Nissan Recalls 20,000 LEAFs Due to a Fire Risk

Nissan is recalling around 20,000 LEAFs (model years 2021 and 2022) due to a fire risk with the vehicle’s lithium-ion battery. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the equivalent of Transport Canada, this can occur when charging at a Level 3 station.

• The recall affects 2021 and 2022 models

• In Canada, 1,355 vehicles are affected.

• This recall comes a few weeks before the official launch of the new generation of the LEAF.

A recall for the same problem was issued in 2024, this time for 2019 and 2020 model years.

In Canada, 1,355 vehicles are affected by the most recent campaign.

Regarding the fire risk, according to reports, the lithium-ion batteries in the affected models may have excessive lithium deposits inside their cells. If this happens, it increases electrical resistance and can cause fluctuations in the state of charge.

If the battery has significant lithium deposits, the increase in resistance could cause rapid heating when connected to a Level 3 charger, potentially leading to a fire.

The issue affects both the standard 40.0 kWh battery and the higher-capacity 62.0 kWh battery.

Nissan is still working on a solution, which it hopes to resolve with a software update. In cases where a battery has excessive lithium deposits, the new software will prevent it from continuing to charge while heating up.

Once Nissan has developed its corrective software, it will notify owners, who will then be able to have the repair done free of charge at their dealer’s workshop.

Transport Canada has issued the following warning: “To reduce the safety risk, Nissan recommends not to use the level 3 quick charging until the recall repairs have been completed.”

The model’s next generation will be launched in the coming weeks, ironically.