Nissan has announced a significant recall affecting nearly 19,000 Leaf electric vehicles from the 2021 and 2022 model years. This action addresses a potential fire hazard linked to the vehicle's battery during rapid charging sessions. The core of the problem lies in the battery's internal chemistry, where a buildup of lithium can cause overheating, elevating the risk of a thermal event. While the company estimates only a small percentage of the recalled units may experience this issue, the safety implications necessitate immediate attention from owners. A software update is being developed to mitigate this risk, and affected owners will be notified with instructions to temporarily cease using fast-charging capabilities until the remedy is available. This proactive measure aims to safeguard vehicle occupants and prevent potential incidents stemming from the battery's performance under high-power charging conditions.
The recall highlights a critical safety concern for owners of specific Nissan Leaf models, urging them to exercise caution, particularly when utilizing Level 3 fast charging. The identified defect involves the possibility of excessive lithium deposits forming within the battery cells, leading to increased electrical resistance and fluctuations in the state of charge. This internal instability can result in a rapid temperature increase within the battery, posing a serious risk of fire. Nissan's communication with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirms this potential danger, emphasizing the importance of vehicle owners checking their car's recall status. The manufacturer is actively working on a software solution designed to prevent these thermal incidents, underscoring their commitment to resolving the issue and ensuring the safety of their electric vehicle fleet.
Understanding the Fast-Charging Fire Risk
Nissan has issued a recall for specific 2021 and 2022 Leaf models due to a fire risk associated with Level 3 fast charging. The problem arises from an accumulation of lithium within the battery cells, which can cause increased electrical resistance and inconsistent charge readings. This internal issue leads to rapid heating of the battery, potentially resulting in a fire. Nissan estimates that approximately one percent of the nearly 19,000 recalled vehicles could experience this thermal event. Owners are strongly advised to verify if their vehicle is affected and to refrain from using fast charging until a software patch is applied to prevent the identified risk.
The underlying cause of the fast-charging fire risk in the affected Nissan Leaf EVs is attributed to the battery's response to high-power charging. The previous-generation Leaf utilizes the CHAdeMO connector for Level 3 50-kilowatt fast charging. During this process, excessive lithium deposits can form inside the battery cells. This buildup increases the battery's electrical resistance and can lead to fluctuations in its state of charge. Consequently, this can cause the battery to heat up rapidly, posing a fire hazard. Nissan's recall covers both 40 kWh and 62 kWh battery packs, with 2022 models being more susceptible to the issue. The company is developing a software update to address this vulnerability, which is expected to prevent further thermal incidents by managing the battery's behavior during fast charging.
Actions for Affected Nissan Leaf Owners
Owners of 2021 and 2022 Nissan Leaf vehicles should check the NHTSA database to determine if their car is part of the recall. If affected, it is critical to avoid using Level 3 fast charging until a forthcoming software update is installed. Nissan will notify both dealerships and owners regarding the availability of this fix, which aims to prevent potential thermal incidents. The temporary suspension of fast charging is a precautionary measure to ensure safety while the permanent software solution is being finalized and distributed to all eligible vehicles.
For those owning a 2021 or 2022 Nissan Leaf, the immediate next step is to ascertain if your specific vehicle falls under the recall. This can be done by consulting the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. Nissan has confirmed that a software patch is being developed to correct the issue, which is designed to prevent the progression towards a thermal incident, effectively mitigating the fire risk. While the software update is not yet available, Nissan will begin notifying dealers on October 3, 2025, followed by an Interim Owner Letter to customers on October 24, 2025. This letter will specifically instruct owners to temporarily discontinue the use of Level 3 quick charging until the necessary software fix has been applied. Adhering to this guidance is crucial for the safety of both the vehicle and its occupants until the remedial action is fully implemented.