2022 Nissan LEAF Battery Recall R25C8: Fire Risk, Fast-Charging Limits, and California Lemon Law Rights

What’s the Problem

Nissan has issued a safety recall for certain 2021 and 2022 Nissan LEAF electric vehicles due to a battery defect that poses a potential fire risk during fast charging. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall number is 25V655, and Nissan’s internal campaign identifier is R25C8.

According to the recall documents, the lithium-ion battery in affected vehicles may contain excessive lithium deposits inside the battery cells. These deposits can increase electrical resistance and cause the battery to overheat rapidly when connected to a Level 3 quick charger, potentially increasing the risk of a thermal event or fire.

Owners are being advised not to use Level 3 quick charging until a remedy is performed.

Allegations

The primary allegation from owners is that Nissan’s proposed “fix” may not actually repair the underlying defect in the battery cells. Instead, Nissan’s remedy involves a software update that purportedly monitors battery behavior and may disable charging or vehicle operation if certain thresholds are exceeded. As a result, owners argue this approach does not address the defective battery components themselves and can effectively immobilize the vehicle if the software detects a condition it deems unsafe.

Some owners have also expressed concern that fast-charging networks have begun refusing to initiate charging sessions for recalled Leafs, creating a loss of use independent of Nissan’s instructions.

Recall / TSB

NHTSA’s official safety recall report (25V655) confirms:

  • Affected Vehicles: Certain 2021 and 2022 Nissan LEAF EVs equipped with a Level 3 quick-charging port manufactured at Nissan’s Smyrna facility.

  • Defect: Excessive lithium deposits in battery cells that can increase electrical resistance and lead to overheating specifically during Level 3 charging.

  • Risk: Overheating batteries can potentially result in a fire if the condition is reached while connected to a quick charger.

  • Initial Action: Nissan advised owners to avoid Level 3 quick charging until the remedy is performed. Interim owner notifications began being mailed starting in late October 2025.

  • Remedy: Dealers will provide a software update at no cost. The software is intended to prevent continued charging if certain battery conditions are detected.

There is no published technical service bulletin (TSB) documenting a battery pack replacement or physical repair of the defect; the current remedy action is software-based.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2021–2022 Nissan LEAFs may experience or observe the following:

  • Receipt of an owner notification letter about Recall R25C8 (25V655) indicating a safety defect with the battery during Level 3 charging.

  • Instructions not to use Level 3 quick chargers until the recall remedy is applied.

  • Potential inability to participate in fast-charging sessions at public Level 3 chargers if charging networks block service.

  • After the remedy software is installed, some vehicles may limit or disable charging or restarting if the system detects certain battery cell behavior, per owner reports.

There are no specific warning lights or alerts that reliably tell an owner their battery cells are defective before a thermal event or software intervention occurs.

How to Proceed

If your vehicle is affected by Recall R25C8 (25V655), here are steps to protect your legal rights and address potential lemon law or safety claims:

  • Verify Recall Status: Use your VIN to check whether your Nissan LEAF is part of the recall on the NHTSA website or by calling Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

  • Document Issues: Keep detailed records of all recall notifications, communications with Nissan or dealers, and any instances where charging has been disabled or restricted due to the defect.

  • Follow Safety Instructions: Do not use Level 3 quick charging until the recall remedy has been applied. Follow all guidance from Nissan and the recall notification.

  • Assess Functional Loss: If the defect or recall remedy causes loss of function (e.g., inability to fast charge or vehicle disables), document how this impacts your use and value of the vehicle.

  • Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney, like Valero Law: If the defect, remedy, or software response causes repeated issues, devalues the vehicle, or results in disproportionate downtime or loss of function, you may have rights under your state’s lemon law.

Call Valero Law

If your 2021–2022 Nissan LEAF has been included in Recall R25C8 (25V655) due to a defective battery that overheats during Level 3 charging, and you are experiencing repeated problems or loss of use, you may be entitled to relief under your state’s lemon law.

Compensation may include:

  • A repurchase of your defective vehicle

  • A replacement vehicle

  • Cash reimbursement for the value lost due to the defect

To protect your rights and explore your options, call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 or complete our free lemon law case evaluation form today.

Joshua Valero2022 Nissan LEAF recall, Nissan LEAF battery defect, Nissan recall R25C8, Nissan LEAF fire risk, Nissan LEAF fast charging issue, Nissan LEAF battery overheating, Nissan LEAF Level 3 charging recall, Nissan LEAF lemon law, electric vehicle battery recall, Nissan EV battery defect