Engine complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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? …
My Nissan Leaf 2022 Electric Vehicle(VIN: [redacted] ) is subject to Safety Recall 25V-655 (Manufacturer Recall Number R25C8) dated September 30, 2025. As per the recall notice, the vehicle suffers from 'excessive lithium deposits within battery cells' which can cause 'rapid heating of the battery' and result in a battery fire. The manufacturer has officially instructed me NOT to use Level 3 Quick Charging (CHAdeMO) until a remedy is completed. This restriction substantially impairs the use and value of the vehicle, as it eliminates the ability to use the car for long-distance travel, which is its primary intended purpose. It has been over 3 months since this recall was issued, and the status remains 'Remedy not yet available.' The manufacturer has failed to provide a timely repair for this fire risk. …
The contact owned a 2021 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V655000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that while at a dealer charging the vehicle for approximately 15- 20 minutes, there was a fire coming from the front of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department after several hours. A Police report was not filed. No injuries, medical attention, or damages were reported. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.
*High Voltage Battery defect/failure - this is what was believed to be the issue when it was towed to the dealership. What is left of it is available for inspection at the dealership for now, however the insurance may take it to a salvage yard since the fire department finished their investigation. *While at the dealership after they spent the day trying to recreate what happened they parked it and planned to try again the next day, then someone walked by and saw smoke coming from the car and called 911. They called it a thermal runaway and it burned for hours before being moved to a safer, emptier lot where it was covered in thousands of pounds of sand. The night before the mileage range dropped roughly 70%, unaware of the recall in our mail that hadn't been opened we stopped to try to charge so we could get home. …
I have previously had an issue with low resistance of the high voltage battery. This resulted in the car giving a warning code that prevents the restart of the vehicle once it's turned off. This is itself potentially leaves a driver in an unsafe location if they are in an isolated place since you are also unable to charge. I took it to the dealer multiple times and it took them almost a month to determine the vehicle did have an issue, that it needed 8 modules out of around 24 total replaced. These modules were replaced and the vehicle was returned to me. In spite of this the vehicle when under 50% capacity still exhibits erratic range and capacity readouts when under heavy load. The vehicle has been returned to the dealer and is under investigation again because it is unsafe to drive in this condition. …
On November 5, 2025 our 2020 Nissan LEAF (42,701 miles) experienced rapid loss of battery capacity under normal driving/temperatures (80F.) Vehicle defaulted to "turtle mode" temporarily, an unsafe condition. Were able to replicate condition on subsequent days. Took vehicle to Cedar Park Nissan for evaluation. Technicians concluded that the traction battery had one or more defective cells and recommended battery pack replacement. Vehicle is inoperable. Started complaint with Nissan customer assistance. Dealer and Nissan refused use of a loaner vehicle, despite offering no timeline on repairing/replacing the battery pack. The defect in our vehicle's battery cells may lie in the battery chemistry and be related to issues associated with damage from DC fast charging (recall 24V-700.) Our vehicle has seen little or no fast charging, being charged mostly on Level 1 or Level 2.
2019 Nissan Leaf, purchased in USA, 3 years ago. Moved to Canada and imported vehicle through proper methods. When entered into Canada and waiting for safety inspection paperwork, learned that there was an open recall. The open recall is for battery Level3 charging issues. Can catch fire. In order to get safety inspection paperwork, this recall needs to be resolved. Constantly communicating with Nissan US and Nissan Canada, dealership and corporate for a fix and release and it has been scheduled and postponed for the past 2 years. There is no fix or resolution in sight. I cannot legally inspect, register, insure and drive my vehicle during this time. Ive waited 3-4 months now and because I imported from the states, Im one of the few Leaf vehicles that cannot drive my car while recall fix is pending. And its been pending for 2 years now. …
I am the owner of a 2019 Nissan Leaf affected by Recall R24B2, which addresses a critical battery issue that may lead to overheating or fire during Level 3 charging. I contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs over a week ago to initiate resolution and was informed that a regional manager would follow up with me directly. However, I have not received any communication since that initial call. I followed up again with Consumer Affairs, and was told they would reach out to the regional manager once more. Despite these efforts, I have received no callback, no update, and no timeline for resolution. This delay is unacceptable given the safety risks involved and the urgency of the recall. I am requesting immediate escalation of my case, a direct response from the assigned regional manager, and a clear plan for remedy. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Leaf years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2019 (9), 2020 (8), 2018 (7), 2022 (7) and 2021 (6) model years. Engine complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2019.
Is there a recall for Nissan Leaf engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Nissan Leaf model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Nissan Leaf engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles; 89% happened before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.