Nissan LEAF Battery Fire Recall Expands Again as Nissan Announces Final Remedy for 2021–2022 Models
Owners of certain 2021–2022 Nissan LEAF vehicles are finally getting more answers regarding the long-running battery fire recall tied to DC fast charging. Nissan recently filed an amended Part 573 Safety Recall Report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), outlining what appears to be the company’s “final remedy” plan for Recall 25V655 / Nissan Recall R25C8.
The recall involves Nissan LEAF vehicles equipped with CHAdeMO Level 3 quick-charge capability. According to Nissan, the lithium-ion battery pack in affected vehicles may develop excessive lithium deposits inside battery cells. Nissan says this condition can increase electrical resistance, cause fluctuations in battery state-of-charge readings, and potentially lead to rapid battery overheating during Level 3 quick charging.
Nissan warns that continued quick charging under these conditions could result in a battery fire.
What’s the Problem
The recall affects certain:
2021 Nissan LEAF
2022 Nissan LEAF
vehicles built with the CHAdeMO quick-charge port.
This issue is tied specifically to Level 3 DC fast charging. Nissan states that affected battery cells may experience abnormal lithium buildup over time, which increases internal resistance and heat generation during rapid charging sessions.
According to the recall documents, there may be no warning before the condition occurs. Nissan expressly states in the filing that there is “no preceding warning to the customer.”
The recall is particularly significant because it follows an earlier LEAF battery recall involving 2019–2020 models under Recall 24V700. Nissan now appears to acknowledge that similar battery concerns extended into later model years.
Allegations
Nissan’s filing states that:
Battery cells may develop excessive lithium deposits
Electrical resistance may increase inside the pack
State-of-charge fluctuations can occur
Rapid heating may occur during Level 3 charging
Battery fires are possible if charging continues
The issue appears limited to quick charging through the CHAdeMO port. Nissan’s interim notices previously instructed owners not to use Level 3 charging until repairs could be completed.
Many LEAF owners online reported frustration over the prolonged lack of a permanent fix, especially because the recall effectively limited one of the vehicle’s primary EV convenience features: DC fast charging. Some owners also discussed potential buybacks and diminished vehicle usability while waiting for a final remedy.
Recall / TSB
According to Nissan’s amended filing, the company now plans the following remedy process:
Dealers will reprogram the Lithium Battery Controller (LBC)
Dealers will also reprogram the Vehicle Control Module (VCM)
Updated software will monitor state-of-charge fluctuations
The software will improve dashboard warning messages
Dealers will perform diagnostic checks after reprogramming
If diagnostic trouble codes are detected after the software update, Nissan says dealers may replace the high-voltage battery pack entirely.
Importantly, Nissan also states that if replacement batteries are unavailable, the company will initiate a repurchase offer within three business days.
That language may become highly relevant for California lemon law claims involving vehicles that cannot be repaired within a reasonable time.
Nissan says phased owner notifications are expected to begin between May 20, 2026 and June 3, 2026.
Symptoms
Affected Nissan LEAF owners may experience:
Warnings related to EV system power reduction
Charging interruptions
Inability to restart or recharge the vehicle
State-of-charge fluctuations
Reduced charging performance
Battery overheating during Level 3 charging
Loss of confidence using DC fast chargers
Owners were previously instructed to avoid CHAdeMO Level 3 charging entirely until repairs could be completed.
How to Proceed
Check Your VIN: Determine whether your Nissan LEAF is included in Recall 25V655 / R25C8.
Avoid Level 3 Fast Charging if Applicable: If your recall remains open, Nissan previously advised owners not to use CHAdeMO DC fast charging until repairs are completed.
Document Everything: Keep copies of all recall notices, repair invoices, charging restrictions, warning messages, rental expenses, and dealership communications.
Track Time Out of Service: If your vehicle remains unavailable for use, battery replacement parts are delayed, or charging functionality is substantially impaired, maintain detailed records of downtime.
Monitor Battery Warnings Carefully: Any overheating concerns, charging failures, or EV warning messages should be reported immediately.
Contact Valero Law: If your Nissan LEAF has experienced repeated battery problems, charging restrictions, extended repair delays, or loss of use tied to this recall, you may have rights under the California Lemon Law.
Call Valero Law
If you own a recalled Nissan LEAF and have experienced repeated charging problems, battery defects, or extended delays waiting for a repair, you may be entitled to compensation under California Lemon Law.
Potential remedies may include:
A vehicle repurchase
A replacement vehicle
Cash compensation
Reimbursement for related expenses
Call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 or complete a free Lemon Law case evaluation today.