Complaints about the 2020 Nissan Leaf peaked in 2025, with 85 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Hatchback, electric, 4x2, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Sep 15, 2020 to Sep 30, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24V-700 | Sep 19, 2024 | Lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging | Electrical system | 25,704 | Software update |
| 24V-071 | Feb 2, 2024 | Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image | Back-over prevention | 57,914 | Part replacement |
| 23V-494 | Jul 17, 2023 | Vehicle may accelerate unintentionally if the driving mode is changed ("D" to "B"; e-Pedal "On"; or "ECO" mode) after disengaging the cruise control | Speed control | 66,159 | Software update |
| 23V-048 | Feb 2, 2023 | Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect, and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions | Equipment | 64,732 | Not stated |
| 20V-570 | Sep 22, 2020 | Rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle | Visibility and wipers | 150 | Part replacement |
| 20V-412 | Jul 17, 2020 | Under certain circumstances, the images for the back-up camera can disappear while in reverse | Back-over prevention | 6,157 | Software update |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
166 complaints on file, page 1 of 9.
In XXX, my 2020 Nissan Leaf experienced a catastrophic battery failure while plugged into a Level 3 DC fast charger at the Nissan dealership where the vehicle was originally purchased. During the charging session, the high-voltage traction battery severely overheated, physically expanded/swelled, and tripped a major vehicle fault sensor. The dealership confirmed the battery was permanently damaged and rendered the vehicle entirely inoperable. Initially, Nissan corporate quoted $22,000 out-of-pocket to replace the defective battery. A few weeks after this safety incident, a national safety recall was officially issued regarding Nissan Leaf high-voltage battery defects and fire risks during fast charging. Approximately two years later, I received an official letter from Nissan offering a vehicle buyback due to the recall and lack of replacement parts. I spent three months actively working with a Nissan corporate representative to finalize the buyback paperwork. However, with the claim nearly complete, Nissan abruptly closed the case without resolution and transferred it to a third-party administrator, [XXX], forcing me to restart the entire process from the beginning. [XXX] has completely ignored all communications and has failed to respond or advance the claim for over a month. Safety Risk & Request for Action: The vehicle experienced a severe thermal event (overheating and physical expansion) during normal operation at an authorized charging station, presenting an immediate fire and explosion hazard. To date, the vehicle has been disabled and unrepairable for over two years. Nissan has failed to provide a timely remedy under the federal safety recall, and their administrative handling has unreasonably delayed removing this hazardous vehicle/component from circulation. I am requesting NHTSA intervention to hold Nissan accountable for executing their recall remedy and resolving this safety claim immediately. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11768046Vehicle: 2020 Nissan Leaf SV, VIN [[XXX]], ~55,000 miles Recall: R24B2 / NHTSA campaign 24V700000 (battery may overheat during Level 3 charging — fire risk) I brought my vehicle to Conicelli Nissan (Conshohocken, PA) for the R24B2 recall software update.The vehicle has been held at the dealership since on or about XXX with the recall remedy incomplete; the dealer says it cannot proceed without Nissan's approval (dealer case XXX). I opened case XXX with Nissan Consumer Affairs requesting rental coverage while the vehicle is grounded for this safety recall. Nissan verbally denied the request on XXX and refused to put the denial in writing. I have no transportation. Nissan provided rental cars to owners in its XXX Leaf battery recall until repairs were complete, but refuses the same here. I ask NHTSA to intervene: (1) compel completion of the recall remedy, and (2) require Nissan to provide alternate transportation while the vehicle is grounded for a safety recall its own procedure failed to remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11766659We were asked by Nissan corporate to bring in the vehicle for a safety recall related to the battery. The Nissan dealership updated the battery software then gave the vehicle back to us. However, as soon as we drove away the dash lit up with warning lights. We were on the freeway so we pulled over. It was a dangerous situation. We called the dealership and they required us to bring the car back. So we slowly and carefully drove the car a few miles back to the dealership. In their analysis, they decided the battery must be replaced. However, they no longer make that kind of battery, the stocks were on back order for up to a year, and the software update could not be reversed. So they initiated a buyback. We were not interested in selling the vehicle -- we simply wanted the recall issue fixed -- but we had no choice. The procedure for determining a buyback dollar amount has been extremely frustrating and manipulative. From our perspective, it's unlikely we'll be able to buy a working used EV for the amount they're offering. We have searched and it's difficult-to-impossible. No one informed us this situation was a possibility. We asked for a higher dollar amount, only enough to actually buy an equivalent replacement vehicle. They tell us they require the original Bill of Sale for the vehicle. But we don't have that and can't get it. We sent it to DMV after the purchase. We did get certified copies from DMV at a cost but Nissan insists they must have the original Bill of Sale in order to make us an offer greater than Kelly Blue Book value + 40%, which is insufficient as noted. Obviously, this is an arbitrary demand. If they can offer us one amount without the Bill of Sale, they can offer us any amount. But they refuse to discuss or negotiate.
NHTSA complaint 11761248My 2020 Nissan LEAF is subject to open safety recall 24V700 / R24B2 for a high-voltage lithium-ion battery defect that poses a fire risk during Level 3 quick charging. On [XXX], I brought the vehicle to an authorized Nissan dealer for the recall remedy. Three days later, on [XXX], while driving from New Hampshire to Connecticut, the vehicle displayed a "Service EV" warning and entered a reduced-power (limp) state on the highway, creating a hazardous condition in traffic. A separate authorized Nissan dealer diagnosed a fault in the high-voltage battery pack. The vehicle is now undrivable and cannot be charged. Nissan has been unable to supply a replacement battery and has indicated the vehicle will likely be repurchased because the recall remedy is unavailable. As a result, I am the owner of a vehicle that is undrivable due to an unremedied federal safety recall, with no available remedy and no timeline for one. The mileage at diagnosis was 99,100, within the vehicle's battery warranty period. I am filing this complaint because the recall remedy for 24V700 was not effective in my case, the vehicle failed dangerously shortly after the recall service was performed, and Nissan is currently unable to remedy the recall. I am also documenting the manufacturer's failure to provide interim transportation while the recall remains unremedied. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11759797The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that 100 miles of using the ED system, the power reduced message was displayed. The contact stated that the battery became disabled. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after a week. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint 11757377SAFETY COMPLAINT / INCIDENT DESCRIPTION Vehicle presented to Dennis Dillon Nissan on June 20 2026 for a factory high voltage battery recall software update intended to fix Level 3 fast charging safety risks. The software update rendered the vehicle completely inoperable by disabling standard Level 2 charging. The vehicle has been held in continuous dealer custody for 58 consecutive days without a working repair. Nissan failed to disclose that the recall patch could brick a functioning EV. Loaner support was revoked prematurely forcing 850 in out of pocket rental costs. Inadequate buyback offer via Morley Companies was rejected. Factory recall update rendered vehicle useless and unsafe to operate.
NHTSA complaint 11757287Regarding Nissan Safety Recall 24V-700 / Campaign R24B2. After the recall remedy was performed on my 2020 LEAF in June I experienced the "Service EV System" message during normal highway driving on 8/1/26. I have an invoice from the dealership that documented logged safety recall code P33ED along with EV system codes P317E-97 and P3180-97. The dealership improperly cleared the recall safety codes, charged me a diagnostic fee, and released a vehicle that is subject to an active safety hold under Recall 24V-700 / Campaign R24B2. The dealership released an unsafe vehicle back to me that remains a documented thermal and fire risk. The Nissan Nissan Safety Recall 24V-700 / Campaign R24B2 states that vehicles that experience this situation after the recall remedy was performed will have the battery replaced or vehicle repurchased.
NHTSA complaint 11756009See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint 11752391This recall appointment does not take 2 hours to complete. The dealer quoted me 1-2 days with an inability to offer a loaner vehicle. Several Leaf owners have completed the recall appointment and subsequently been left stranded because the car went into an undrivable mode leaving the owner stranded and incurring towing and rental fees for weeks without resolution. Nissan Consumer Affairs has denied to consider a buyback without taking the vehicle in for the recall notice even though the recall notice successfully being applied does not guarantee the car will not stop abruptly after that visit. Without the recall appointment, Nissan has limited my ability to safely fast‑charge, preventing me from using the full functionality of the vehicle. Nissan is conditioning buyback eligibility on my willingness to undergo the recall inspection, even though the recall remedy has repeatedly resulted in battery failure and sudden loss of power for other Leaf owners. This effectively forces me to expose myself to a known safety hazard in order to qualify for a remedy Nissan itself acknowledges may be required. I am being denied both safe vehicle operation and access to the promised buyback unless I accept a repair that may leave me stranded or without a functioning battery. Nissan recognizes the potential risk of the recall remedy by issuing a second notice dated 6/17/2026 that if the vehicle experiences this battery specific condition within 12 months after the date the software reprogram remedy was completed on the vehicle. Nissan will replace the battery or offer to re-purchase the car. Nissan has also recognized that batteries are rare at this time. I thought that a manufacturer must offer a remedy that was deemed Safe and this does not seem like it’s guaranteeing safety.
NHTSA complaint 11748187My Nissan Leaf was affected in the NHTSA Recall 24V-700. We took it into the Valley Nissan of Longmont, where we initially purchased the car, on 6/19/2026. The dealership checked it out and told us it was fine, so we took the car home that day. We drove it around on 6/20/2026 and received an urgent EV service warning. The car went into turtle mode while we were driving on the highway. We called the dealer, and they said it was the code that indicated our battery was actually degraded. So, they gave us back a car that was unsafe to drive. They weren't able to look at it again til 6/22/2026, but they refused to provide us with a rental or loaner car for the weekend, despite this being our only car, and the recall specifically having a stop-drive order on affected vehicles. On 6/22/2026, we took the car in again, and they confirmed the battery was actually degraded due to the recall. Again, they refused to get us a rental or loaner car. Since Monday, the car has been sitting at the dealer, and as of 6/25/2026, we still have no information about when we will get the car back, if we can get a battery replacement, or what our options are. They have provided us with no information and no alternative vehicle, despite our car being undriveable. They said we could rent a car but refused to confirm if this would be reimbursed as part of the recall. We called Nissan Customer Affairs, and they have also been unhelpful and not provided any further information on a battery replacement or loaner vehicle. We have been calling multiple times this week to no avail. We want to have the battery fixed, but we have heard from other Leaf owners that this can take many months, and this was our only vehicle. We would not be able to have the battery replaced at no cost to us without a provided loaner vehicle. Since this comes as a result of a stop drive order recall, I think that should be provided from Nissan through direct payment rather than reimbursement.
NHTSA complaint 11746554We have a vehicle with a recall, NHTSA ID: 24V-700, NISSAN ID: R24B2, the dealer is unable to schedule a service appointment and the Nissan Corporate Case Manager no longer responds to communications, of which I have sent many. I currently have no known way of getting this safety recall resolved. I called Nissan Corporate Affairs (6/25) and all they could do was send a message that I called to the case worker Jonnita Amonette.
NHTSA complaint 11746519While driving with cruise control set to a certain speed (i do not recall the exact speed it was set to) I pressed the button that lowers the current speed it is set to, but instead of lowring by one mph it raised the speed, pressing again raised the speed again. this continued a few times until i turned off cruise control. The system has been buggy in the past, for example not responding to a button or raising by 2 or 3 mph instead of one (the Leaf goes one by one, not jumps like some vehicles). But this was the first time i saw it actually raise speed in response to a button that should lower it and that seems dangerous. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center. It has not been inspected by anyone since the incident occurred. There were no warning lamps or messages. The overall bugginess has been noticeable for a long time (perhaps always?) but this occurred (raising the speed instead of lowering it) for the first time yesterday.
NHTSA complaint 11746000The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the local dealer stated that the part for the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Service EV System - Power Reduced" was displayed. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
NHTSA complaint 11745851I own a 2020 Nissan Leaf affected by recall 24V-700 (Nissan R24B2). The recall opened in September 2024 because the high-voltage battery can overheat and catch fire during Level 3 fast charging. Owners were told not to use fast charging until a remedy is available. The recall has been open since September 2024 and there is still no available remedy. Nissan has pushed the fix date repeatedly, first to November 2024, then Spring 2025, and now an unspecified point in 2026, with no firm date and no working repair at the dealer. I bought this vehicle more recently and understood there was an open recall, but a recall is supposed to mean a fix is coming, not a safety defect left unresolved for over a year and a half. In the meantime I am paying for a vehicle whose fast-charging capability I cannot safely use. This is well past any reasonable time to remedy a known safety defect. I am asking NHTSA to hold Nissan accountable for delivering an actual fix on a real timeline.
NHTSA complaint 11745152My 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.
NHTSA complaint 11738000The vehicle is affected by an unrepaired safety recall involving the high-voltage battery during Level 3 quick charging. The recall states that affected vehicles may develop excessive lithium deposits in battery cells, increasing electrical resistance and potentially causing rapid battery heating while Level 3 quick charging. The recall also states that if quick charging continues, a battery fire may occur, increasing the risk of injury. The recall status remains incomplete with the remedy not yet available. Owners are instructed not to use Level 3 quick charging through the CHAdeMO connector until the remedy is completed. This removes the vehicle’s fast-charging capability and leaves the vehicle subject to an unresolved battery safety recall. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue is confirmed by the active NHTSA recall record and manufacturer recall number R24B2 / NHTSA recall number 24V-700.
NHTSA complaint 11737683The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available and referred the contact to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint 11737657My electric vehicle is subject to an active battery recall (NHTSA ID: 24V-700) involving excessive lithium deposits within battery cells, which may increase electrical resistance, cause dangerous battery overheating, and create fire risk during Level 3 DC fast charging. Due to this defect, Nissan has instructed owners not to use Level 3 quick charging (CHAdeMO), removing a core function of the vehicle and rendering it effectively unusable for normal EV operation, reliable long-distance travel, relocation, and essential transportation. Nissan’s guidance assumes owners can rely on Level 2 charging, which for my vehicle requires approximately 7–8 hours for a full charge under ideal conditions. Because I do not have residential Level 2 access, the loss of Level 3 charging renders the vehicle functionally unusable for my living situation. This defect severely compromises both my safety and mobility by forcing me into an impossible choice: either risk using the charging method associated with battery overheating and potential fire, or lose access to essential transportation. The defect also forces prolonged public Level 2 charging sessions simply to maintain vehicle operation, creating significant daily hardship. Without safe fast charging capability, the vehicle cannot reasonably support long-distance travel or interstate relocation, leaving me effectively unable to move out of state without major financial and logistical burden. I have pursued resolution directly with Nissan and through BBB Auto Line. Nissan acknowledged the recall but declined buyback or meaningful relief, instead advising continued waiting for a future remedy. After approximately two years without timely corrective action, the vehicle remains subject to serious safety restrictions, diminished value, loss of core functionality, and ongoing consumer harm.
NHTSA complaint 11737653The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint 11734821When my battery range falls below ~125 miles, I have extreme range fluctuations especially at freeway speeds with any hills. Because I drive over a mountain range to commute to work, I can't safely drive the car. This is a known issue related to the recall from 2024 that has not been fixed. When I first encountered the issue in December 2025, I did not know about the recall. I took it to the Nissan dealer (Stevens Creek Nissan) and they did not tell me that there was a recall on the battery and that I shouldn't fast charge. At the time, I was fast charging to get the range safely above 120 miles so that I could make it home without complete battery failure.
NHTSA complaint 11732605Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.