Table 1 shows one common other fuel system related problems of the 2021 Nissan Leaf.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Other Fuel System problems |
I own a 2021 Nissan Leaf subject to open recall r25c8 (NHTSA campaign 25v655) for fire risk during level 3 DC fast charging. The recall was issued October 2025. Nissan’s stated remedy target was late March 2026. As of today, April 6, 2026, no remedy has been provided. The affected component is the lithium-ion battery pack and its charging system. The vehicle is equipped with a chademo DC fast charging port, which I cannot safely use due to the documented fire risk. I am not avoiding this feature by choice – I am avoiding it because Nissan’s own recall identified it as a safety hazard. On April 6, 2026, I encountered a DC fast charging station and chose not to attempt charging due to the active recall warning, and due to reports that charging networks have begun refusing sessions on recalled vehicles. Diagnostic software shows my battery’s internal resistance index (hx) at 71%, disproportionately low relative to state of health at 87. 5%. The vehicle is also consuming battery charge at an accelerated rate during highway driving, with approximately 50% of charge depleted over 30 to 40 miles. I am concerned that a software-only remedy will be inadequate for a battery with this level of internal resistance degradation, as software cannot compensate for the absence of active thermal management hardware. No dealer has confirmed the condition. I am filing to document loss of vehicle functionality, Nissan’s missed remedy deadline, and concern about remedy adequacy.
This vehicle is subject to NHTSA recall 25v-655 involving the high-voltage traction battery. The recall restricts the vehicle from using DC fast charging (level 3), which significantly limits the safe and practical operation of the vehicle for its intended use. My household must routinely complete 300+ mile one-way trips on a weekly basis. Without DC fast charging capability, the vehicle cannot reliably complete these trips, creating a risk of being stranded or unable to safely reach destinations. Reliance on level 2 charging requires extended delays of 6+ hours, which makes the vehicle impractical for its intended use and inconsistent with reasonable consumer expectations for normal operation. I contacted Nissan north America consumer affairs and was directed to work with the local dealer. I then contacted dick hannah Nissan in gladstone, or, who redirected me back to consumer affairs. As a result, no party is taking responsibility and no remedy or interim solution has been provided. The manufacturer has issued a safety recall but is unable to provide a repair, timeline, or mitigation. The vehicle’s primary propulsion system is effectively restricted, and the vehicle cannot be used as intended for necessary travel. I have requested a loaner or comparable replacement vehicle while awaiting a remedy, but this has not been provided. This unresolved recall creates an ongoing safety and usability issue, and the manufacturer has failed to provide a reasonable interim solution.
I want to be clear about why I opened this case. Per Nissan’s own recall documents, the software update does not repair the defective battery cells, it only detects the issue and may disable the vehicle to prevent a thermal event. Level 3 charging remains unusable, and the underlying defect is still present. Because of this, I am requesting a repurchase or a replacement vehicle. If they say the software will “fully correct the condition”.
The 62kwh high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack. The vehicle is currently in my possession in santa fe, nm, and is available for inspection. It exhibits physical degradation (40. 07% hx) directly linked to the cell defects described in recall 25v655. The vehicle is a documented fire risk. Per recall 25v655, internal lithium deposits create resistance that leads to thermal incidents. Because my battery already shows terminal degradation (40. 07% hx and 3. 18v sag), the risk of a fire during charging or operation is imminent. Furthermore, Nissan has banned level 3 fast charging, which leaves me with no way to safely recharge the vehicle during necessary travel, creating a risk of being stranded in unsafe conditions. A terminal battery failure was officially diagnosed by an authorized Nissan dealer in albuquerque in August 2025 at 108,000 miles. However, my local dealer (fiesta Nissan in santa fe) has since refused to intake the vehicle for the recall because they are not ev-certified. Yes, by an authorized Nissan dealer. As noted, the failure was confirmed in August 2025. Additionally, the vehicle is subject to a formal manufacturer safety recall (25v655 / r25c8) specifically for this battery defect. Symptoms appeared in August 2025 including severe range loss and power turtle mode. Leafspy pro diagnostics confirm a terminal 40. 07% hx rating and a dangerous 3. 18v cell sag under load. Nissan's March 2026 recall notice confirms there is no current remedy to address these physical symptoms, and the proposed software 'fix' only monitors for failure rather than repairing the defective cells. Car immediately shut down on me on the highway(around 55mph) and I was able to coast out of traffic and onto the shoulder. Car indicated having battery percentage around 58%(30kwh) still remaining. Car also would not shift into neutral because battery was too low so towing was difficult. No neutral overide on car if battery is "dead".
Car is under a recall-no level 3 charging due to risk of fire since October of 2025 with no remedy in place. The car is not able to be used as advertized-cannot travel outside of 200 miles from my home as level 3 charging is not possible and level 2 charging not feasible for travelling. Of note-the battery in my car is a new battery -it was replaced in December of 2025 due to repeated prior failures -including suddenly slowing down drastically on highway which was a safety hazard. Aftee repeated efforts to get this addressed Nissan agreed to replace the battery but the repacement is under recall and the car is not usable for my purposes.
I am submitting this letter as a formal safety complaint concerning NHTSA recall no. 25v655000, which affects my 2021 Nissan Leaf sv and results in the continued restriction of DC fast charging due to a reported fire risk, without an available or timely remedy. Under this recall, Nissan has restricted the vehicle’s ability to safely utilize DC fast charging. While I understand and support actions taken to mitigate fire risk, the absence of a corrective repair or defined resolution timeline has effectively removed a core operational capability of the vehicle on an indefinite basis. Dc fast charging is a fundamental feature of the Nissan Leaf and was a material factor in my decision to purchase the vehicle. Since the recall was implemented, the vehicle cannot be used as designed or marketed for time-constrained travel, despite otherwise being mechanically operable. I was advised that a corrective update or repair would be available and, based on that representation, scheduled a service appointment with an authorized Nissan dealer on December 29, 2025. At that appointment, I was informed that no fix currently exists and that the restriction remains indefinite. No interim remedy, alternative accommodation, or estimated timeline was provided. As it stands, the recall has resulted in a vehicle that cannot safely perform a core function for which it was sold, with no effective remedy in place. Owners are effectively required to accept an indefinite loss of functionality to mitigate a safety risk, raising concerns about defect resolution timelines, adequacy of interim measures, and consumer safety implications. I appreciate NHTSA’s role in ensuring vehicle safety and accountability, and I am submitting this complaint to support appropriate oversight and review.
The high-voltage battery on my 2021 Nissan Leaf is subject to recall 25v-655/r25c8. The recall notice states that the battery cells can develop excessive lithium deposits, which increase 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. I have attempted to have the car fixed at two local dealerships, with both stating that they do not have a fix available. The documented "fix" is a software update that slows or disables level 3 charging, which does not resolve the issue, and only disables the vehicle's intended use.
The error occurred on 11/3/2023. The car got me to my destination. Error occurred past the 1/2 way point. The next day was busy w/ personal issues. Later in the afternoon, I was by the vehicle, I called the Nissan roadside assistance number. It was at this point that I was informed that no one was available or that my location was out of network. I was then instructed to find my own tow & arranged everything. I did. The vehicle completely died enroute to the Nissan dealership. The ev motor locks the wheels & there is no way to disengage the motors lock on the cv axle. The vehicle is in the Nissan service department at flagstaff Nissan currently. My Nissan Leaf sv plus is currently has 33,258 miles on it. It is currently covered under the basic warranty of Nissan north America. The Leaf was purchased on Saturday, June 12th, 2021. As of11/16/2023, there is no estimated time of repair. I do try & call everyday. The dealership has issued me a loaner to use during the absence of my malfunctioned vehicle. The dealership is solid & I do recommend them. There are several flaws with this 2021 Nissan Leaf sv plus and they are as follows: 1. The Leaf has an outdated level 3 charger that is being fazed out in north America. 2. The Leaf has no active thermal management for the battery. 3. The Leaf’s passive cooling is negated as the battery is too large to enable proper air flow. 4. The Leaf nearly stranded me out in the middle of nowhere. 5. The Leaf’s battery will degrade at a high rate as there is no atm for the battery. Based on the listed evidence, you can see that my confidence in the Leaf has been shattered. I thought the Leaf would be super reliable & would never let me down. After this incident, I realized that the “hate” was actually hard & heavy concerns that I thought was invalid. I have buyers remorse, big time.