DTC P18B1 STORED IN THE SHIFT CONTROL UNIT IF YOU CONFIRM DTC P18B1 for âCONTROL MODULEâ is stored in the Shift Control Unit. ACTION Follow the SERVICE PROCEDURE in this bulletin to: 1. Confirm the current Shift Control Unit part number. 2. Reprogram the Shift Control Unit, if applicable.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Nissan Leaf powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Nissan Leaf have filed 12 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Leaf | 3 |
| 2018 Leaf | 3 |
| 2019 Leaf (this page) | 12 |
| 2020 Leaf | 12 |
| 2021 Leaf | 3 |
What stands out
Among the 7 model years of Nissan Leaf in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PREVENT FRONT AXLE THREAD DAMAGE DURING NUT REMOVAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DRIVE SHAFT BOOT SERVICE INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION If a Drive Shaft (Axle Shaft) Boot on an APPLIED VEHICLE is found to be leaking grease, AND There is no abnormal noise or obvious CV Joint risk due to water intrusion and/or complete grease loss, check for REPAIR KIT-DUST BOOT (CV Joint Boot Kit) availability. ï· If there is a REPAIR KIT-DUST BOOT (CV Joint Boot Kit) available for the vehicle being repaired, do NOT replace the axle. Install a new boot kit following the procedure in the ESM. o Refer to the ESM: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > FRONT AXLE > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BOOT o If the complete axle (drive shaft) is replaced when only a new boot is required, the
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2019 Nissan Leafs report two distinct powertrain concerns tied to battery and electrical systems.
The first involves sudden, temporary state-of-charge fluctuations during highway driving, particularly on extended inclines with cold temperatures or battery levels at 50% or below. One owner documented battery percentage dropping 40% in roughly one minute, then recovering shortly after. One dealership diagnosed cell imbalance across multiple cells under recall R24B2 (NHTSA 24V-700). These swings have triggered low-battery warnings and forced emergency stops on shoulders, creating documented safety hazards.
The second, tied to recall 24V-700 and R24B2, involves rapid battery heating and fire risk during Level 3 DC fast charging due to increased electrical resistance. Multiple owners report being unable to use the fast-charge port for over a year as of submission dates in 2024–2025, with Nissan providing no working remedy despite promised fixes that repeatedly missed their stated dates. One owner notes this restriction prevents long-distance travel the vehicle was purchased to enable.
One separate report describes uncommanded full throttle while rocking the vehicle in a snowbank, requiring brake intervention to stop. Another cites a clunking noise during acceleration that owners fear may escalate to front-axle damage. Neither finding is corroborated across the complaint set.
Same Nissan Leaf powertrain reports on nearby years: 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Battery state-of-charge fluctuation and cell imbalance
Sudden, dramatic swings in displayed battery percentage and estimated range during highway driving, particularly on extended inclines. One dealership confirmed cell imbalance across multiple cells. Displayed charge can drop 40% in about one minute, then largely recover once the vehicle clears the incline or comes to a stop.
When: Typically on extended highway inclines; more frequent in cold temperatures or when starting charge is 50% or below; escalated in frequency from winter 2021–2022 through winter 2023–2024
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid drop in displayed state of charge (up to 40% in ~1 minute); Rapid recovery of displayed charge after cresting incline or stopping; Low-battery warning triggered despite temporary nature of drop; Unsafe conditions forcing emergency stops on highway shoulders
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership stated approval of warranty repair requires battery disassembly; replacement battery lead time estimated at 8–9 months, with vehicle inoperable during repair and no Nissan loaner offered. No repair completion reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Battery is covered under Nissan's EV battery warranty. One dealership confirmed they could replicate the issue but required disassembly before warranty approval. Recall R24B2 / NHTSA 24V-700 documented.
Battery fire risk during Level 3 DC fast charging
Increased electrical resistance in the battery during Level 3 quick charging creates rapid heating and potential fire hazard. Owners unable to safely use fast-charge ports; some report inability to charge at home or with public chargers due to incompatible standards and fire risk.
When: Identified under recall 24V-700 / R24B2 in September 2024; no remedy available as of late 2024–2025 submissions
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to use Level 3 DC fast-charge ports; Restriction on long-distance travel capability; Fire risk cited by Nissan in recall documentation
Repairs/costs cited: No repair or software fix reported. Owners legally represented by MFS Legal in at least one case; Nissan Consumer Affairs engaged but no solution provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V-700 (R24B2) issued September 2024 with promised remedy dates in November 2024, March 2025, and October 2025; all dates have passed or been extended without remedy delivery. Nissan refusing buyback requests per owner reports.
Uncommanded full throttle during rocking motion
While rocking vehicle forward and back in a snowbank, the accelerator engaged at full throttle twice despite driver removing foot from pedal. Brake input required both times to regain control.
When: Occurred while stuck in a snow drift, slightly downhill, rocking vehicle for traction
Symptoms owners cite: Full-throttle engagement without driver input; Persistence despite accelerator pedal release; Required brake intervention to stop
Front-end clunking during acceleration
Clunking noise from stationary and moving starts, described as jarring and sudden. Owner expresses concern it may escalate to front-axle damage.
When: During acceleration from stop and when car is moving
Symptoms owners cite: Audible clunking noise during acceleration; Jarring and sudden onset
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
There was no incident...but I am reporting the fact that Nissan has not provided a remedy and the recall has been in place over a year. I and other owners of affected Nissan Leafs are not able to use the car to its full capacity. I strongly recommend NHTSA encourage/force Nissan to deliver a remedy and, indeed, compensation for the fact that these cars could not be use for long-distance driving…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 Nissan Leaf?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2019 Nissan Leaf?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Nissan/Leaf.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.