Nissan Battery Fires Are Behind Leaf SUV Recall

Nissan is once again calling back electric Leaf sport utility vehicles over fire risks.

The automaker is recalling more than 19,000 vehicles whose batteries could catch fire while rapidly charging, Nissan recently told federal regulators. The batteries may have excessive lithium deposits inside their battery cells, increasing electrical resistance during charging.

“While the vehicle is Level 3 quick charging, the increased electrical resistance could result in rapid heating of the battery,” Nissan said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “If quick charging continues, a battery fire may occur, increasing the risk of injury.”

The new recall covers certain Leaf hatchbacks from model years 2021 and 2022. Owners of recalled vehicles should immediately stop using Level 3 quick charging, according to Nissan. 

This may sound familiar to Leaf drivers. Nissan initially called back more than 25,000 Leaf SUVs in 2024, citing the same issue. The recall covered certain Leafs from model years 2019 and 2020. Nissan said at the time that it was “developing a software program” to address the issue.

This time around, the automaker said it would begin notifying owners of the new recall by the end of October. The company will update battery software for the recalled vehicles, eventually.

“Nissan is preparing the remedy software that will prevent progression to thermal incidents,” the company told NHTSA. “Once the remedy software is ready for deployment, owners of all potentially affected vehicles will be notified with an Invitation to Repair Owner Letter and further instructions.”

How the California Lemon Law Works

These kinds of recalls have become all too common for Nissan and other major carmakers, which call back millions of vehicles every year. The recalls often come long after cars have left factory floors and dealership lots, sold to unsuspecting buyers.

The good news for Nissan and other car owners in California is that you do not need to wait around for a recall to get a defective vehicle fixed. The state’s lemon law provides some valuable rights and protections.

The lemon law - the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act - generally requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces them to buy back covered vehicles that they are not able or refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back. Our attorneys combine decades of experience in these cases and have a strong track record of successful results.

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.