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2020 Nissan Leaf

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Leaf years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Nissan Leaf are substantially higher than the model-year median of 55.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 15 of 164 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 120 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

34 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2026
Fuel/propulsion System

The vehicle has had an open recall for over 12 months with no remedy. The open recall represents a serious and dangerous fault that makes the vehicle unfit for purpose. Nissans lack of resolution to the problem has serious and severe consequences.

NHTSA ODI #11727111

Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2026
Fuel/propulsion System

Nissan issued a recall on the ev battery in September 2024 because risk of fire if the quick charge feature is used but has failed to remedy the problem as of March 2026 and only says maybe the solution will come in this calendar year. This is unacceptable to cripple the full use of a vehicle. It takes all day to fully charge th…

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Nissan issued a recall on the ev battery in September 2024 because risk of fire if the quick charge feature is used but has failed to remedy the problem as of March 2026 and only says maybe the solution will come in this calendar year. This is unacceptable to cripple the full use of a vehicle. It takes all day to fully charge the car by slow charge compared to one hour in quick charge. Not fixing this problem risks people quick charging vehicles despite the risk.

NHTSA ODI #11726238

Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2026
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

Probably related to vehicle battery recall (that Nissan doesn't have a solution for yet), but when the battery gets beneath 30% it drops suddenly to 0%. I lost propulsion on the highway and it was dangerous. Going at a much lower speed than traffic it was difficult to work my way over to the right emergency lane. Even though m…

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Probably related to vehicle battery recall (that Nissan doesn't have a solution for yet), but when the battery gets beneath 30% it drops suddenly to 0%. I lost propulsion on the highway and it was dangerous. Going at a much lower speed than traffic it was difficult to work my way over to the right emergency lane. Even though my battery had recovered back to 25% after I stopped, the accelerator pedal would not move the car.

NHTSA ODI #11725024

Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2026
Fuel/propulsion System

In December 2025 my EV battery level began fluctuating wildly while driving, even going to zero while driving on an interstate. I took it to my local dealer on 12/29/2026. Nissan confirmed that the EV battery was failing and recommended replacement. The battery is still under warranty. Nissan ordered the battery on January 6…

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In December 2025 my EV battery level began fluctuating wildly while driving, even going to zero while driving on an interstate. I took it to my local dealer on 12/29/2026. Nissan confirmed that the EV battery was failing and recommended replacement. The battery is still under warranty. Nissan ordered the battery on January 6, 2026. It is now March 5th, and the battery has not shipped. Nissan has not provided any timeline for shipment of the battery and says they will not provide that information. My car has been undriveable for nine weeks.

NHTSA ODI #11722205

Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2026
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

Looking to get some kind of compensation or repurchase from Nissan for this long unresolved vehicle recall.

NHTSA ODI #11720778

Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2026
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

Nissan issued a recall more than a year ago regarding the safety issue with the Lithium-ion Battery. It has not provided an acceptable solution as of yet. The defect is limiting the ability to use the vehicle as intended and it is a fire risk.

NHTSA ODI #11718911

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2026
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

The vehicle is subject to an open safety recall related to the high-voltage battery. According to the recall notice, owners are instructed not to use Level 3 DC fast charging due to the risk of rapid battery heating and potential fire. At this time, there is no remedy available, and no estimated timeline has been provided. Beca…

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The vehicle is subject to an open safety recall related to the high-voltage battery. According to the recall notice, owners are instructed not to use Level 3 DC fast charging due to the risk of rapid battery heating and potential fire. At this time, there is no remedy available, and no estimated timeline has been provided. Because of this, the dealer is unable to perform any repair. The charging restriction significantly limits normal vehicle use, especially for longer trips that rely on DC fast charging. This condition creates an ongoing safety concern, as the vehicle contains a known battery-related defect with no available corrective action. The issue has been acknowledged by the manufacturer through an official safety recall, but the lack of a remedy leaves the risk unresolved.

NHTSA ODI #11718365

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2026
Fuel/propulsion System

The main traction battery is prone to overheating, risk of fire, or excessive lithium deposits causing electrical resistance, particularly during DC (Level 3) fast charging. I am unable to use advertised fast-charging features. The range of the car and it's usability is affected. The recall mentions a "software-only" remedy, but…

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The main traction battery is prone to overheating, risk of fire, or excessive lithium deposits causing electrical resistance, particularly during DC (Level 3) fast charging. I am unable to use advertised fast-charging features. The range of the car and it's usability is affected. The recall mentions a "software-only" remedy, but that does not fix the physical defect. After more than a year the recall status is still "remedy not available". I have contacted Nissan and they just state there is still no remedy at this time. Recall R24B2, 24V-700.

NHTSA ODI #11715287

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2026
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

The high-voltage battery on my 2020 Nissan Leaf is subject to Recall 25V655. The recall notice states that the battery cells can develop excessive lithium deposits, which increases electrical resistance and can cause rapid battery heating during Level 3 fast charging. Nissan instructs owners not to use Level 3 charging at all un…

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The high-voltage battery on my 2020 Nissan Leaf is subject to Recall 25V655. The recall notice states that the battery cells can develop excessive lithium deposits, which increases 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. The issue is that the remedy described by Nissan is not an actual repair of the battery defect. Nissan states it will install software that monitors for “state-of-charge fluctuation” and, if detected, will prevent the vehicle from restarting or recharging in order to avoid a thermal incident. This means the defect inside the battery cells is still present, and the car may disable itself if the defect begins to appear. The recall materials also state there is no warning before overheating occurs. This creates multiple safety concerns: • The underlying battery defect remains uncorrected. • The vehicle can become immobilized (unable to restart or recharge) if the software detects the condition. • Loss of Level 3 charging capability affects the ability to travel safely or plan charging when needed. • A battery fire risk exists during Level 3 charging if the defect is not detected in time. Nissan’s documents state that the software is meant only to prevent the “progression” of a thermal incident, not to repair the defective battery. I am concerned that my vehicle contains a known hazardous defect that has not been physically repaired and that the software-only response is inadequate to ensure safety. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA is aware that the remedy being offered does not address the internal battery defect itself and may leave owners exposed to continued safety and reliability risks.

NHTSA ODI #11715166

Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

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 co…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11706392

Official recalls

6

24V700000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:charging:module:software; Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Sep 19, 2024

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A quick charging battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed June 3, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R24B2, P4A38, and P5A22.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:propulsion System:charging:module:software

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging.

Consequence: A quick charging battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed June 3, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R24B2, P4A38, and P5A22.

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging.

Consequence: A quick charging battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed June 3, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R24B2, P4A38, and P5A22.

24V071000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Feb 2, 2024

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2022 LEAF vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23D7.

23V494000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Jul 17, 2023

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The vehicle may accelerate unintentionally if the driving mode is changed ("D" to "B"; e-Pedal "On"; or "ECO" mode) after disengaging the cruise control.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Unintentional acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module (VCM), free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23A6.

23V048000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual ; Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

Feb 2, 2023

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect, and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nissan will mail an addendum with updated instructions on how to operate the defroster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 1, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22C5.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect, and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

Consequence: Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nissan will mail an addendum with updated instructions on how to operate the defroster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 1, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22C5.

Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect, and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

Consequence: Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nissan will mail an addendum with updated instructions on how to operate the defroster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 1, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22C5.

20V570000 · Visibility:glass, Side/rear

Sep 22, 2020

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima, Maxima and Leaf vehicles. The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC752.

20V412000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Jul 17, 2020

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 LEAF electric vehicles. Under certain circumstances, the images for the back-up camera can disappear while in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. This recall began August 31, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.