Nissan LEAF Level 3 Charging Overheat Risk

Nissan has issued a recall for certain 2021–2022 Nissan LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port (CHAdeMO). The recall addresses a potentially serious battery overheating problem during fast charging that could increase the risk of fire and injury.

What’s the Problem?

The issue stems from the lithium-ion battery pack in affected Nissan LEAF vehicles. Nissan engineers determined that excessive lithium deposits can form inside the battery cells. These deposits increase electrical resistance, causing the battery to heat up rapidly when using Level 3 quick charging (DC fast charging).

If charging continues during this overheating, the battery could ignite and lead to a thermal event or fire. This poses a serious safety risk for drivers, passengers, and nearby vehicles.

Which Nissan LEAF Models Are Affected?

Nissan confirmed that the following vehicles are included in the recall:

2021–2022 Nissan LEAF

• Equipped with a quick charge port (CHAdeMO Level 3 connector)
• Manufactured between November 3, 2020 and May 23, 2022 at the Smyrna, Tennessee plant

2019–2020 Nissan LEAF

• Already covered under a separate recall (Recall 24V-700)
• Manufactured between August 29, 2018 and November 3, 2020

The new recall is registered under Nissan campaign number R25C8 and NHTSA campaign number 25V-655.

What Owners Should Do Now

If you own a potentially affected Nissan LEAF, do not use Level 3 quick charging (CHAdeMO fast charging) until the repair is completed. Level 2 charging at home or public charging stations is still considered safe.

Nissan will address the issue by updating the battery software. This remedy will prevent the battery from progressing into a thermal incident during charging.

Owner Notifications

• October 24, 2025: Interim letters warning owners of the safety risk will begin mailing.
• Later Date: Once the software fix is ready, Nissan will send an Invitation to Repair Owner Letter with instructions on scheduling the repair at dealerships.

Why This Recall Matters

With the growing adoption of electric vehicles, battery safety is critical. This Nissan LEAF recall highlights the potential dangers of fast charging technology if proper safeguards are not in place. For drivers who rely on DC quick charging for road trips or daily commutes, this recall is especially important.

Ignoring the recall could lead to:

• Overheating batteries
• Fire hazards
• Increased risk of injury