NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
110 reportsMileage unknown · Oct 6, 2022
Service Brakes
Complete brake failure due to the intelligent brake unit. Driving on the freeway when multiple warning lights flashed at once and I lost brake functionality. I used to emergency brake to slow to a stop. This is an intermittent failure because after it sat for 30 minutes brake functionality returned. I'm very concerned about this…
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Complete brake failure due to the intelligent brake unit. Driving on the freeway when multiple warning lights flashed at once and I lost brake functionality. I used to emergency brake to slow to a stop. This is an intermittent failure because after it sat for 30 minutes brake functionality returned. I'm very concerned about this issue and have seen multiple people reporting this issue for Nissan Leafs.
NHTSA ODI #11488147
Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2022
Service Brakes
The intelligent brake control unit has gone bad. I was driving home and I was preparing to stop at a stop sign . I pressed on the brake pedal and the would not stop. Luckily there were no other cars or else I would have been involved in a car accident. I had the car towed home then I drove it to the Nissan dealership. They ran a…
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The intelligent brake control unit has gone bad. I was driving home and I was preparing to stop at a stop sign . I pressed on the brake pedal and the would not stop. Luckily there were no other cars or else I would have been involved in a car accident. I had the car towed home then I drove it to the Nissan dealership. They ran a diagnostic and they said that they found multiple codes for the brake booster. They recommend that the intelligent brake control unit be replaced. At the time of the incident, the abs light went on, and the traction motor light went on. When I pressed on the brake there was a squealing noise coming from the pedal. That was the first time that ever happened. I reached out to nissanconsumeraffairs.com for assistance to help with the cost of the part. They said that they could not help. My case number is [XXX] and the person that was my contact was [XXX]. Her number is [XXX]. I have read various accounts of where the same part has failed on many Nissan LEAFs. This should be a recall where this part should be fixed for free. It is putting many lives in danger. I hope that you can help me out as well as the many people that drive this car make and model. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11482658
Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2022
Service Brakes
I was driving my 2015 Nissan Leaf and attempted to decrease my speed for an upcoming right turn. When I put my foot to the pedal i realized it became stiff and my vehicle was unable to slow or come to a stop. I was able to make the turn safely as I was not at an itial high speed, however, as I approached a red light, i continued…
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I was driving my 2015 Nissan Leaf and attempted to decrease my speed for an upcoming right turn. When I put my foot to the pedal i realized it became stiff and my vehicle was unable to slow or come to a stop. I was able to make the turn safely as I was not at an itial high speed, however, as I approached a red light, i continued to observe the spottiness of my brakes before ultimately pulling over at the nearest gas station about 10 ft further from the right turn where my brakes first failed.
NHTSA ODI #11480680
Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2022
Service Brakes
This is to update my report from earlier this month, NHTSA ID Number: 11455211, because I don't see any way to revise it. The dealer repaired the brake failure at a cost to me of $4329, in addition to the $155 I had paid when they could not find the cause of the problem two weeks before. So my total cost is almost $4500 for what…
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This is to update my report from earlier this month, NHTSA ID Number: 11455211, because I don't see any way to revise it. The dealer repaired the brake failure at a cost to me of $4329, in addition to the $155 I had paid when they could not find the cause of the problem two weeks before. So my total cost is almost $4500 for what certainly appears to be a well-known manufacturing flaw affecting drivers around the world. The dealer told me in no uncertain terms that the car was unsafe to drive, and they knew of no other fix than to replace the entire Intelligent Braking Assembly, so I had no choice. I believe a recall is in order before there is a serious accident, if there hasn't already been one. Consumer stated he did not qualify to be part of that recall. Car has been repaired.
NHTSA ODI #11458604
82,000 miles · Mar 16, 2022
EngineService Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the engine temperature warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact depressed the brake pedal and pulled up the parking brake; however, both failed to operate as needed. The contact made a right turn safely and ran o…
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The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the engine temperature warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact depressed the brake pedal and pulled up the parking brake; however, both failed to operate as needed. The contact made a right turn safely and ran onto a curb to bring the vehicle to a stop. The contact drove safely to the destination. The warning lights disappeared. The failure recurred twice within two weeks with no warning light illuminated. The contact notified the manufacturer and was informed that a previous recall had been performed. The vehicle had been towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
NHTSA ODI #11456957
55,000 miles · Mar 14, 2022
Service BrakesService Brakes, AirTraction Control System
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated his wife was driving approximately 30 MPH as she was slowing for a traffic signal, the vehicle lost all brake function. The contact's wife safely steered the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact stated that he observed that the brake light, ABS light, and the tracti…
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The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated his wife was driving approximately 30 MPH as she was slowing for a traffic signal, the vehicle lost all brake function. The contact's wife safely steered the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact stated that he observed that the brake light, ABS light, and the traction control warning light were illuminated. Additionally, the contact noted that when he stepped on the brake pedal there was only a clicking sound and the pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
NHTSA ODI #11456622
Mileage unknown · Mar 4, 2022
Service Brakes
On Feb. 16, in about 25 degrees F, my wife pressed the brake pedal and the car did not react at all. She then jammed the brake pedal to the floor and it seemed that the anti-lock brakes stopped the car. She turned the car off and on again, and drove right back home, only about a mile away. I drove the car carefully that day with…
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On Feb. 16, in about 25 degrees F, my wife pressed the brake pedal and the car did not react at all. She then jammed the brake pedal to the floor and it seemed that the anti-lock brakes stopped the car. She turned the car off and on again, and drove right back home, only about a mile away. I drove the car carefully that day without incident. We took it to Middletown Nissan as soon as they could get us in, the next day. They could not duplicate the problem and tested various components. Everything passed their tests, so we assumed the problem was isolated. Then, today, March 4, at 29 degrees F, the brakes failed for me on a very busy road. Again, it was at a slow speed, as I was approaching a red light. Again, it took pushing very hard to the floor to get the car to stop. All the warning lights on the dash lit up, and there was an odd buzzing sound coming from under the hood. I drove the 3 miles home very slowly and carefully, and the brakes failed in this same way every time I tried them. I called Nissan customer service and they (Lydia) indicated that they had no information about this problem and suggested I go back to the dealership for further investigation. This is what I will do. I am waiting for a call back from them now, but it's Friday afternoon and I am not hopeful that they will be able to get my car in there today. It's very frightening and unsafe when you don't know if your brakes are going to work. I mention the outdoor temperatures because I've seen some information about 2015 Leafs being recalled for a cold-weather brake failure. It's not been in extreme cold that we have had the issue.
NHTSA ODI #11455211
Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2022
Service Brakes
In minus 12 degree temperature, I traveled to a store without incident and parked. Upon returning to the car and starting it, several warning lights went on, including the brake warning light was red, the electric shift control icon was red, VDC indicator light was on, master warning light was red. (may have been other warning …
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In minus 12 degree temperature, I traveled to a store without incident and parked. Upon returning to the car and starting it, several warning lights went on, including the brake warning light was red, the electric shift control icon was red, VDC indicator light was on, master warning light was red. (may have been other warning lights on). Message was displayed to use parking brake to stop the car.Before applying the parking brake I tried to drive cautiously as I was on a small slope and the display showed my battery level was ok, and ample for the miles to go home, When I tried the brake there was a clicking sound somewhere underneath the car. There was no brake action so I stopped by using the parking brake. I tried this slow roll out two or three times to confirm I could stop the car if I used the parking brake, and there seemed to be no other cautionary problems showing. I was able to drive home with my caution lights, driving on the side of the road, going no more then 15 miles per hour, and using the parking brake when I needed to stop. It was extremely unsafe but most of my ride was uphill going home, and on a Saturday morning at 9am, in sub zero weather, traffic was very calm. The realization of my drive coming into town with most of the trip downhill set in and realized how lucky I was, and how I could have put myself or others in severe danger. I am researching now and will need to find a dealer or independent service center to review the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11448636
Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2022
Service BrakesCrashInjury
Brakes fail cause as a wreck while parking
NHTSA ODI #11448501
Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2021
Service Brakes
I was at Ralphs parking lot ready to leave last Friday (11/5/2021), as I turned on the car, BRAKE'S light got lit up and when I pressed my foot on Brakes and put it on R (Reverse), I realized the Brakes were not working and the car was going backwards beyond my control. I immediately pressed the button and turned the car off. I…
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I was at Ralphs parking lot ready to leave last Friday (11/5/2021), as I turned on the car, BRAKE'S light got lit up and when I pressed my foot on Brakes and put it on R (Reverse), I realized the Brakes were not working and the car was going backwards beyond my control. I immediately pressed the button and turned the car off. I left the car at Ralphs parking lot and towed the car to Glendale Nissan (California) next morning. They checked and said the Brakes are running on a very low battery and it needs to be fixed. My car has a very very low mileage and this must be a manufacturing defect. Since there was no recall on my vehicle for this issue, they are charging me $450.0 to replace the battery, plus more for other adjustments, for the total cost of $1,200, As I searched the internet, it seemed that there were recalls for this exact issue for 2015 Nissan Leaf ( I have the same). How come my vehicle never received any recall notice for the same issue. I was lucky that this happened in a parking lot. If this had happened while I was driving or picking up my grandchildren, it would end with a devastating results. Please contact Glendale Nissan and let them know not to charge the customer for a manufacturing defect.
NHTSA ODI #11439757
Official recalls
4Apr 26, 2023
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2017 LEAF vehicles. The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will mail an addendum with updated instructions on how to operate the defroster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23A1.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2017 LEAF vehicles. The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Consequence: Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will mail an addendum with updated instructions on how to operate the defroster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23A1.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2017 LEAF vehicles. The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Consequence: Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will mail an addendum with updated instructions on how to operate the defroster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23A1.
Apr 13, 2017
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag doesn't deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury to passengers.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Apr 26, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Feb 29, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 LEAF vehicles manufactured November 19, 2012, to July 31, 2015. During very cold temperatures, the relay inside the electronic brake booster may freeze, requiring the driver to exert more effort to slow the vehicle down.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the brake relay fails, longer distances or additional brake effort would be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Intelligent Brake Control Unit software, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.