Nissan Leaf Battery Recall in California: Why Owners Are Filing Lemon Law Claims
What’s the Problem
Many owners of 2019–2022 Nissan Leaf electric vehicles have found themselves unable to use the fast-charging feature (Level 3/DCFC) on their EVs due to a battery defect that led Nissan to issue safety recalls. These recalls advise affected owners not to use Level 3 fast charging at all until a remedy is available because the battery cells are prone to overheating and, in some instances, may pose a fire risk during fast charging.
In California, where strong consumer protection laws exist, some Leaf owners have pursued legal claims—most notably California Lemon Law buyback/repurchase claims—arguing that the defective battery makes the vehicle unreliable and substantially impairs the use, value, and safety of the EV. Valero Law has been very successful in litigating Nissan Leaf battery defects in Leafs that were purchased New, in California.
Allegations
Several legal theories have emerged around this recall and defect:
Defective battery/charging system – Owners allege the Nissan Leaf’s high-voltage lithium-ion battery is inherently defective because it overheats during Level 3 fast charging, reducing utility and posing safety concerns.
Deceptive marketing and breach of warranty – Lawsuits claim Nissan marketed these EVs as capable of fast charging and did not adequately disclose the risk or limitations until after the defect was well known.
Violation of consumer laws – In California, these defects may violate the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and Consumers Legal Remedies Act, which protect vehicle owners when a product fails to meet reasonable expectations of quality and performance.
Lemon Law triggers – Owners argue that repeated inability to remedy the defect or extended out-of-service time qualifies their Leafs under California’s lemon law for repurchase or replacement.
In addition to individual lemon law claims, there is a class action lawsuit filed in California federal court seeking restitution, damages for lost vehicle value, and penalties against Nissan for allegedly failing to resolve the defect and properly warn consumers.
Recall/TSB
Nissan issued battery-related recalls for the Leaf:
A 2024 recall affecting certain 2019–2020 models involving recommendations against using fast charging due to battery overheating risks.
A more recent recall covering 2021–2022 Leafs equipped with Level 3 quick charge ports because the lithium-ion battery can overheat, potentially leading to fire hazards. Nissan advises owners to avoid Level 3 charging until the remedy is installed.
These recalls carry interim instructions but, in many owners’ experience, a full, meaningful fix has been slow or non-existent, leaving owners without the core fast-charging functionality promised when the EV was purchased.
Symptoms
Leaf owners impacted by the defect and recall report common issues:
Loss of fast-charging capability – Nissan’s safety notices and dealer precautions have effectively prevented use of Level 3 charging, significantly reducing practical range and convenience.
Battery overheating risk or warnings – The core defect involves excessive lithium deposits in battery cells that increase electrical resistance and overheating risk during fast charging.
Reduced vehicle utility and travel limitations – Without the ability to reliably fast-charge, many owners cannot take longer trips without anxiety about charging availability.
Diminished resale value – Some owners report significant drops in vehicle value due to perceived or actual battery issues and recall limitations.
These symptoms, when persistent and unresolved, are fundamental to qualifying for state lemon law protections that demand repurchase or replacement of defective vehicles.
How to Proceed
If you own or lease a Nissan Leaf in California and your experience reflects some of the problems above, consider the following steps:
Document the defect – Keep detailed records of any communications with Nissan or dealers about the recall, battery issues, and limitations on fast charging.
Check recall status and notifications – Verify whether your vehicle’s VIN is included in the recall campaigns and follow Nissan’s instructions about scheduled remedies.
Consider lemon law rights – California’s lemon law can apply when a defect substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of your vehicle and the manufacturer fails to repair it within a reasonable time.
Consult a Valero Lemon Law – Valero Law is composed of professionals experienced with automotive defect cases can assess your situation and pursue a claim for repurchase or replacement. In some reported cases, attorneys have helped clients recover most of what they originally paid.
Assess class action participation – If a class action includes vehicles like yours (e.g., 2019–2022 Leafs), you may be eligible to join and seek restitution for diminished value and other harms.
Call Valero Law
If you’re in California and your 2019–2022 Nissan Leaf has been significantly affected by the fast-charging battery defect or recall limitations, you may be entitled to significant relief under California’s lemon law. That relief can include a repurchase of your defective vehicle, a replacement, or substantial cash reimbursement for the value lost due to the defect.
Call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 or complete a free Lemon Law case evaluation form today.