to the intelligent brake unit. Driving on the freeway when multiple warning lights flashed at once and I lost brake functionality. I used to emergency brake to slow to a stop. This is an intermittent failure because after it sat for 30 minutes brake functionality returned. I'm very concerned about this issue and have seen multiple people reporting this issue for Nissan Leafs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11488058October 5, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
A warning light came on with a circle and exclamation mark and when I starting to back up my brake pedal was not stopping the car it kept on going it was very scary , then another warning light came on with a picture of a car and exclamation. Sign and everything stopped working the car will not moved , took the car to the dealer and they said the 12 volt battery was defective
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11487085September 29, 2022
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? AEB may have malfunctioned. Yes, I will provide the car for official inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Possible injuries from abrupt braking; possible and likely rear-end collision if drivers behind me. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. I have not contacted Nissan. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. I have not contacted any gov agency or insurance carrier. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. I saw three red flashes and associated sounds warning of imminent collision - even though NOTHING was in front of the car that would cause the AEB to engage. Below is my incident description: My work has an underground garage. I was entering the garage, went down one level, and then on my way back up the next level. There are speed bumps going down and going up, so you cannot go very fast. On my way back up (incline), the AEB unexpectedly activated with red buttons flashing about three times with sound (as if I was about to crash into something) and then the car abruptly stopped. I stepped on the accelerator to try and go and it would not budge. I'm still on the incline. If there were cars behind me, I would have most likely been rear-ended because this incident came out of nowhere and my car just stopped. There were no moving cars in front of me that would indicate a near collision, only parked cars. I had driven this route in the past so I don't know what was different today. Car just stopped. I am still on incline; placed car in park; waited few seconds; placed car in drive and was finally able to move the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11486228September 24, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When the vehicle is booting up after pressing the power on button you can try to shift from P to R or D. It is very easy to do this too soon. Instead of staying in P or shifting to the desired gear it shifts to N. You can then shift to R or D without using the brake pedal. Normally you would think this is no big deal. The problem is if you are on a hill and expect to move in reverse you end up rolling forward and vice versa. This happens a lot, because I am impatient. It has not caused an issue for me yet, but I can foresee something happening from a minor collision to something horrible where a child is run over or injured. I brought it to the attention of my local dealer before my warranty expired and they said all of the Leaf vehicles do this. How does Nissan think this is acceptable? How does a dealership not report this after they are made aware of such an issue? This has been the case since I have had the vehicle since late 2018. I keep meaning to report it. I hope this has not caused any injuries.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11485305September 19, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
Complete braking system failure. After putting the car into reverse, only the emergency brake and parking system were functional. Once taken out of park, the vehicle was effectively free-rolling and nearly hit a structure. While in-gear, the brake sensation was that of having ABS actively working, and the brake needed to be smashed to the floor to get any functional braking. The fearful part was the car was still applying powertrain effort, without any accelerator input. Yellow Brake Warning Light, Red BRAKE light, VDC Warning Light, Red/Yellow Master Warning Light were all illuminated. This had not been brought up with the dealer, but a terrifying failure mode of electronic braking systems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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