In XXX, my 2020 Nissan Leaf experienced a catastrophic battery failure while plugged into a Level 3 DC fast charger at the Nissan dealership where the vehicle was originally purchased. During the charging session, the high-voltage traction battery severely overheated, physically expanded/swelled, and tripped a major vehicle fault sensor. The dealership confirmed the battery was permanently damaged and rendered the vehicle entirely inoperable. Initially, Nissan corporate quoted $22,000 out-of-pocket to replace the defective battery. A few weeks after this safety incident, a national safety recall was officially issued regarding Nissan Leaf high-voltage battery defects and fire risks during fast charging. Approximately two years later, I received an official letter from Nissan offering a vehicle buyback due to the recall and lack of replacement parts. I spent three months actively working with a Nissan corporate representative to finalize the buyback paperwork. However, with the claim nearly complete, Nissan abruptly closed the case without resolution and transferred it to a third-party administrator, [XXX], forcing me to restart the entire process from the beginning. [XXX] has completely ignored all communications and has failed to respond or advance the claim for over a month. Safety Risk & Request for Action: The vehicle experienced a severe thermal event (overheating and physical expansion) during normal operation at an authorized charging station, presenting an immediate fire and explosion hazard. To date, the vehicle has been disabled and unrepairable for over two years. Nissan has failed to provide a timely remedy under the federal safety recall, and their administrative handling has unreasonably delayed removing this hazardous vehicle/component from circulation. I am requesting the federal safety agency intervention to hold Nissan accountable for executing their recall remedy and resolving this safety claim immediately. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2020 Nissan Leaf: engine overheating
16 of the 167 complaints about the 2020 Nissan Leaf describe engine overheating.
- owner complaints
- 16
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- recalls
- 0
Engine overheating by model year
What owners say
Vehicle: 2020 Nissan Leaf SV, VIN [[XXX]], ~55,000 miles Recall: R24B2 / the federal safety agency campaign 24V700000 (battery may overheat during Level 3 charging — fire risk) I brought my vehicle to Conicelli Nissan (Conshohocken, PA) for the R24B2 recall software update.The vehicle has been held at the dealership since on or about XXX with the recall remedy incomplete; the dealer says it cannot proceed without Nissan's approval (dealer case XXX). I opened case XXX with Nissan Consumer Affairs requesting rental coverage while the vehicle is grounded for this safety recall. Nissan verbally denied the request on XXX and refused to put the denial in writing. I have no transportation. Nissan provided rental cars to owners in its XXX Leaf battery recall until repairs were complete, but refuses the same here. I ask the federal safety agency to intervene: (1) compel completion of the recall remedy, and (2) require Nissan to provide alternate transportation while the vehicle is grounded for a safety recall its own procedure failed to remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I own a 2020 Nissan Leaf affected by recall 24V‑700 (Nissan R24B2). The recall opened in September 2024 because the high-voltage battery can overheat and catch fire during Level 3 fast charging. Owners were told not to use fast charging until a remedy is available. The recall has been open since September 2024 and there is still no available remedy. Nissan has pushed the fix date repeatedly, first to November 2024, then Spring 2025, and now an unspecified point in 2026, with no firm date and no working repair at the dealer. I bought this vehicle more recently and understood there was an open recall, but a recall is supposed to mean a fix is coming, not a safety defect left unresolved for over a year and a half. In the meantime I am paying for a vehicle whose fast-charging capability I cannot safely use. This is well past any reasonable time to remedy a known safety defect. I am asking the federal safety agency to hold Nissan accountable for delivering an actual fix on a real timeline.
My 2020 Nissan Leaf is affected by recall R24B2 / the federal safety agency recall 24V‑700 involving the high-voltage battery and Level 3 DC fast charging system (CHAdeMO). Nissan and the federal safety agency instructed owners not to use Level 3 quick charging because the battery may rapidly overheat and potentially create a fire risk. The recall remains incomplete and the remedy is still unavailable. This issue has existed for a prolonged period and materially impacts the vehicle’s usability, charging capability, long-distance travel capability, and safety confidence. The vehicle’s Level 3/DC fast charging capability was effectively removed or severely restricted due to the recall. Nissan dealerships confirmed the recall status and lack of available repair remedy. The issue was documented during service visits and remains unresolved. The battery system and charging system are available for inspection upon request.
My electric vehicle is subject to an active battery recall (the federal safety agency ID: 24V‑700) involving excessive lithium deposits within battery cells, which may increase electrical resistance, cause dangerous battery overheating, and create fire risk during Level 3 DC fast charging. Due to this defect, Nissan has instructed owners not to use Level 3 quick charging (CHAdeMO), removing a core function of the vehicle and rendering it effectively unusable for normal EV operation, reliable long-distance travel, relocation, and essential transportation. Nissan’s guidance assumes owners can rely on Level 2 charging, which for my vehicle requires approximately 7–8 hours for a full charge under ideal conditions. Because I do not have residential Level 2 access, the loss of Level 3 charging renders the vehicle functionally unusable for my living situation. This defect severely compromises both my safety and mobility by forcing me into an impossible choice: either risk using the charging method associated with battery overheating and potential fire, or lose access to essential transportation. The defect also forces prolonged public Level 2 charging sessions simply to maintain vehicle operation, creating significant daily hardship. Without safe fast charging capability, the vehicle cannot reasonably support long-distance travel or interstate relocation, leaving me effectively unable to move out of state without major financial and logistical burden. I have pursued resolution directly with Nissan and through BBB Auto Line. Nissan acknowledged the recall but declined buyback or meaningful relief, instead advising continued waiting for a future remedy. After approximately two years without timely corrective action, the vehicle remains subject to serious safety restrictions, diminished value, loss of core functionality, and ongoing consumer harm.
The main traction battery is prone to overheating, risk of fire, or excessive lithium deposits causing electrical resistance, particularly during DC (Level 3) fast charging. I am unable to use advertised fast-charging features. The range of the car and it's usability is affected. The recall mentions a "software-only" remedy, but that does not fix the physical defect. After more than a year the recall status is still "remedy not available". I have contacted Nissan and they just state there is still no remedy at this time. Recall R24B2, 24V‑700.
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall affecting my vehicle: Vehicle: 2020 Nissan Leaf My vehicle is subject to an active safety recall related to the lithium-ion battery and DC fast-charging (Level 3 / CHAdeMO) capability. Nissan has advised owners not to use fast charging due to a risk of battery overheating and potential fire. Despite the recall being open for an extended period, Nissan has not provided a completed remedy for my vehicle. My local Nissan dealer has informed me that no repair or software update is currently available, and Nissan has not provided a definitive timeline for resolution. As a result: • A core advertised feature of the vehicle (DC fast charging) is unusable • The vehicle’s utility and value are significantly impaired • The recall remains open with no practical path to completion I am concerned that Nissan’s prolonged inability to remedy this safety defect leaves owners with an unsafe or materially compromised vehicle for an unreasonable length of time. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review Nissan’s handling of this recall and take appropriate action to ensure a timely and effective remedy for affected owners. Thank you for your attention
The high-voltage battery on my 2020 Nissan Leaf is subject to Recall 25V655. The recall notice states that the battery cells can develop excessive lithium deposits, which increases electrical resistance and can cause rapid battery heating during Level 3 fast charging. Nissan instructs owners not to use Level 3 charging at all until a “remedy” is available. The issue is that the remedy described by Nissan is not an actual repair of the battery defect. Nissan states it will install software that monitors for “state-of-charge fluctuation” and, if detected, will prevent the vehicle from restarting or recharging in order to avoid a thermal incident. This means the defect inside the battery cells is still present, and the car may disable itself if the defect begins to appear. The recall materials also state there is no warning before overheating occurs. This creates multiple safety concerns: • The underlying battery defect remains uncorrected. • The vehicle can become immobilized (unable to restart or recharge) if the software detects the condition. • Loss of Level 3 charging capability affects the ability to travel safely or plan charging when needed. • A battery fire risk exists during Level 3 charging if the defect is not detected in time. Nissan’s documents state that the software is meant only to prevent the “progression” of a thermal incident, not to repair the defective battery. I am concerned that my vehicle contains a known hazardous defect that has not been physically repaired and that the software-only response is inadequate to ensure safety. I am filing this complaint so the federal safety agency is aware that the remedy being offered does not address the internal battery defect itself and may leave owners exposed to continued safety and reliability risks.
See attached document for complaint. I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern regarding my 2020 Nissan Leaf which appears to be affected by a known defect involving the lithium-ion battery and DC fast charging capability. Despite Nissan's acknowledgment of the issue and a recall campaign (R25A3), no effective remedy has been provided. Owners have been advised to avoid using Level 3 fast chargers due to the risk of battery overheating and fire. This restriction significantly compromises the vehicle's utility and safety, especially for long-distance travel. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate whether Nissan has met its obligations under federal safety regulations and whether further enforcement or expanded recall action is warranted. I am also seeking clarification on my rights as a consumer under current recall protocols.
I am unable to travel long distances in my 2020 Nissan Leaf due to the pending recall, which states that rapid charging may cause a fire in the car due to overheating of the primary lithium battery. Fast charging is the only workable charging method for traveling long distances in the Nissan Leaf. This failure to correct the problem has rendered my Nissan Leaf useless and valueless.
I am submitting this complaint due to Nissan's lack of action on a critical safety recall that has remained open without a remedy for over a year (the federal safety agency Recall Number 24V‑700 / Nissan Recall Number R24B2). The recall involves a manufacturing defect in the high-voltage battery that can cause overheating and fire during DC fast charging. This is a severe safety risk, not only to owners but also to nearby vehicles and property at charging stations. Nissan’s only response has been to tell owners not to use DC fast charging, which was inadequate as a temporary measure and unacceptable as a long-term solution. Without access to DC fast charging, vehicle usability is severely compromised. Daily commuting is difficult, and long-distance travel is nearly impossible. Level 1 and 2 charging do not provide practical alternatives, and many owners rely on DC fast charging as their only feasible option. This feature is a basic expectation of modern EV ownership, and had I known I would lose it indefinitely, I would never have purchased this vehicle. After a full year, Nissan has provided no remedy, no timeline, and no meaningful communication. Even if a fix were announced today, implementation would take additional weeks or months. This is not a timely response to a major safety and usability issue. As an affected owner, I expect one of the following: (1) Nissan issues and implements a permanent fix within 30 days, (2) provides a free loaner vehicle until a remedy is available, or (3) repurchases the defective vehicles from me and other affected owners. Continuing with no action is unacceptable. As a repeat Nissan customer, this experience has been deeply disappointing and has caused me to lose confidence in the brand.
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall affecting my 2020 Nissan Leaf, currently with approximately 30,000 miles. The recall in question addresses a battery overheating risk associated with Level 3 fast charging (CHAdeMO), which Nissan has acknowledged and advised owners to avoid until a solution becomes available—scheduled for November 2024. I have contacted my local dealership, Flow Nissan of Fayetteville (4559 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville NC, 28304 - Tel: 910‑323‑4400), multiple times requesting assistance during this period. Unfortunately, the service department informed me that no temporary solution or loaner vehicle could be provided, stating that Nissan National has yet to authorize support. As a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, this situation poses a serious hardship. My duty station is located approximately 90 minutes from my residence, and I am required to report three times per month. The inability to reliably and safely operate my vehicle places not only my personal safety at risk due to the recall restrictions but also jeopardizes my ability to fulfill military obligations. I respectfully request that Nissan provide a loaner vehicle or alternative transportation during this recall period or offer compensation to secure a rental. This issue is not only a safety concern but is now directly impacting my professional responsibilities as a servicemember. Thank you for your attention and support in resolving this matter. Sincerely,
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2020 Nissan Leaf overheating
Is engine overheating a common problem on the 2020 Nissan Leaf?
16 of 167 owner complaints about the 2020 Nissan Leaf (10%) mention engine overheating. The model year with the most reports is 2022.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Nissan Leaf?
There is no recall or service bulletin for this area of the car on record.
Other symptoms on the 2020 Nissan Leaf
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