Nissan Leaf Complaints (2014)

34 consumer complaints on file.

#11600609July 9, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
[XXX] - I was on the way to work on a clear and sunny morning. After stopping at a traffic light, vehicles started moving forward through the intersection. Traffic was building and the lady in front of me stopped very quickly. When I pressed the the brake pedal to stop behind her nothing happened. The brakes did not brake! The pedal went all the way to the floor. It didn't even try to slow down. I just rolled right into the back of her. The front end of my 2014 Nissan LEAF sustained significant damage and the rear bumper of her SUV sustained minor damage. Both of us had minor neck/back pain after. I am still recovering from spine surgery and I'm concerned about any long term issues that may be caused from this accident. We were in a very busy area of Atlanta and it is amazing that no one was seriously hurt. After calling 911 and being on hold for close to 30 minutes State Farm advised it was okay to swap info without an official police report. I don't want this accident to count against my accident free/good driver discount with my insurance. There were no warning lights on my dash or audible brake sounds. I have had similar problems in the past with the brakes not engaging. It has been to the dealership at least 4 times for brake related issues in the 10 years that I have had this car. The dealership and 1 independent garage have inspected my brake system, including fluid, pads and rotors. Everything is in good condition. In the past there was a correlation between the 12V battery power and the brakes not working. It has not been possible to recreate the problem on demand. I've reported this very serious safety issue to Nissan Consumer Affairs. They deny responsibility, but will not provide it in writing. A basic google search shows that I am not the only LEAF owner that has this problem. It is parked in my driveway and is considered unsafe to drive unless it is repaired per the dealership. I am glad that no one else in my family was injured because of this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516767April 12, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing from the garage, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. The contact noted that the failure mileage was approximately 50,100 and speed was approximately 5 mph.
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
#11456836March 15, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
The power steering has intermittently been de-activating. There is a warning light that comes on (yellow triangle with an exclamation mark). When this happens it causes the steering wheel to feel like it’s pulls in a direction. After we suddenly lose power steering with no warning we’re left to drive a car with no power steering until it suddenly re-engages. There has been no rhyme or reason to when this happens. The issue has been diagnosed at a factory dealership. The car has not sustained any accident (ever) in the +/- 4 years we’ve owned it
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11450160February 3, 2022
SEAT BELTS
1) start the vehicle 2) exit the vehicle 3) Unplug the vehicle 4) re-start the vehicle 5) put in drive Seat belt chime does not ring. I found that I can also 1) Start the vehicle 2) Put in drive 3) Put in park 4) exit the vehicle 5) enter the vehicle w/o seatbelt buckled 6) put in drive. No seatbelt chime.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11442276December 1, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake Failure - ABS noise, there is zero brake action. Pedal goes all the way to the floor and nothing happens. Car makes an ABS noise but there is zero brake action. I reported this to Nissan dealer twice at first, they couldn't find a problem now their saying it maybe the ABS Control Unit. They want to replace the ABS Control Unit at $2,200 but does not guarantee that's the problems. The Nissan dealer states that the car is not safe to drive. even if I pay them $2,200 to replace the ABS control unit.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11418938May 28, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My car suddenly accelerated out of my control and my car was totaled in a supermarket parking lot. Amazingly no serious injuries though two other cars were damaged by this event. No warnings and no time to act. I demanded that Nissan do an inspection. The email I got from them this morning said they found nothing wrong with the vehicle BUT that the accelerator was at 100% at the time of the accident. I was parked and getting out of my car when this occurred but Nissan did not think it suspicious that my car accelerated to 100% without any reason for me to accelerate and my foot not on the power pedal. Their letter to me claimed no responsibility for the malfunction. In fact. They are claiming no malfunction at all. I have requested in writing to get all the data they collected and although they had previously agreed to provide it to me. They are now backpedaling on that now that I’ve posed legitimate questions. This happened TWICE in a 15 month period and the last accident destroyed my car. Everyone was eager to blame me for the first accident that did thousands of dollars damage, which I know for a fact I was parked in my own driveway and not even driving. It was scary and stressful and still is. The only thing I can feel good about is that the car, my beautiful LEAF, is off the road forever and will not be dangerous any longer to me or anyone else.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11413072April 20, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING MY 2014 NISSAN LEAF SL AT A LOW SPEED (5-10 MPH) WHEN THE BRAKES HAD A SUDDEN AND UNANTICIPATED TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. WHILE PULLING UP TO A STOPLIGHT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET BEYOND WHERE I HAD INTENDED. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES OR PEDESTRIANS IN MY PATH. THIS EVENT HAPPENED IN DOWNTOWN SALT LAKE CITY. FROM THE POINT OF FAILURE, I WAS ABLE TO PREDICTABLY STOP THE CAR WITH SOME EXERTION. BUT CLEARLY, A FUNDAMENTAL MAJOR COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE FAILED. IT WAS NOT PART OF THE BRAKES THEMSELVES, OR THE ROTORS, OR WEAR. I DROVE THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY TO KEN GARFF NISSAN, WHICH WAS APPROXIMATELY 5 BLOCKS AWAY. THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AND REPORTED THAT IT WAS A FAILURE OF A MAJOR ELECTRICAL COMPONENT THAT PROVIDES BRAKING TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM. I CONTACTED NISSAN ABOUT THE ISSUE, AND REPORTED TO THEM THAT AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I HAD SEEN OTHER REPORTS FROM INDIVIDUALS ABOUT SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THEIR NISSAN LEAF BETWEEN THE MODEL YEARS 2013-2015. THERE WERE REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM AFFECTING MORE THAN 40 VEHICLES. NISSAN USA EXPLAINED THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY RECALLS FOR THAT ISSUE, AND THAT I WOULD SIMPLY HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. HOWEVER, I FELT THAT THIS EXPERIENCE, BECAUSE IT WAS SO DANGEROUS, AND SO SUDDEN, AND WASN'T A RESULT OF POOR MAINTENANCE OR AN ERROR OF ANY SORT, IT SHOULD BE ESCALATED AND EVALUATED FOR RECALL. NISSAN USA SHOWED NO INTEREST OR INTENTION OF MAKING FURTHER INQUIRY INTO THE PROBLEM, SO I FELT I SHOULD PUSH FOR A RECALL. MY CASE NUMBER WITH NISSAN USA WAS ORIGINALLY ASSIGNED AS #436-319-65, AND A NEW CASE NUMBER WAS ASSIGNED AS #436-368-82. THE INDIVIDUALS ASSISTING IN THE CASES WERE NAMED PAMELA AND NANCY, RESPECTIVELY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11397140February 20, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING. FEW TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD, THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING AND I HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKES. THE BRAKES MALFUNCTION WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. ON A CITY STREETS.*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER BRAKE CYLINDER SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR $3000.00.*JB
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11375218November 18, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES
AFTER COMING FROM WORK (54 MILE BACK AND FORTH) ON 11/4/2020, PARKED 2014 LEAF SV AT THE DRIVEWAY FOR 40 MINUTES. THEN WENT BACK IN, POWERED THE CAR AND SHIFTED TO REVERSE. THE CAR BACKED-UP FAST BECAUSE THE BRAKE SEEMED NOT WORKING. SO I HAVE TO STEPPED ON THE PEDAL HARDER. I KNOW SOME THING IS WRONG BECAUSE WHEN YOU STEP ON THE BRAKES A NOISE A CAN BE HEARD AT THE FRONT. I CHECKED AND IT SEEMED LIKE ITS ACTUATING SOMETHING BUT NOTHING IS HAPPENING. THE PEDAL IS DEEP. THE DASHBOARD BRAKE LIGHT IS ON AND YELLOW WARNING LIGHT. I TURNED IT OFF AND AFTER 1 HOUR I RECHECKED AND IT GOT BACK TO NORMAL OPERATION. BUT THIS WAS REPEATED SEVERAL TIMES DURING COLD WEATHER. THIS TIME 11/18/20, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE E-DRIVEN INTELLIGENT BRAKING COMM IS THE DTC CODE THAT CAME UP
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11268196October 13, 2019
SERVICE BRAKES
UPON STARTING THE CAR IN THE PARKING LOT, THE BRAKE PRESSURE DID NOT RELEASE AS USUAL WHEN STARTING THE CAR. WHEN DRIVEN IN THE PARKING LOT AT LOW SPEEDS, THE BRAKE DOES NOT FUNCTION AS IT SHOULD. THERE IS SO MUCH PRESSURE THAT I CAN ONLY PRESS THE PEDAL DOWN A LIMITED AMOUNT TO MAKE THE CAR STOP. AFTER A FEW DAYS OF DRIVING THE CAR LESS THAN 10 MILES TOTAL, THE PROBLEM HAS WORSENED AND THERE IS LESS ROOM TO PRESS THE PEDAL DOWN WHILE BRAKING. I TOOK THE CAR TO GET THE BRAKES INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD THAT EVERYTHING IS FUNCTIONING AS IT SHOULD. I AM WORRIED THE ISSUE WILL WORSEN TO THE POINT THAT THE BRAKES WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BE PRESSED DOWN AT ALL.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11258643September 27, 2019
POWER TRAIN
WHEN STATIONARY, VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT INTO PARK, AND WILL ROLL UNLESS PARKING BRAKE IS APPLIED. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT COVER THIS UNDER THEIR POWERTRAIN WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH IT IS PART OF THE POWERTRAIN ACCORDING TO THE NHTSA AND IS A MAJOR SAFETY FLAW. DASH DISPLAYS AN ERROR THAT READS "T/M SYSTEM MALFUNCTION VISIT DEALER", AND "WHEN PARKED APPLY PARKING BRAKE".
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11240810July 31, 2019
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
HI, WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE YESTERDAY MORNING IT SPED OUT OF THE GARAGE WITH NO THROTTLE AND WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO BRAKE. TURNS OUT THE BRAKE, ABS, WARNING AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS WERE ALL ON. THROTTLE BEHAVIOR IN DRIVE WAS NORMAL BUT WAS ALSO REALLY HARD TO BRAKE. THERE WAS ALSO A WEIRD HUM AT POWER ON. I POSTED THIS TO THE R/LEAF FORUM ON REDDIT AND EVERYONE SAID REPLACE THE 12V BATTERY WHICH FIXED IT. OTHERS DESCRIBED SIMILAR EXPERIENCES.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11186701March 14, 2019
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED ON IT WOULD MAKE A LOUD HUMMING NOISE. WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE IT WOULD ROLL BACK, ONCE YOU TAP ON THE BREAKS TO STOP IT WOULD KEEP ROLLING BACK. ONLY WAY IT WOULD STOP WAS BY SLAMMING ON THE BREAKS. SAME THING WOULD HAPPEN WHEN GOING FORWARD. THE ONLY WAY THE CAR WOULD BE DRIVABLE IS AFTER I LET IT SIT FOR A WHILE AND THEN GO BACK TO TURN IT ON AGAIN.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11157171December 9, 2018
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER DISCONNECTING CHARGE PORT, THE VEHICLE START DISPLAYED THE WARNING LIGHT, ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT. MAJOR ELECTRIC PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, AT THE VEHICLE CHARGE STATION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMED TO HAVE COMPLETED THE RECALL, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED.*JS
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11131039September 24, 2018
SERVICE BRAKES
DROVE VEHICLE FROM HOME TO DESTINATION 15 MILES AWAY WITH NO ISSUES. STOPPED AND TURNED OFF VEHICLE. AUDIBLE TONE CAME ON WITH EVERYTHING OFF. STARTED VEHICLE. MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED. TURNED OFF VEHICLE. TURNED BACK ON, BRAKE WARNING APPEARED, CAR IDLED FORWARD AND COULD NOT BRAKE IT TO STOP WITHOUT HARD BRAKING. TURNED OFF VEHICLE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11080704March 21, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON FEBRUARY 7, 2018, NISSAN LEAF CAUGHT FIRE WHILE CHARGING AT 3003 SUMMIT BLVD PARKING DECK P4, ATLANTA, GA 30068. AFTER REVIEW, NISSAN CLAIMS THAT THEY "FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF A PRODUCT PROBLEM, FAILURE, OR MALFUNCTION THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED OR CONTRIBUTED TO THE INCIDENT." VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WAS PLUGGED INTO CHARGER FOR LESS THAN 20 MINUTES BEFORE STARTING TO SMOKE AND CATCH FIRE. POLICE AND FIRE UNITS WERE DISPATCHED AND THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT. VEHICLE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY TOWED TO SALVAGE YARD A WEEK LATER. ROOT CAUSE COULD POSSIBLY BE CHARGING UNIT, HOW CHARGING UNIT WAS INSTALLED/MAINTAINED, OR A VEHICLE DEFECT. NISSAN'S CLAIMS NO PRODUCT PROBLEM, FAILURE, OR MALFUNCTION THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE INCIDENT. *TT *JS
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11071887February 9, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS READING A RECENT ARTICLE REGARDING A NISSAN LEAF AND A FIRE. WE JUST HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN AT OUR FACILITY, 3003 SUMMIT BLVD. ATLANTA GA 30319. THE ISSUE IS THAT WE ARE NOT SURE IF IT WAS THE VEHICLE OR THE CHARGING UNIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND A COUPLE OF OTHER CARS NEARBY WERE ALSO DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND CONNECTED TO THE CHARGER. THIS WAS LOCATED ON THE 4TH LEVEL OF THE PARKING DECK.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11056759December 27, 2017
SERVICE BRAKES
AS I WAS DRIVING MY CAR THE BREAKS STARTED TO MAKE SOME NOISES WHEN ACTIVATED . I CHANGE MY ROUTE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A REVISION AND AS I WAS GETTING THERE THE BRAKES STARTED TO FAIL TO A POINT THAT, BY THE TIME I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP 9A COUPLE OF MILES AWAY) , IT WAS ALMOST NOT BREAKING AT ALL. MAY THIS HAVE HAPPENED IN DIFFERENT CONDITIONS THE RESULT COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11003810July 8, 2017
SERVICE BRAKES
BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE BRAKES FAILED AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AS IT ROLLED INTO THE STREET. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND LOUD NOISES WERE HEARD FROM INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, PAID ~$300 TO "REINITIALIZE AND RECONFIGURE" THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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