2021 Nissan Leaf VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report that the 2021 Nissan Leaf frequently experiences issues related to the electrical system, particularly concerning the inability to use Level 3 fast charging due to a recall involving a fire risk. Complaints often mention that the recall has been open for several months without a remedy, significantly affecting vehicle usability, especially for those without access to home charging. Symptoms described include rapid battery depletion, unexpected vehicle shutdowns, and charging failures, with some reports of the battery overheating and even fires occurring. These issues are noted across various mileage ranges, with some incidents leading to safety concerns such as stalling in traffic or being stranded in unsafe locations. Prospective buyers should be aware of these ongoing electrical system challenges and the impact on the vehicle's functionality.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 3 fire, 0 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report two primary issues with the 2021 Nissan Leaf in the UNKNOWN OR OTHER category. The most common problem involves the backup camera system, with multiple complaints describing intermittent failures characterized by a black screen, distorted or misaligned images, and color issues such as pink or blue screens. These camera issues often occur after opening or closing the trunk and may temporarily resolve with a firm closure of the rear hatch. Another issue involves the high-voltage battery, where one owner notes a recall related to excessive lithium deposits causing overheating during Level 3 fast charging. The recall remedy involves software monitoring rather than a physical repair, leading to concerns about potential immobilization and fire risk. Safety implications include reduced visibility when reversing due to camera malfunctions and potential battery overheating risks.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Owners of the 2021 Nissan Leaf report issues with the defroster not functioning effectively in cold temperatures, particularly below 17 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to potentially dangerous driving conditions due to windshield fogging. Complaints frequently mention that the problem arose after a software update, with the defroster taking about 10 minutes to activate, posing a safety risk. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with the rear view camera, where the display fails to show an image or appears grey, particularly in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. These issues are noted following manufacturer recalls, with some owners stating that the dealership requires payment for further repairs. Safety concerns are highlighted due to impaired visibility and the potential for rear-end collisions when reversing without a functional camera.

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2021 Nissan Leaf frequently report issues related to the power train, particularly involving the high-voltage traction battery and charging capabilities. Several complaints highlight problems with DC fast charging, noting that a recall restricts this feature, leading to practical limitations for long-distance travel. Symptoms include extended charging times with Level 2 chargers and concerns about being stranded due to insufficient battery range. Additionally, some owners describe an issue where the vehicle may unintentionally shift into Neutral if the gear shift is operated too quickly after pressing the Start button, posing a potential safety risk on inclines. Complaints also mention that vehicles around 33,000 miles may experience complete power loss, with one owner reporting a locked EV motor that required dealer intervention. Safety implications include potential rolling on hills and being stranded without charging options, but no accidents or injuries are reported.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners of the 2021 Nissan Leaf frequently report issues related to the high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack, particularly those linked to Recall 25V655. Common symptoms include significant battery degradation and loss of charging capability, with some reports noting a 40.07% Hx rating and a 3.18V cell sag under load. These issues typically appear around 108,000 miles, with some owners experiencing the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly, even when the battery indicates a remaining charge. Safety implications are noted, with reports of the car shutting down at highway speeds and difficulties in towing due to the inability to shift into neutral. Additionally, restrictions on DC fast charging due to fire risk leave owners without a timely remedy, affecting the vehicle's core functionality.

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2021 Nissan Leaf report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes. Complaints frequently mention scenarios where the vehicle's airbags fail to deploy during significant collisions, including a 360-degree spin after being hit by a truck and a front-end collision into a barrier. Both incidents indicate that the warning systems also did not function as expected. These events occur at different times, with one incident reported in March 2022 and another in September 2021. The lack of airbag deployment during crashes is a critical safety concern, especially when it involves injury, as noted in one of the reports.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports