TELEMATICS SERVICE INFORMATION HINT: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 4G network compatible TCU. TCUs compatible with 3G network only are no longer supported. SERVICE INFORMATION The APPLIED VEHICLES that come equipped with a factory installed SOS switch, located near the overhead map lamp, also come equipped with a wireless communication device called a Telematics Communication Unit (TCU). With an active NissanConnect® Services subscription, the TCU communicates with the NissanConnect® Services Data Center to provide various security and convenience services. This bulletin contains important service procedures that must be performed properly in order to set-up and maintain
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Nissan Leaf electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2021 Nissan Leaf have filed 29 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Leaf | 15 |
| 2019 Leaf | 162 |
| 2020 Leaf | 113 |
| 2021 Leaf (this page) | 29 |
| 2025 Leaf | 3 |
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 29 electrical complaints filed for the 2021 Nissan Leaf, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 57% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 29 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE AND AEB/FEB WARNING LIGHT ON OR RADAR OBSTRUCTION MESSAGE DISPLAYED WITH DTC C1A16 OR C2582 IF YOU CONFIRM IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (on the next page) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair. Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply t
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING APPLIED SYSTEMS: Vehicles equipped with a lane camera (see Figure 1) SERVICE INFORMATION If the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) warning light or is blinking (but not illuminated steadily) or the customer states it is blinking, and there are no related DTCs, inspect the windshield. A blinking AEB warning light may occur under the following conditions: When contamination or foreign material adhere to the lane camera viewing window on the windshield. When driving while it is snowing or when frost forms on the lane camera viewing window on the windshield. When the lane camera viewing window on the windshield is temporarily fogged up. Fig
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Subject: REVISION 2 R23D7 2018-2022 LEAF Rear View Camera Inspection - NCIR - Dealer Announcement REVISION 2 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin. The announcement from May 20, 2024 has been revised to include the following: • The remedy and parts are now available, please refer to NTB24-034 to remedy any vehicle affected by this campaign Parts for this campaign are on restriction and can be ordered via DBS. The parts restriction will be removed and dealers can order, as needed, via normal ordering process beginning July 19, 2024. Part number 24271-ZW40A (Protector Harness Kit) will be automatically shipped to dealers beginning July 1, 2024. The Protector Harness Kit will r
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2018-2022 LEAF; REAR CAMERA CAMPAIGN ID #: R23D7 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2018-2022 LEAF (ZE1) Check Service COMM or Dealer Business Systems (DBS) National Service History to confirm campaign eligibility. INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary safety recall campaign on certain specific model year 2018-2022 LEAF vehicles to inspect the rear camera operation and either add support to the rear camera harness or, if necessary, replace the rear camera. This service will be performed at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER Nissan has assigned identification number R23D7 to this campaign. This number must appear on all communication
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2021 Nissan Leaf electrical system failures cluster heavily around a battery defect. Three owners report their vehicles caught fire during or immediately after DC fast charging (Level 3/CHAdeMO)—one at a dealership during diagnosis, one at a public charger, one in the owner's driveway. Fires burned for hours and required fire department response with sand, water, and hazmat teams. All three vehicles are total losses. A recall (25V655/R25C8) issued October 2025 identifies the cause as lithium deposit buildup in battery cells raising internal resistance, but as of April 2026, remedy parts remain unavailable at dealerships nationwide.
Beyond fire risk, owners report the battery pack degenerating rapidly: range dropping 50–70% in minutes, internal resistance index falling to 44–71% while State of Health remains 86–87%, and vehicles unable to hold charge long enough to reach chargers. One owner reports 30-to-40-mile range after full charge. Multiple owners describe being stranded or nearly stranded on roadways.
The recall limits owners to Level 1 charging, removing fast-charge capability—which many owners purchased the vehicle for specifically. Nissan's proposed remedy is a software update that further restricts charging rather than fixing battery cells.
Separate electrical failures include random power loss while driving, vehicle stalling at highway speed, Turtle Mode activation capping speed at 30 mph, backup camera blanking, window and door lock failures, and a recurring "Service EV system" error preventing restart. Dealers report inability to diagnose or replicate most failures.
Same Nissan Leaf electrical reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Battery thermal runaway and fire during/after DC fast charging
High-voltage lithium-ion battery pack develops excessive lithium deposits that increase internal resistance. During or shortly after Level 3 (DC fast/CHAdeMO) charging, battery undergoes thermal runaway, igniting and burning for hours. Three owners report their vehicles caught fire immediately after or during charging; one fire occurred at dealership while attempting to recreate the problem, requiring thousands of pounds of sand to extinguish and forcing evacuation of nearby homes and businesses. Fire department and fire marshal respond to incidents.
When: During or within hours of DC fast charging; one incident at 60,000 miles, one immediately post-charge, one at dealership during diagnosis
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke and flames from battery area; Thermal runaway (uncontrollable heating); Vehicle burns for extended period despite firefighting efforts; Total vehicle loss
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 25V655/R25C8
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan recall issued October 2025 with stated remedy target of late March 2026 or October 2024 (depending on notification date); as of April 2026, remedy parts unavailable. Proposed remedy is software update that disables or limits Level 3 charging rather than fixing defective battery cells. Some dealers report parts still not available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25V655/R25C8 issued October 2025. Nissan instructs owners not to use Level 3 charging until remedy available. Remedy repeatedly delayed from October 2024 to November 2024 to December 2024 to spring 2025 to fall 2025 to March 2026 to April 2026 with no parts supplied. Software-only update documented as not repairing battery cells, only detecting issue and potentially disabling vehicle. Nissan buyback initiated by at least one owner but claim closed when owner unavailable due to medical emergency.
Rapid battery discharge and loss of range
Battery loses significant capacity rapidly, dropping 50–70% of range display in seconds to minutes while driving or overnight. Owner notes range drop from 60–70% to 12% in 30 seconds, dropping again 70% overnight. Another owner's battery drains significantly after being fully charged. One owner reports battery does not hold charge for more than 80 miles despite purchasing for larger capacity. Nissan replaced four battery cells previously for another owner, now more cells failing.
When: While driving at highway/road speeds, overnight, or shortly after charging; one incident around New Year, others not time-specific; failure mileage 25,000–40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Range display drops 50–70% suddenly; Loss of mileage accuracy; Battery does not hold charge; Owner stranded twice requiring tows; Dangerous situations (unable to reach charger)
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 25V655/R25C8, EV Battery failure message
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan replaced 4 battery cells previously for one owner; cells continue to fail. Dealers unable to verify or replicate issue in multiple cases. One owner requested lemon law action. No parts or effective repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25V655/R25C8 references lithium deposit accumulation causing resistance degradation. Nissan aware of issue per owner; described as 'not willing to help proactively.' Recall remedy parts unavailable as of complaint filing dates.
Battery internal resistance degradation from lithium deposits
Lithium ion battery internal resistance index drops to 44–71% while State of Health remains 86–87.5%, indicating excessive lithium deposit accumulation inside battery cells. This degradation increases electrical resistance, leading to rapid heating during charging and accelerated battery depletion during use. One owner reports 50% charge depleted over 30–40 miles of highway driving.
When: Detected at various mileages via diagnostic software; deposits accumulate over vehicle ownership; one case at 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Internal resistance index 44–71% (far below normal); Accelerated battery depletion during highway driving; Battery overheating message during charging; Rapid battery heating during Level 3 fast charging
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 25V655/R25C8
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers confirm internal resistance degradation via diagnostic software. No hardware-based repair documented. Nissan's proposed software-only remedy does not address underlying cellular degradation. One owner states software cannot compensate for missing active thermal management hardware.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25V655/R25C8 identifies defect as excessive lithium deposits increasing electrical resistance. Remedy is software update that limits or disables Level 3 charging. No hardware replacement or battery pack swap documented as part of remedy. Nissan states software-only fix is adequate.
Vehicle power loss and stalling while driving
Vehicle shuts off or stalls unexpectedly while driving at various speeds. In one case, battery rapidly lost charge on freeway without warning, vehicle decelerated to 5 MPH and stalled in middle of traffic; owner forced to run across four-lane highway to reach safety. Another vehicle went into total system failure after range dropped significantly, immobilizing car on roadside requiring police incident management.
When: While driving at highway and road speeds; one incident at 30,000 miles, another at 25,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine/motor shut-off without warning; Total system failure; Rapid deceleration to 5 MPH; Stalling in traffic; Loss of vehicle responsiveness
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 25V655/R25C8, EV Battery failure message, Service EV system - Unable to restart after power off
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle towed to dealer and remained there one month; unknown battery component replaced. Another vehicle towed; no repair documented. One case required police incident response. Multiple owners report battery component replacement but issue not fully resolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25V655/R25C8. Nissan has not provided effective remedy for power loss failures. One owner reports attempting buyback. Dealers unable to identify root cause in some cases.
Turtle Mode activation and speed limiting
Vehicle occasionally shifts into Turtle Mode (electric vehicle limp-safe mode) without warning, capping speed at 30 MPH or lower and preventing normal highway driving. One owner reports Turtle Mode activated while driving at various speeds after range drop incident. Message displayed indicating EV Battery failure.
When: While driving at various speeds; one case at 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Turtle Mode warning light illuminated; Vehicle speed capped at 30 MPH; EV Battery failure message displayed; Prevents normal vehicle operation
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 25V655/R25C8, EV Battery failure message, Turtle Mode
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer for diagnosis; failure not identified or replicated. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25V655/R25C8. Dealer unable to reproduce failure. No repair provided.
Backup camera failure and display malfunction
Backup camera displays distorted view, blank grey screen, solid pink color, or no view at all. Front and side cameras function normally. Camera fails increasingly frequently. This failure eliminates rear visibility during reversing, creating collision and pedestrian hazard.
When: Multiple instances; failure frequency increasing over time of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Blank grey screen on camera display; Distorted video feed; Solid pink color across screen; No visibility of rear area; Recurring and increasingly frequent failures
Repairs/costs cited: Not addressed in narratives. No repair attempts or costs documented.
Body Control Module lockout affecting door locks and windows
Body Control Module (BCM) becomes stuck in a mode that disables electric door locking/unlocking and electric window controls. Other BCM functions (e.g., mirror adjustment) remain operational, suggesting software rather than hardware failure. Issue resolved by disconnecting and reconnecting vehicle battery. Occurred twice recently for one owner.
When: Recurring; two recent incidents for one owner
Symptoms owners cite: Electric door locks disabled (cannot lock or unlock); Electric windows inoperative; Other BCM functions still work; Requires battery disconnect/reconnect to clear
Repairs/costs cited: Workaround is manual battery disconnection/reconnection. No warranty repair or recall documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Owner identifies as likely software-related issue.
Uncontrolled wheel spinning after vehicle exit and motor malfunction
Vehicle stuck in snowbank; driver rocked vehicle gently in drive/reverse. Vehicle began smoking. After driver exited, wheels continued spinning at extremely fast speed for extended period, with pieces breaking off wheels. Fire truck response required. Wheels burned off vehicle. Dealer examined but could not determine why wheels continued spinning after driver was no longer in car. No malfunction reproduced.
When: While stuck in snowbank; occurred after driver exited vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from vehicle; Wheels spinning uncontrollably; Wheel pieces breaking off; Wheels burned; Very loud noise from motor area
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repaired tires and rims but could not identify underlying malfunction causing wheels to spin uncontrollably. Root cause not found.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer examined vehicle; unable to reproduce or identify cause of malfunction.
Charging hood (charge port cover) opening while driving
Electric charge port cover on front hood opened unexpectedly while vehicle driven on highway. No prior warning or indication of problem with cover.
When: June 20, 2021, while driving on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Charging hood/cover flew open; No warning lights or messages
Repairs/costs cited: Not addressed in narrative.
Service EV System error and vehicle non-start condition
Message 'Service EV system - Unable to restart after power off' appears on dashboard. Vehicle shuts off and cannot be restarted the following day. Issue recurs immediately after dealer clears message and owner drives away. Same issue reported globally (Japan, UK, other regions) on other 2021 Nissan Leafs.
When: Occurred October 21 (year not specified but likely 2024–2025); recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Service EV system message on dashboard; Vehicle unable to start after power-off; Message reappears shortly after being cleared by dealer; Vehicle immobilized
Codes mentioned: Service EV system - Unable to restart after power off
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer cleared message; issue recurred immediately. No lasting repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Owner notes issue is widespread globally.
Windshield wiper failure and visibility loss
Passenger-side wiper does not function, impairing visibility during rain. Owner encountered heavy rain storm unable to see rear window due to inoperative wiper during dangerous weather.
When: During rainfall requiring wiper use
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger wiper inoperative; Visibility impaired; No wiper function during heavy rain
Repairs/costs cited: Not addressed in narrative.
Headlight malfunction
Bright headlights will not turn on, impairing nighttime visibility and safety. Owner encountered heavy rain storm where bright lights would not function.
When: During night driving in rainy conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Bright/high-beam headlights will not illuminate; Reduced nighttime visibility
Repairs/costs cited: Not addressed in narrative.
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 15 most recent
*High Voltage Battery defect/failure - this is what was believed to be the issue when it was towed to the dealership. What is left of it is available for inspection at the dealership for now, however the insurance may take it to a salvage yard since the fire department finished their investigation. *While at the dealership after they spent the day trying to recreate what happened they parked it…
Vehicle battery drains significantly after being charged, passenger wiper will not work impairing visibility, back up camera blurs and fails, bright lights would not turn on, I was in a huge rain storm unable to see. Inability to use level 3 charger is disallowing me to be able to use vehicle due to amount of time to charge and battery drain has caused me to be broken down requiring a tow twice…
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V655000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shifted in Turtle Mode, preventing the vehicle from exceeding 30 MPH. The contact stated that there was a message for the…
When placing the vehicle in reverse, the display screen shows either a distorted view or no view at all, or a solid pink color across the screen. This result in zero visibility out the rear of the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V655000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure; however,…
Around New Years this year, I was driving downhill, my car went from about 60/70% UNKNOWN to about 12%. This was for about 30 seconds until it went back up. This range drop was both dangerous but also caused emotional distress on my behalf as I worried whether or not I could make it to a charger. At the Nissan Dealer Service Dept, the "technician allegedly wasn't able to verify the issue with…
I can’t charge the car. I live in a city without a garage. I 100% need level 3 ChadEMO charging to use this car. Please pressure the automaker to fix it or buy back the vehicle as I cannot use the car. This is unacceptable from Nissan. Lemon!
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated that while charging the Lithium battery, the message that the battery had overheated was displayed. While driving on the freeway, the battery rapidly lost charge without warning. The vehicle decelerated to 5 MPH before stalling in the middle of the road. The contact ran across a four-lane highway to safety. The vehicle was later towed to the…
The back up camera failed. It shows a blank grey screen. The other side and front cameras work but not the most important camera, the rear, back up camera. This is becoming a more and more frequent problem to the point now where its failing more often than not.
Vehicle showed a message "Service EV system - Unable to restart after power off". Took to my local Nissan dealer on Oct/21 and had the car serviced and message cleared. On my way back home from dealer, same message showed up again and shut off the car. Next morning the same message remained on dashboard and was unable to start the vehicle. Through an internet research, the same issue is happening…
Had electrical trouble with your 2021 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 electrical problem on the 2021 Nissan Leaf?
It's a meaningful issue. 29 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 29 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 38,750 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2021/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.