Nissan Leaf jerking problems

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Acceleration, Steering · GA

I am reporting a serious and progressively worsening safety issue involving a 2015 Nissan LEAF with approximately 61,759 miles. The problem involves sudden, unintended jerking and apparent repeated braking while driving, accompanied by a forceful steering pull to the left. The exact cause has not yet been determined. Several years ago, the vehicle experienced a serious braking malfunction in which pressing the brake pedal did not stop the vehicle as expected. No warning light appeared during that incident. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Nissan dealership, where the 12-volt battery was identified as the problem and replaced. The braking issue appeared to be resolved at that time. Beginning in early 2026, the vehicle began experiencing intermittent jerking while driving. Initially, the episodes were brief and infrequent. Over time, they became more frequent, violent, and unpredictable. The malfunction typically occurs while traveling straight on dry roads at approximately 35–50 mph. Without warning or driver input, the vehicle begins rapidly jerking as though the brakes are repeatedly engaging and releasing. At the same time, the steering wheel pulls forcefully to the left, requiring immediate corrective steering to maintain control. The jerking sometimes continues even after the accelerator pedal is released. During some episodes, the brake pedal pulsates when subsequently applied. On October 30, 2026, the front-right tire blew out during one of these violent jerking episodes. The vehicle was subsequently taken to a tire retailer, where the tire was replaced. The retailer did not identify or report any unusual condition. It is UNKNOWN whether the tire failure was caused by the underlying malfunction or was a separate event. These incidents create a serious risk of losing control of the vehicle, colliding with another vehicle, or leaving the roadway. The unexpected steering movement and apparent braking behavior are particularly dangerous at highway speed

Filed Jun 14, 2026 · Electrical · CA

I am filing a complaint regarding the federal safety agency Recall 24V‑700 (R24B2) for my 2019 Nissan LEAF S Plus, VIN: [XXX], Nissan Case No. XXX. I complied fully with Nissan's recall instructions, avoiding Level 3 fast charging for my entire ownership. On or about April 23, I filed a complaint with Nissan Consumer Affairs (Case #XXX) regarding the impact of the charging restriction on my vehicle's usability and requested a buyback. Nissan denied my claim approximately two months ago. I then surrendered my vehicle for the recall repair. The dealer returned it, stating the recall was remedied. Over the following three days, I drove only short local trips with minimal driving — no fast charging. The vehicle lurched violently on a public road, entered turtle mode, and displayed multiple dashboard warning lights. I drove it slowly to the dealership. My dealer confirmed full battery replacement is required and submitted a Goodwill Warranty claim on my behalf — acknowledging this failure was not due to owner misuse. Nissan North America (Case No. XXX) has since informed me in writing that battery replacement cannot be provided and is now offering repurchase. The battery failure occurred directly after Nissan's purported recall repair with minimal driving. Nissan claimed the defect was fixed — it was not. I am concerned the KBB value Nissan intends to use may be artificially suppressed by five open safety recalls, including 24V‑700, and the vehicle's current non-operational status — caused entirely by Nissan's defective repair. I request the federal safety agency scrutinize Nissan's repurchase valuation methodology for affected owners. I request the federal safety agency investigate Nissan's failure to remedy this recall. My preferred remedy remains battery replacement. I should not bear the financial consequences of a repair Nissan certified as complete. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 19, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

I was traveling north on Freeway 57 at approximately 70mph. The dash lit up red with 12v and charging warnings. Power was shut off and car went into Neutral and warned me to pull over. This is an incredibly busy freeway and I was in the far left lane. I barely made it to the shoulder coasting before car started shuttering and jerking and stopped rolling. I could have been killed.

Filed Dec 17, 2024 · Acceleration, Transmission · CA · crash

ACCIDENT:Date: [XXX] Time: [XXX] Location: Balboa Park – San Diego – Morley Field Sports Center – Parking lot Parking lot - Google Maps Driver – Geico Insurance coverage || no passengers What: Nissan Leaf 2023 Model SV+ - 8410 miles -- Unintended Acceleration Incident Backing up to leave parking lot – with seat belt on – looked at rear view camera – clear. Backed up slowly – then intersected with the rear bumper of a Honda – slowly I braked – then went into Drive mode to get out of the intersection. Then I lost control of the car. Car went lurching forward fast – zoomed up over parking curb – 5 in – side-swiped the side of a tree with right front bumper – gashed with parts flying all over the grass. Crashing noises from jumping the curb and hitting the tree. I braked hard and got vehicle to stop = approx. 3 feet from another tree – which I would have hit straight on. No airbags were deployed. It all happened at high acceleration in an instant. After I recovered from the shock, I assessed the situation. The dashboard showed a malfunction – right front tire – no air pressure. Contacted my insurance company – GEICO – and opened a claim. GEICO arranged for my vehicle to be towed by ASAP Towing to my home. Took photos of the wreckage – collected all the pieces I could in a bucket – some were too large to fit into my car = air dam or some sort of under side cover – made of gray bendable plastic. Called ASAP - the towing company – asked about a flat bed as my front right tire was flat and the front bumper of the car had fallen off. My Leaf needs to be repaired. It needs to be reprogrammed by Nissan so that I feel safe driving it. Of note, I had to my Nissan dealer – Mossy Nissan Poway – for the recall R23A6 on Sept. 26, 2023. Did they address the recall issue? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 27, 2023 · Airbags, Brakes · FL

The brakes on the vehicle jerk alot when going under 15, causing everyone in the vehicle to get jerked forward multiple times and are touchy resulting in almost being in an accident. Airbag sensor for front passenger also no longer works and Nissan refuses to repair any defect

Filed Jun 2, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · CA · crash

I was stopped at a light, in a long line of cars, my foot on the brake, a few feet away from the car in front of me, and the same in back. All of a sudden, the car started moving, accelerating, jerking forward. I was shocked, pushed down on the brake, nothing happened. starting pulling the car out of line because I was going to hit the car in front of me. I was pumping the brake, and NOTHING HAPPENED. Clipped the car in front's rear left bumper, wrecked my front right bumper. Finally pulled into the turn lane and finally the brakes caught. It was like someone had taken a gizmo and turned on my car (like the OnStar mess a few years ago.). Nothing like this has ever happened to me, in any car, including this one, until 5/12 at 2:00 pm. It was terrifying.

Filed Nov 3, 2022 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA

Around 45 degree weather, while driving on the freeway, a warning light indicating the AEB had been turned off started flashing on my dashboard without any collision, jerky movements, sudden stops, or changes to settings. At the same time this happened, my electric battery mileage started to fluctuate erratically (73% to 8% to 14% back to 70% and finally to 60%). This is extremely concerning because of the car immediately brakes or if the battery dies on the freeway, it could cause a major collision.

Filed Nov 3, 2022 · Electrical · CA

Around 45 degree weather, while driving on the freeway, my electric battery mileage started to fluctuate erratically (73% to 8% to 14% back to 70% and finally to 60%). It gave me low battery warnings two separate times. At the same time this happened, a warning light indicating the AEB had been turned off started flashing on my dashboard without any collision, jerky movements, sudden stops, or changes to settings. This is extremely concerning because of the car immediately brakes or if the battery dies on the freeway, it could cause a major collision.

Filed Apr 26, 2022 · Brakes, Electrical · CA · crash · 2 injuries

The E-pedal was on. Trying to park car and it jumped the curb when it lurched forward and brakes would not engage so I had to hit a tree to stop the car.

Filed Mar 1, 2022 · Brakes · CO

When applying the brakes at low speed the brakes grab suddenly causing the car to lurch to a stop. The problem is intermittent, and therefore difficult to predict, but occurs frequently. This behavior is an ongoing hazard to the driver and passengers while also increasing the risk of a rear end collision if someone is following too closely.