2021 Nissan Leaf Powertrain & Transmission Problems

This vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall 25V-655 involving the high-voltage traction battery. The recall restricts the vehicle from using DC fast charging (Level 3), which significantly limits the safe and practical operation of the vehicle for its intended use. My household must routinely complete 300+ mile one-way trips on a weekly basis. Without DC fast charging capability, the vehicle cannot reliably complete these trips, creating a risk of being stranded or unable to safely reach destinations. Reliance on Level 2 charging requires extended delays of 6+ hours, which makes the vehicle impractical for its intended use and inconsistent with reasonable consumer expectations for normal operation. I contacted Nissan North America Consumer Affairs and was directed to work with the local dealer. I then contacted Dick Hannah Nissan in Gladstone, OR, who redirected me back to Consumer Affairs. As a result, no party is taking responsibility and no remedy or interim solution has been provided. The manufacturer has issued a safety recall but is unable to provide a repair, timeline, or mitigation. The vehicle’s primary propulsion system is effectively restricted, and the vehicle cannot be used as intended for necessary travel. I have requested a loaner or comparable replacement vehicle while awaiting a remedy, but this has not been provided. This unresolved recall creates an ongoing safety and usability issue, and the manufacturer has failed to provide a reasonable interim solution.

This is a report of what I think is a safety issue with the Leaf vehicle but has not caused an accident or incident for me, yet. If the Start button is pressed and then the Shift Control is changed to quickly the car will be put into Neutral instead of the desired Drive or Reverse. If the driver does not realize this and removes their foot from the break when the car is on a steep hill the car could roll into a vehicle, pedestrian or other obstacle before the surprised driver has a chance to break. The Leaf vehicle should not go out of Park if it is not ready to go into Drive or Reverse when the driver is trying to shift it into Drive or Reverse.

The error occurred on [XXX]. The car got me to my destination. Error occurred past the 1/2 way point. The next day was busy w/ personal issues. Later in the afternoon, I was by the vehicle, I called the Nissan Roadside Assistance number. It was at this point that I was informed that no one was available or that my location was out of network. I was then instructed to find my own tow & arranged everything. I did. The vehicle completely died en route to the Nissan Dealership. The EV Motor locks the wheels & there is no way to disengage the motors lock on the CV axle. The vehicle is in the Nissan service department at Flagstaff Nissan currently. My Nissan LEAF SV Plus is currently has 33,258 miles on it. It is currently covered under the basic warranty of Nissan North America. The LEAF was purchased on Saturday, [XXX]. As of11/16/2023, there is no estimated time of repair. I do try & call everyday. The Dealership has issued me a Loaner to use during the absence of my malfunctioned vehicle. The Dealership is solid & I do recommend them. There are several flaws with this 2021 Nissan LEAF SV Plus and they are as follows: 1. The LEAF has an outdated Level 3 charger that is being fazed out in North America. 2. The LEAF has no Active Thermal Management for the Battery. 3. The LEAF’s passive cooling is negated as the battery is too large to enable proper air flow. 4. The LEAF nearly stranded me out in the middle of Nowhere. 5. The LEAF’s battery will degrade at a high rate as there is no ATM for the Battery. Based on the listed evidence, you can see that my confidence in the LEAF has been shattered. I thought the LEAF would be super reliable & would never let me down. After this incident, I realized that the “hate” was actually hard & heavy concerns that I thought was invalid. I have Buyers remorse, BIG Time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)