Transmission complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
in reduced traction environments vehicle will accelerate a full throttle without driver input to accelerator pedal. The issue is repeatable. though it seems to happen under multiple conditions. Vehicles acceleration is often opposite of the direction selected on shifter. [redacted]
When the Power switch is depressed the vehicle takes a certain amount of time before the READY to drive light is illuminated and the vehicle can be shifted into drive out reverse mode. However, if the gear shifter is moved into either drive or reverse prior to the light illuminating the vehicle will enter Neutral mode instead of remaining in Park. If the vehicle is stopped on any incline the vehicle may begin to roll in an unexpected direction once the brake is released believing the vehicle has shifted into the correct mode. If another vehicle, pedestrian, or object is near the vehicle it may be impacted before the driver has the time to depress the brake pedal. Further making this issue unsafe is that normally the gear selector has to be held in the neutral position for 2 seconds before the vehicle shifts into neutral. …
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. …
This is a report of what I think is a safety issue with the Leaf vehicle but has not caused an accident or incident for me, yet. If the Start button is pressed and then the Shift Control is changed to quickly the car will be put into Neutral instead of the desired Drive or Reverse. If the driver does not realize this and removes their foot from the break when the car is on a steep hill the car could roll into a vehicle, pedestrian or other obstacle before the surprised driver has a chance to break. The Leaf vehicle should not go out of Park if it is not ready to go into Drive or Reverse when the driver is trying to shift it into Drive or Reverse.
Vehicle: 2020 Nissan Leaf Issue: Level 3 DC Fast Charging (CHAdeMO) disabled due to known defect Odometer: ~68,000 miles Description: My 2020 Nissan Leaf is affected by a known defect that disables Level 3 DC fast charging (CHAdeMO). Nissan initially acknowledged the issue and planned a fix for November 2024, but that fix has now been delayed until Q3 2025. This delay means I will be without fast charging capability for nearly a full year, despite this being a key advertised feature of the vehicle. Fast charging is essential for longer trips, rural travel, and emergency use - its absence significantly reduces the car's practicality and range flexibility. Nissan has not offered any interim solution or compensation. The prolonged delay creates a risk of EV drivers being stranded or unable to reliably plan travel, especially in areas with limited Level 2 infrastructure. …
My 2020 Nissan Leaf is affected by recall R24B2 / NHTSA recall 24V-700 involving the high-voltage battery and Level 3 DC fast charging system (CHAdeMO). Nissan and NHTSA instructed owners not to use Level 3 quick charging because the battery may rapidly overheat and potentially create a fire risk. The recall remains incomplete and the remedy is still unavailable. This issue has existed for a prolonged period and materially impacts the vehicle's usability, charging capability, long-distance travel capability, and safety confidence. The vehicle's Level 3/DC fast charging capability was effectively removed or severely restricted due to the recall. Nissan dealerships confirmed the recall status and lack of available repair remedy. The issue was documented during service visits and remains unresolved. The battery system and charging system are available for inspection upon request.
My 2019 Nissan Leaf's battery stopped charging due to a manufacturer defect. Nissan North America confirmed this is covered under NHTSA Recall 24V-700 and agreed to repurchase the vehicle (case #1163589). However, Nissan's repurchase process has been severely delayed by issues connected to the recall remedy itself: Nissan requires a physical title to complete the repurchase, but their own financing arm (NMAC) failed to release a lien for six years after payoff--despite the law requiring them to--and then provided a defective release letter, stalling the process for over a month. Separately, Nissan's own repurchase letter promised a courtesy rental vehicle for up to 30 days during the process, which was never provided despite requesting. They are also refusing to lock in their repurchase price so every day of their delay is benefiting them while costing me. …
Nissan Leaf experienced large state of charge fluctuations while driving. State of charge was jumping up and down rapidly. Vehicle was taken in to Alpine Nissan in Federal Height, Colorado. Car was diagnosed with a cell imbalance across multiple cells which coincides with recall number R24B2 (NTHSA - 24V-700). I have been trying for weeks to get Nissan Consumer Affairs to give me a solution for the car as its undrivable due to the safety defect. At this point I haven't been able to get anyone on the phone in the last week. The car has a serious loss of power risk and is a fire hazard. The defect is well documented in the recall. The raw battery data and invoice for battery replacement is attached. Case number with Nissan is #[redacted]. I cannot get a written statement from the manufacturer or the dealer that the car is safe to drive in its current state.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Leaf years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2020 (14), 2019 (13) and 2022 (11) model years. Transmission complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2020.
Is there a recall for Nissan Leaf transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles; 78% 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.