Nissan recalls vehicles for increased fire risk from quick charging
Nissan is recalling more than 19,000 of its Leaf vehicles that are at increased risk of fire from quick charging the battery, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The recall impacts certain 2021 and 2022 Leaf models equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port, a release says.
“Owners are advised not to use Level 3 quick charging until the remedy is completed,” NHTSA says. “Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge.”
A recall report notes Nissan has determined the lithium-ion battery in affected vehicles may experience excessive lithium deposits within battery cells, increasing the electrical resistance and potentially causing a fluctuation in the state of charge.
The increased electrical resistance could result in rapid heating of the battery while the vehicle is Level 3 quick charging, the report says. A battery fire may occur, increasing the risk of injury.
The report adds that there is no preceding warning to the customer.
“Nissan is preparing the remedy software that will prevent progression to thermal incident,” the report says. “Once the remedy software is ready for deployment, owners of all potentially affected vehicles will be notified with an invitation to repair owner letter and further instructions.”
Dealer notifications began last week. Notification to owners will begin Oct. 24.
Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-867-7669. The recall number is R25C8.
VINs were added to NHTSA’s recall lookup on Sunday.
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