Nissan Motor Co. is recalling more than 19,000 LEAF electric vehicles in the United States due to a potential risk of battery overheating during fast charging, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The recall covers 19,077 LEAF models from 2021 and 2022 equipped with Level 3 quick-charging ports. Nissan found that excessive lithium deposits could form within the battery cells in vehicles built between November 3, 2020, and May 23, 2022, at its Smyrna, Tennessee, plant. The buildup may cause increased electrical resistance, leading to overheating or, in rare cases, fire risk during fast charging.
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Nissan is developing a software update to correct the issue. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified beginning October 24, 2025, and dealers will update the battery management software free of charge. Until the fix is available, the company is advising customers not to use Level 3 quick charging.
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The 2026 LEAF, expected to reach dealerships soon, will feature a redesigned crossover-style body, a driving range exceeding 300 miles, and a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network. Nissan has positioned the model with a starting price of $29,990, describing it as the most affordable new EV currently available in the U.S. market.