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Nissan2010–2023 Critical issues documented

Nissan Leaf ZE1: common faults & what to check

The ZE1 is the Nissan Leaf built 2017 onward. It was sold here with the EV 40kWh and EV 62kWh (e+). Of the 22 faults documented for the Leaf, 10 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

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  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

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No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

22

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$650–$4,500

Typical repair

4

Systems covered

You're looking at the ZE1

2 engine variants are documented for this generation. Pick yours to narrow further, or keep reading for the generation as a whole.

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A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

A 2018 Nissan Leaf is the ZE1 generation (2017 to now).

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Nissan Leaf ZE1Engine not picked yet

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Nissan Leaf · 2018

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

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matched on year only

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Nissan Leaf before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Power cycle the vehicle several times and confirm it powers on cleanly (Ready lamp illuminates without warning).

    See why

    EV Drive Motor Contactor Wear and Failure

    The Leaf's high-voltage system uses electromagnetic contactors (relay-style switches) inside the battery junction box to connect and disconnect the 360V+ battery pack from the inverter and drive motor. These contactors close every time the car powers on and open on shutdown — accumulating thousands of switching cycles over the vehicle's life. The contactor contacts develop arcing erosion, and the electromagnetic coil can fail, causing the contactors to either weld shut (creating an uncontrolled high-voltage connection) or fail to close (preventing drive). Both failure modes trigger system protection codes and can leave the vehicle unable to be driven.

    What you would notice

    • Vehicle fails to reach Ready state — ignition on but Ready light does not illuminate
    • Audible relay clicking from battery area during startup that does not resolve to Ready state
    • OBD fault codes P3197, P3102, or P0AA6 stored in the EV control module
    • EV System warning and exclamation mark warning lights on instrument cluster simultaneously

    Typically $1,500–$4,500 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    With the car in Park and powered off, pump the brake pedal 5-6 times to exhaust any stored vacuum, then press and hold the pedal firmly.

    See why

    Electric Brake Vacuum Pump Failure

    Unlike combustion-engine vehicles that use engine vacuum for brake boost, the Leaf runs a dedicated electric vacuum pump to provide brake servo assistance. This pump can fail mechanically (worn pump motor or diaphragm) or electrically (relay or control circuit fault). When the pump fails, brake pedal effort increases dramatically and stopping distances lengthen, creating a safety-critical condition. Nissan issued a safety recall in some markets for related brake vacuum system concerns.

    What you would notice

    • Brake pedal feels very hard and requires much greater foot pressure than normal
    • High-pitched whining or grinding noise from engine bay when braking
    • Brake warning light illuminates on the instrument cluster
    • Longer-than-expected stopping distances requiring noticeably more pedal effort
    • Fault code B2596 or related brake actuator DTC stored in BCM

    Typically $650–$1,800 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Attempt to slide each caliper manually (with hydraulic pressure released) — it should move freely with light hand pressure.

    See why

    Rear Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

    The Leaf's regenerative braking system recovers the majority of kinetic energy through the motor, meaning the physical rear disc brakes see far fewer applications than on a comparable ICE vehicle. This significantly reduced usage allows moisture ingress to corrode the caliper guide pins, which can seize in their bores. A seized guide pin prevents the caliper from sliding freely, causing one brake pad to remain in constant light contact with the disc (drag) while the opposing pad barely contacts it, producing severely uneven pad wear and potential disc overheating.

    What you would notice

    • Significantly uneven brake pad wear — inner pad worn to metal while outer pad still has material remaining
    • Vehicle pulls to one side under gentle braking despite straight-ahead steering
    • Rear disc overheating — visible bluing of disc surface or burning smell from rear wheel area
    • Increased brake pedal travel or sponginess as pads wear unevenly and hydraulic geometry changes

    Typically $180–$550 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Use Leaf Spy Pro to examine individual cell group voltages on the battery detail screen immediately after a full charge.

    See why

    ZE1 40kWh Cell Group Voltage Divergence at High SOC

    The ZE1 40kWh NMC chemistry battery pack has a passive cell balancing circuit that can only equalise cell voltages during the final absorption phase of charging. On high-mileage examples and packs that are routinely charged to 100% in warm conditions, individual cell groups develop persistent voltage divergence exceeding 50 mV at rest. The BMS interprets this as an unsafe imbalance and curtails charge acceptance prematurely, reducing the usable pack capacity below the nominal 40 kWh. DTCs P31B1 (cell voltage deviation) and P3180 (battery system abnormal) are the primary fault codes. Charging habitually to 100% rather than 80% and exposure to sustained heat accelerates the divergence. Cell group re-balancing is not possible without specialist equipment and often leads to module replacement.

    What you would notice

    • Available kWh at 100% charge noticeably lower than 40 kWh nominal
    • Battery or EV system warning light with DTC P31B1 or P3180
    • Charge session terminating before reaching the target state of charge
    • Leaf Spy cell group voltage spread exceeding 50 mV at rest
    • Sudden mid-journey range estimate collapse without corresponding discharge

    Typically $5,500–$15,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Test drive with battery above 80% state of charge and note any power reduction warnings or reduced acceleration response.

    See why

    ZE1 Inverter IGBT Thermal Paste Degradation

    The ZE1 traction inverter uses IGBT power modules whose thermal interface material dries out and loses conductivity over repeated heat cycles. As the paste fails, heat transfer from the IGBT dies to the heatsink deteriorates and junction temperatures spike during high-power operation. The protection system responds by limiting motor output. This fault is most commonly triggered at high state of charge where regenerative braking and full-throttle acceleration impose maximum inverter load, producing a power reduction warning that clears once the battery is drawn down to mid-range.

    What you would notice

    • Power reduction warning light illuminated, particularly at high battery charge levels
    • Noticeably reduced acceleration on a full or near-full battery
    • Inverter overtemperature fault codes recorded in diagnostic scan (P31xx series)
    • Warning clears after the battery is depleted to below 70% state of charge

    Typically $1,500–$6,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Start the vehicle cold and activate both heating and cooling with the blower on maximum while stationary.

    See why

    ZE1 Heat Pump Compressor Bearing Failure

    The ZE1 Leaf replaced resistive cabin heating with an R134a heat pump system driven by a Calsonic Kansei electric scroll compressor, roughly doubling heating efficiency versus the ZE0 PTC heater. The compressor's sealed angular-contact bearings are susceptible to fatigue-induced spalling on high-mileage examples — typically above 80,000–100,000 km — due to sustained duty cycles in cold climates. NZ South Island winter driving (Otago, Southland, Canterbury) and elevated AU winter plateau usage place hours-long continuous load on the compressor. Bearing failure progresses from an audible grinding or squealing under compressor load, through loss of heating and cooling capacity, to complete seizure and refrigerant system contamination with metallic debris. The compressor is not field-repairable; replacement requires refrigerant recovery, new receiver-drier installation and system recharge.

    What you would notice

    • Grinding or high-pitched squealing noise from the front-left engine bay when HVAC is active
    • Reduced or absent cabin heating in cold weather despite the system appearing to engage
    • Air conditioning failing to cool on warm days
    • Snowflake or HVAC fault warning on the climate control panel
    • Refrigerant low-pressure warning or progressive refrigerant loss

    Typically $2,200–$5,800 to put right.

See all 10 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 2 rated critical.
Engine, transmission & cooling2

01ZE1 40kWh Battery No Active Thermal Management

The ZE1 Leaf retains passive air-cooled battery thermal management, unlike competing EVs that use liquid cooling.ev2018 onwardCooling
CommonCooling $12,000–$28,000 to fix

The ZE1 Leaf retains passive air-cooled battery thermal management, unlike competing EVs that use liquid cooling. In NZ and AU summer conditions where ambient temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius, the 40kWh pack cannot adequately dissipate heat generated during charging and driving. Repeated thermal stress accelerates lithium-ion degradation and causes the BMS to progressively throttle or halt CHAdeMO fast-charge sessions when pack temperature exceeds threshold. Long-term capacity degradation is measurably faster than in cooler markets with equivalent mileage.

Symptoms to notice

  • CHAdeMO rapid charge automatically throttled or stopped mid-session in warm weather
  • Capacity bar loss occurring at lower mileage than expected for the model year
  • Battery temperature warning displayed during or immediately after fast charging
  • Charge acceptance rate measurably lower on hot days than cool days

What to check

  1. Use Leaf Spy Pro to monitor battery temperature during a 30-minute test drive on a warm day, then initiate a CHAdeMO session and log temperature rise and any charge rate reduction events.
  2. Check StateOfHealth against odometer - ZE1 40kWh should retain at least 85% SoH below 50,000km in a NZ/AU temperate climate.
  3. Compare to published degradation curves for the model.

Where to look: Under-floor 40kWh traction battery pack and CHAdeMO charge management module

Ask the seller

  • “Has the car ever displayed a battery temperature warning during fast charging?”
  • “How many CHAdeMO rapid charges per month on average?”
  • “Has the car regularly been parked in direct sun during NZ/AU summer months?”
  • “What is the current StateOfHealth reading from Leaf Spy or a dealer check?”

02ZE1 Heat Pump Compressor Bearing Failure

Start the vehicle cold and activate both heating and cooling with the blower on maximum while stationary.ev2018 onwardCooling
OccasionalCooling $2,200–$5,800 to fix

The ZE1 Leaf replaced resistive cabin heating with an R134a heat pump system driven by a Calsonic Kansei electric scroll compressor, roughly doubling heating efficiency versus the ZE0 PTC heater. The compressor's sealed angular-contact bearings are susceptible to fatigue-induced spalling on high-mileage examples — typically above 80,000–100,000 km — due to sustained duty cycles in cold climates. NZ South Island winter driving (Otago, Southland, Canterbury) and elevated AU winter plateau usage place hours-long continuous load on the compressor. Bearing failure progresses from an audible grinding or squealing under compressor load, through loss of heating and cooling capacity, to complete seizure and refrigerant system contamination with metallic debris. The compressor is not field-repairable; replacement requires refrigerant recovery, new receiver-drier installation and system recharge.

Symptoms to notice

  • Grinding or high-pitched squealing noise from the front-left engine bay when HVAC is active
  • Reduced or absent cabin heating in cold weather despite the system appearing to engage
  • Air conditioning failing to cool on warm days
  • Snowflake or HVAC fault warning on the climate control panel
  • Refrigerant low-pressure warning or progressive refrigerant loss

What to check

Start the vehicle cold and activate both heating and cooling with the blower on maximum while stationary. Listen carefully at the front-left of the engine bay for any grinding, squealing or rumbling from the heat pump compressor. Have the refrigerant charge verified with manifold gauges before purchase — low charge can indicate a failed compressor shaft seal as well as bearing damage. On any ZE1 above 80,000 km, treat heat pump inspection as a mandatory pre-purchase step and obtain HVAC-specific fault code scans.

Where to look: Front engine bay, left side — heat pump scroll compressor unit adjacent to the traction inverter assembly

Ask the seller

  • “Is the cabin heating and air conditioning both working normally in all conditions?”
  • “Has any grinding or squealing been noticed from the engine bay with the HVAC on?”
  • “Has the heat pump compressor or refrigerant circuit been serviced or recharged?”
  • “Has an HVAC warning light or snowflake fault indicator appeared on the climate panel?”
  • “What is the total mileage and has heating performance declined noticeably?”
Electrical1 critical5

03EV Drive Motor Contactor Wear and Failure

Power cycle the vehicle several times and confirm it powers on cleanly (Ready lamp illuminates without warning).ev2010 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $1,500–$4,500 to fix

The Leaf's high-voltage system uses electromagnetic contactors (relay-style switches) inside the battery junction box to connect and disconnect the 360V+ battery pack from the inverter and drive motor. These contactors close every time the car powers on and open on shutdown — accumulating thousands of switching cycles over the vehicle's life. The contactor contacts develop arcing erosion, and the electromagnetic coil can fail, causing the contactors to either weld shut (creating an uncontrolled high-voltage connection) or fail to close (preventing drive). Both failure modes trigger system protection codes and can leave the vehicle unable to be driven.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vehicle fails to reach Ready state — ignition on but Ready light does not illuminate
  • Audible relay clicking from battery area during startup that does not resolve to Ready state
  • OBD fault codes P3197, P3102, or P0AA6 stored in the EV control module
  • EV System warning and exclamation mark warning lights on instrument cluster simultaneously

What to check

Power cycle the vehicle several times and confirm it powers on cleanly (Ready lamp illuminates without warning). Any hesitation, clicking from the battery area, or immediate fault codes on startup warrant further investigation. If a workshop inspection is possible: Retrieve OBD fault codes using LeafSpy Pro or a Nissan CONSULT-III compatible scanner — codes P3197, P3102, P31AB, or P0AA6 relate to contactor and high-voltage circuit faults.

Where to look: Battery junction box (BJB) — located within or adjacent to the underfloor battery pack assembly

Ask the seller

  • “Has the car ever failed to reach Ready state or shown EV System warnings?”
  • “Have any fault codes related to the high-voltage system been cleared?”
  • “Has the battery junction box or contactors been serviced?”

04ZE1 40kWh Cell Group Voltage Divergence at High SOC

Use Leaf Spy Pro to examine individual cell group voltages on the battery detail screen immediately after a full charge.ev2018 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $5,500–$15,000 to fix

The ZE1 40kWh NMC chemistry battery pack has a passive cell balancing circuit that can only equalise cell voltages during the final absorption phase of charging. On high-mileage examples and packs that are routinely charged to 100% in warm conditions, individual cell groups develop persistent voltage divergence exceeding 50 mV at rest. The BMS interprets this as an unsafe imbalance and curtails charge acceptance prematurely, reducing the usable pack capacity below the nominal 40 kWh. DTCs P31B1 (cell voltage deviation) and P3180 (battery system abnormal) are the primary fault codes. Charging habitually to 100% rather than 80% and exposure to sustained heat accelerates the divergence. Cell group re-balancing is not possible without specialist equipment and often leads to module replacement.

Symptoms to notice

  • Available kWh at 100% charge noticeably lower than 40 kWh nominal
  • Battery or EV system warning light with DTC P31B1 or P3180
  • Charge session terminating before reaching the target state of charge
  • Leaf Spy cell group voltage spread exceeding 50 mV at rest
  • Sudden mid-journey range estimate collapse without corresponding discharge

What to check

Use Leaf Spy Pro to examine individual cell group voltages on the battery detail screen immediately after a full charge. Acceptable spread at rest is under 20 mV; anything above 50 mV confirms active balancing failure. Record the kWh available at 100% SOC and compare to the 40 kWh nameplate. If a workshop inspection is possible: Retrieve all stored DTCs from the battery management system — a generic OBD-II scanner will miss Nissan-specific battery codes.

Where to look: Underfloor battery pack — ZE1 pack includes a liquid thermal management loop but passive cell balancing only

Ask the seller

  • “Is the car routinely charged to 100% or is the charge limit set to 80%?”
  • “Has any battery warning light or EV system fault appeared?”
  • “What cell group voltage spread does Leaf Spy show?”
  • “What kWh value is displayed at full charge on the energy display?”
  • “Has the vehicle operated in sustained hot conditions, such as AU summer?”

05ZE1 Inverter IGBT Thermal Paste Degradation

Test drive with battery above 80% state of charge and note any power reduction warnings or reduced acceleration response.ev2018 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $1,500–$6,000 to fix

The ZE1 traction inverter uses IGBT power modules whose thermal interface material dries out and loses conductivity over repeated heat cycles. As the paste fails, heat transfer from the IGBT dies to the heatsink deteriorates and junction temperatures spike during high-power operation. The protection system responds by limiting motor output. This fault is most commonly triggered at high state of charge where regenerative braking and full-throttle acceleration impose maximum inverter load, producing a power reduction warning that clears once the battery is drawn down to mid-range.

Symptoms to notice

  • Power reduction warning light illuminated, particularly at high battery charge levels
  • Noticeably reduced acceleration on a full or near-full battery
  • Inverter overtemperature fault codes recorded in diagnostic scan (P31xx series)
  • Warning clears after the battery is depleted to below 70% state of charge

What to check

  1. Test drive with battery above 80% state of charge and note any power reduction warnings or reduced acceleration response.
  2. Request a Nissan dealer or independent EV technician diagnostic scan for inverter temperature fault codes.
  3. Check service history for any power electronics or PDM work.
  4. Fault worsens in higher ambient temperatures typical of NZ/AU summers.

Where to look: Traction inverter and Power Drive Module assembly under the bonnet adjacent to the motor

Ask the seller

  • “Has a power reduction warning ever appeared while driving?”
  • “Has the car been to Nissan for any power electronics or inverter work?”
  • “Does acceleration feel weaker on a full charge compared to a half-charged battery?”

06Traction Motor Inverter Overtemperature Shutdown (Power Reduction)

The power inverter that drives the EM57/EM61 synchronous motor is liquid-cooled but shares a coolant loop with limited thermal headroom.ev2011–2023Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $200–$4,800 to fix

The power inverter that drives the EM57/EM61 synchronous motor is liquid-cooled but shares a coolant loop with limited thermal headroom. Under sustained high-load conditions — repeated motorway on-ramp accelerations, hill climbs in warm weather, or back-to-back DC fast charges — inverter temperature rises into the protection zone and the car progressively limits motor output. In severe cases propulsion is reduced to near zero until the inverter cools. This is distinct from battery thermal limiting and is specific to the inverter thermal circuit.

Symptoms to notice

  • Progressive loss of acceleration power after sustained driving at motorway speeds
  • Power limitation warning or reduced performance indicator on the instrument cluster
  • Car recovers full power after a 15-20 minute rest period with no other faults found
  • Leaf Spy shows motor controller temperature above 65°C during normal driving
  • Coolant level in the EV cooling circuit reservoir is low or coolant is discoloured

What to check

Monitor 'Motor Controller Temperature' and 'Inverter Temperature' channels in Leaf Spy Pro during a moderately spirited test drive including at least one sustained full-throttle acceleration and several minutes of motorway-speed cruising. Normal operating temperature should remain below 50°C. Readings climbing toward 70-80°C indicate a compromised cooling circuit (air lock, low coolant, or degraded coolant pump). Also inspect the EV cooling system overflow bottle for correct level and colour.

Where to look: Engine bay — inverter/PDM assembly mounted above the electric motor, front of vehicle

Ask the seller

  • “Has the car ever shown reduced power or a power limitation warning during extended motorway driving?”
  • “When was the EV cooling system coolant last flushed and replaced?”
  • “Has any overheating fault code related to the motor inverter been diagnosed on this car?”

07Traction Battery BMS State-of-Charge Drift and Sudden Power Cut

ev2011–2019ElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Body, brakes, suspension & interior1 critical3

08Electric Brake Vacuum Pump Failure

With the car in Park and powered off, pump the brake pedal 5-6 times to exhaust any stored vacuum, then press and hold the pedal firmly.ev2011–2019Brakes
OccasionalBrakes $650–$1,800 to fix

Unlike combustion-engine vehicles that use engine vacuum for brake boost, the Leaf runs a dedicated electric vacuum pump to provide brake servo assistance. This pump can fail mechanically (worn pump motor or diaphragm) or electrically (relay or control circuit fault). When the pump fails, brake pedal effort increases dramatically and stopping distances lengthen, creating a safety-critical condition. Nissan issued a safety recall in some markets for related brake vacuum system concerns.

Symptoms to notice

  • Brake pedal feels very hard and requires much greater foot pressure than normal
  • High-pitched whining or grinding noise from engine bay when braking
  • Brake warning light illuminates on the instrument cluster
  • Longer-than-expected stopping distances requiring noticeably more pedal effort
  • Fault code B2596 or related brake actuator DTC stored in BCM

What to check

With the car in Park and powered off, pump the brake pedal 5-6 times to exhaust any stored vacuum, then press and hold the pedal firmly. Power the car on — the pedal should drop noticeably (servo assistance engaging) within 1-2 seconds as the vacuum pump primes. If the pedal remains hard with no drop, or if a high-pitched whine comes from the brake booster area and the pedal stays hard, the vacuum pump or servo is suspect.

Where to look: Engine bay, adjacent to the brake master cylinder and servo unit

Ask the seller

  • “Has the car ever had the brake vacuum pump replaced or inspected under recall or warranty?”
  • “Have you ever noticed the brake pedal feeling harder than usual, especially at low speed or when stationary?”
  • “Does the car have any outstanding open recalls — has it been checked against the Nissan recall database?”

09Rear Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

Attempt to slide each caliper manually (with hydraulic pressure released) — it should move freely with light hand pressure.2010 onwardBrakes
Very commonBrakes $180–$550 to fix

The Leaf's regenerative braking system recovers the majority of kinetic energy through the motor, meaning the physical rear disc brakes see far fewer applications than on a comparable ICE vehicle. This significantly reduced usage allows moisture ingress to corrode the caliper guide pins, which can seize in their bores. A seized guide pin prevents the caliper from sliding freely, causing one brake pad to remain in constant light contact with the disc (drag) while the opposing pad barely contacts it, producing severely uneven pad wear and potential disc overheating.

Symptoms to notice

  • Significantly uneven brake pad wear — inner pad worn to metal while outer pad still has material remaining
  • Vehicle pulls to one side under gentle braking despite straight-ahead steering
  • Rear disc overheating — visible bluing of disc surface or burning smell from rear wheel area
  • Increased brake pedal travel or sponginess as pads wear unevenly and hydraulic geometry changes

What to check

Attempt to slide each caliper manually (with hydraulic pressure released) — it should move freely with light hand pressure. Inspect guide pin rubber boots for cracking or missing caps that allow moisture entry. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove rear wheels and inspect brake pad thickness on both sides of each caliper — a difference of more than 3mm between inner and outer pads on the same caliper confirms guide pin seizure.

Where to look: Rear brake calipers — guide pin bores at both upper and lower pin locations on each rear caliper

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

  • “When were the brake pads last replaced and was pad wear even on all four corners?”
  • “Have the caliper guide pins been cleaned, greased, or replaced?”
  • “Does the car pull to one side under braking?”

10Rear Torsion Beam Bush Collapse

Check rear tyre wear for inside or outside edge feathering consistent with toe change.2010 onwardSuspension
CommonSuspension $280–$650 to fix

The Leaf uses a twist-beam torsion bar rear axle with rubber-bonded pivot bushes at both ends where the beam mounts to the body. Over time, the natural rubber compound in these bushes degrades through age, ozone exposure, and the cyclic loading from the vehicle's kerb weight (the Leaf is approximately 100–150kg heavier than equivalent ICE hatchbacks due to battery mass). Collapsed bushes alter the rear axle's compliance geometry, producing handling instability and tyre wear that mimics misalignment.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rear end feels loose or darty over rough roads at highway speeds
  • Uneven rear tyre wear — inside or outside shoulder wear not correctable by standard alignment
  • Dull thud or knock from rear axle over sharp bumps or kerb impacts
  • Rear toe measurement outside specification when aligned despite no obvious damage

What to check

Check rear tyre wear for inside or outside edge feathering consistent with toe change. If a workshop inspection is possible: On a hoist, inspect the rear torsion beam mounting bushes visually for cracking, splitting, or rubber separation from the metal sleeve. Attempt to lever the axle fore-aft to check for excessive compliance movement — more than 5mm of movement indicates bush failure.

Where to look: Rear axle — torsion beam-to-body pivot points, one each side at the forward mounting

Ask the seller

  • “Has the rear axle or torsion beam bushes been replaced?”
  • “Has the car ever had uneven rear tyre wear that alignment couldn't fix?”
  • “Is there any knocking or thudding from the rear over rough roads?”
Other Nissan Leaf engines and years12 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.
Electrical9

01Battery Fire Risk During DC Fast Charging

Run the VIN through NHTSA.gov recall lookup to confirm whether Recall 24V700 is open or completed on this vehicle.ev2019–2020Electrical
RareElectrical $0–$18,000 to fix

Does not apply

Certain 2019-2020 Leaf models built at the Smyrna, Tennessee plant developed a confirmed battery cell defect in which excessive lithium plating deposits accumulate on cell anodes during repeated DC fast (CHAdeMO) charging. The deposits increase internal cell resistance, generating abnormal heat during subsequent fast charge sessions. NHTSA issued Safety Recall 24V700 (Nissan reference R24B2) in late 2024 covering approximately 25,704 vehicles. Owners reported burning smells, smoke and interrupted charging. Nissan's remedy is updated battery management software with additional thermal monitoring, but as of mid-2025 the software fix was still being finalised, with Nissan directing many owners to avoid CHAdeMO entirely in the interim. Vehicles with already-damaged cells require battery pack replacement.

Symptoms to notice

  • Burning smell or visible smoke from battery area during or after fast charging
  • CHAdeMO session interrupting unexpectedly at moderate state of charge
  • Battery temperature warning appearing during or immediately after DC charging
  • Unusual noise from the battery enclosure during fast charge

What to check

  1. Run the VIN through NHTSA.gov recall lookup to confirm whether Recall 24V700 is open or completed on this vehicle.
  2. Ask the seller for Nissan dealer correspondence regarding the recall.
  3. Check whether the car has a CHAdeMO port (the Recall applies only to quick-charge-equipped units).
  4. Query Nissan NZ or AU for whether the software remedy has been applied.
  5. If the remedy is incomplete, factor in the restriction on DC fast charging and the uncertainty around long-term pack health.

Where to look: Battery pack under vehicle floor; CHAdeMO inlet at rear of engine bay

Ask the seller

  • “Has NHTSA Recall 24V700 (Nissan R24B2) been completed at a Nissan dealer?”
  • “Has this vehicle ever produced a burning smell or interrupted a DC fast charge session?”
  • “Does the car have a CHAdeMO DC fast charge port, and has it been used regularly?”

02ZE0 Motor Resolver Sensor Failure — Sudden Loss of Drive

Inspect the resolver wiring harness connector at the motor casing for pin corrosion, bent terminals, and locking clip integrity.ev2010–2017Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $1,800–$7,000 to fix

Does not apply

The ZE0 Leaf's front-mounted synchronous permanent magnet AC motor uses a variable-reluctance resolver sensor pressed onto the rotor shaft to deliver precise angular position data to the inverter for field-oriented current control. When resolver winding resistance drifts out of the 100–110 Ohm specification — caused by thermal cycling stress, connector fretting corrosion at the motor harness plug, or resolver bearing wear on high-mileage units — the inverter loses valid rotor position feedback and raises DTC P0A0D (motor position sensor) or P0A94 (drive motor inverter performance). The vehicle then enters a torque-inhibit failsafe: drive is cut entirely and a red STOP warning appears on the dash. Failure is often intermittent at first, with the car recovering after cooling, before becoming permanent. The resolver is press-fit inside the motor stator assembly and requires motor removal for sensor exchange; many repairers elect full remanufactured motor exchange instead.

Symptoms to notice

  • Red STOP warning light on instrument cluster accompanied by immediate loss of drive torque
  • Intermittent loss of acceleration before failure becomes permanent
  • DTC P0A0D or P0A94 stored in the motor/inverter control module
  • Vehicle entering a neutral failsafe state unexpectedly while driving at speed
  • Vibration or roughness from the motor just prior to resolver failure

What to check

Inspect the resolver wiring harness connector at the motor casing for pin corrosion, bent terminals, and locking clip integrity; this connector is accessible from the engine bay underside without motor removal. On any ZE0 example above 100,000 km, ask specifically whether a STOP warning event or sudden loss of drive has occurred, even briefly. If a workshop inspection is possible: Scan the EV motor control module for DTCs using Leaf Spy or a Nissan-capable diagnostic tool — a generic EOBD reader will not access these codes.

Where to look: Front-mounted EM57 electric motor — resolver connector on the casing, accessible from beneath the engine bay

Parts involved: Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the car ever displayed a red STOP warning and lost drive while moving?”
  • “Have any motor or inverter fault codes been retrieved — P0A0D or P0A94 specifically?”
  • “Has the vehicle been scanned with a Nissan-capable tool rather than a generic reader?”
  • “Has any vibration or roughness been noticed from the drivetrain before the issue?”
  • “What is the total odometer reading and has the motor or inverter ever been replaced?”

03Inverter / Motor Controller Failure

The traction inverter converts high-voltage DC from the battery pack into AC for the EM57/EM61 drive motor.ev2013–2017Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $3,500–$7,000 to fix

Does not apply

The traction inverter converts high-voltage DC from the battery pack into AC for the EM57/EM61 drive motor. A confirmed defect in the motor control circuit board on certain build batches causes the power transistors or gate driver circuits to fail, resulting in sudden loss of drive. Nissan issued NHTSA Safety Recall 14V263000 in June 2014 covering 2014 model year Leafs for this exact failure. Beyond the recall scope, inverter failures on ZE0 and AZE0 variants continue to be reported, typically associated with fault codes P324D (inverter over-temperature), P3252 (inverter voltage deviation) and P325B (motor controller communication fault). Unrepaired units can strand the driver without warning.

Symptoms to notice

  • EV system warning light (tortoise / turtle) and loss of power while driving
  • DTC codes P324D, P3252 or P325B stored in the power electronics module
  • Car enters limp-home reduced-power mode or cuts traction completely
  • Vehicle shuts down without warning at speed

What to check

  1. Scan the high-voltage ECU and motor controller with a Nissan-capable tool (Consult III or Leaf Spy Pro) for stored or pending inverter DTCs before purchase.
  2. Confirm NHTSA Recall 14V263000 was completed via VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov.
  3. Check for any evidence of overheating or moisture intrusion at the front power electronics module.
  4. Test drive and verify smooth, consistent motor response across the full acceleration range.

Where to look: Front-mounted Power Electronics Module (PDM) under the bonnet, adjacent to the motor

Ask the seller

  • “Has this car had NHTSA Recall 14V263000 (inverter) completed by a Nissan dealer?”
  • “Has the inverter or power electronics module ever been replaced?”
  • “Are there any EV system warning lights or stored fault codes currently?”

04ZE0 CHAdeMO Charge Port Connector Thermal Damage

Open the CHAdeMO port flap (front centre nose panel) and inspect thoroughly under good lighting.ev2010–2017Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $700–$3,500 to fix

Does not apply

Repeated 50 kW CHAdeMO DC rapid charging on ZE0 models forces up to 125 A DC through the vehicle-side connector pins. Micro-corrosion on pin contact surfaces, accumulated from saltwater-humid environments (common in coastal NZ/AU) or from poor public station maintenance, creates resistive heating at the contact interface. Over multiple rapid-charge sessions this heat partially melts the thermoplastic CHAdeMO port housing, damages the pin sockets, and can carbonise the surrounding loom insulation. NHTSA received over 30 complaints from the US alone between 2013 and 2017 describing burning smells, housing discolouration and failed charge sessions attributable to this mechanism. In severe cases the charge inlet requires full replacement with associated wiring harness inspection for secondary heat damage.

Symptoms to notice

  • Visible discolouration, warping or melted plastic on the CHAdeMO port housing
  • Burning or acrid smell during or immediately after rapid charging
  • Rapid charge session terminating early with a charge fault warning
  • CHAdeMO connector difficult to insert fully or locking mechanism stiff
  • Carbon tracking or uneven pin wear visible inside the charge port

What to check

  1. Open the CHAdeMO port flap (front centre nose panel) and inspect thoroughly under good lighting.
  2. Look for any discolouration, warping, or melted-looking sections of the housing plastic.
  3. Shine a torch inside to check for carbon deposits or heat marks on the five CHAdeMO pins and the surrounding housing.
  4. Assess pin-to-socket fit — excessive play indicates wear.
  5. Ask the seller which CHAdeMO networks were primarily used and the frequency of rapid-charge sessions.

Where to look: Front nose panel centre — CHAdeMO DC rapid-charge inlet port, typically left of the J1772 AC port

Parts involved: Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

  • “How frequently was DC rapid charging used, and at which networks?”
  • “Has the charge port ever produced a burning smell or discolouration?”
  • “Have any rapid-charge fault codes been logged?”
  • “Has the charge port housing ever been inspected or replaced?”
  • “Were public CHAdeMO stations the primary charging source?”

05Electric Power Steering Column Motor Failure

Start the car and turn the steering wheel lock to lock at low speed — EPS should feel uniformly light.ev2010–2017Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $1,200–$3,000 to fix

Does not apply

The Leaf uses a column-mounted electric power steering (C-EPS) motor attached to the steering shaft inside the cabin, replacing hydraulic assist entirely. The motor and its associated torque sensor and control module are integrated into the column assembly; failure of the motor windings, torque sensor, or ECU causes partial or complete loss of power assistance, making steering effort dangerously heavy at low speeds and in parking manoeuvres. NHTSA received multiple complaints across both generations regarding unexpected EPS warnings and momentary loss of assist, with some events triggering the EPS warning light without returning to normal function without a full power cycle.

Symptoms to notice

  • EPS warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster, with steering feeling heavy or jerky
  • Intermittent loss of power steering assist, particularly at low speeds or immediately after startup in cold conditions
  • Steering wheel requiring noticeably higher effort to turn during parking or slow manoeuvres

What to check

  1. Start the car and turn the steering wheel lock to lock at low speed — EPS should feel uniformly light.
  2. Check for an illuminated EPS warning light (power steering symbol) on the instrument cluster.
  3. Retrieve any stored fault codes via OBD2 scanner; codes C1130, C1140, or C1516 indicate EPS motor or sensor faults.
  4. Inspect the EPS harness connector at the column for corrosion or chafed wiring.

Where to look: Steering column, inside the cabin below the steering wheel — EPS motor and torque sensor assembly

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the EPS warning light ever appeared on the dashboard?”
  • “Does the steering feel uniformly light and consistent at low speed?”
  • “Has the steering column or EPS unit ever been replaced or repaired?”

06ZE0 BMS Cell Voltage Imbalance & Premature Bar Loss

Maximum spread at rest should be under 20mV on a healthy pack; a spread above 50mV indicates a developing imbalance problem.ev2010–2017ElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

07ZE0 Battery Pack Capacity Degradation (Passive Cooling)

Check the 12-segment battery capacity gauge on the instrument cluster with ignition on; fewer than 9 bars indicates significant degradation.ev2010–2017ElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

08On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — No AC Charging

Attempt a Level 2 AC charge and observe whether the charge port light illuminates and charge current appears on the dashboard or LeafSpy.ev2010–2017Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $1,800–$4,500 to fix

Does not apply

The Leaf's 3.3kW (ZE0) and 6.6kW (AZE0 from 2013) on-board charger converts AC grid power to DC for traction battery charging; it is a dedicated electronic module separate from the inverter and motor controller. Failure of the OBC — caused by power-transistor fatigue, capacitor degradation, or moisture ingress via the charge port seal — renders Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging non-functional while CHAdeMO DC fast-charging (a bypass path) may remain operational. Because the OBC is a high-voltage sealed unit requiring specialist replacement, repair costs are substantial and the fault can leave an owner unable to charge at home.

Symptoms to notice

  • Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging fails to initiate — charge port light blinks red or does not illuminate
  • Dashboard shows 'Unable to charge' message despite a known-good EVSE cable
  • CHAdeMO DC fast-charge completes normally, confirming the battery and BMS are functional

What to check

Attempt a Level 2 AC charge and observe whether the charge port light illuminates and charge current appears on the dashboard or LeafSpy. If DC CHAdeMO charges normally but AC does not, the OBC is the primary suspect. Check the charge port J1772 inlet for corrosion or damaged locking tabs. A Nissan-diagnostic fault code P318E or P319E confirms OBC internal fault.

Where to look: Engine bay, driver-side front — mounted near the high-voltage junction box

Ask the seller

  • “Does the car AC-charge reliably on both a 10A household outlet and a Type 2 EVSE?”
  • “Has the on-board charger ever been replaced or repaired?”
  • “Are there any stored fault codes related to charging?”

09ZE0 Turtle Mode from Battery Thermal Throttling

ev2010–2017ElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Body, brakes, suspension & interior3

01Park Lock Actuator Welded Joint Failure

ev2019–2020Brakes
RareBrakes $0–$1,500 to fix

Does not apply

On ZE1 Leaf vehicles produced up to November 2020, the welded joint on the transmission park lock actuator plate was found to be susceptible to fatigue cracking. If the weld fails while the vehicle is in motion and the driver shifts to Park, the park lock pawl may not engage, leaving the vehicle free to roll. Australian authorities issued Recall PG0C9 in January 2021 covering models sold between October 2019 and October 2020. The remedy requires physical replacement of the actuator plate at a Nissan dealer. The failure is silent — there may be no warning light or audible indication that the park lock has not engaged, making it a serious safety hazard on inclined surfaces.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vehicle rolls after gearshift is placed in Park position on a slope
  • No resistance felt when physically pushing the stationary car from the front or rear
  • Absent or intermittent engagement click when selecting Park
  • No visible warning light despite park lock not having engaged

What to check

Check whether Australian Recall PG0C9 or any equivalent NZ recall has been completed for this VIN via the Nissan dealer network or the NZTA recall database. On a slight incline, place the vehicle in Park, release the foot brake and confirm the car holds position without rolling. Inspect dealer service history for any record of actuator plate replacement. If the remedy has not been performed, do not park the vehicle on any incline.

Where to look: Transmission park lock actuator, inside the single-speed reduction drive unit

Ask the seller

  • “Has Australian Recall PG0C9 (park lock actuator) been performed at a Nissan dealer?”
  • “Has the car ever rolled when placed in Park on any inclined surface?”
  • “Are there any outstanding recalls showing on this VIN through the Nissan dealer system?”

02Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

Any perceptible vertical movement in the ball joint itself (not wheel bearing) is a rejection.ev2010–2017Suspension
OccasionalSuspension $450–$900 to fix

Does not apply

The front lower control arm on the Leaf uses a conventional press-in ball joint that is not separately serviceable — the entire lower arm must be replaced when the ball joint wears beyond specification. The ball joint is subject to the same dynamic loads as any passenger car, and the Leaf's additional battery mass (approximately 300 kg for the pack) increases the load on suspension components during cornering and kerb strikes. Wear manifests as play in the joint, causing steering imprecision and clunking over bumps; a failed ball joint is a sudden-loss-of-steering-control failure mode and a mandatory WOF rejection item in New Zealand.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps or rough surfaces
  • Vague or imprecise steering feel with the car wandering on straight roads
  • Visible grease contamination around the lower ball joint boot indicating boot failure

What to check

Any perceptible vertical movement in the ball joint itself (not wheel bearing) is a rejection. Inspect the ball joint dust boot for cracking or grease loss, which accelerates wear. Check for kerb-strike deformation to the lower arm. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle on a hoist, grasp the tyre at 6 and 12 o'clock and check for vertical play at the lower ball joint with a bar under the tyre to unload the joint.

Where to look: Front axle, lower control arm, inboard end — ball joint at the knuckle pivot

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the car had a recent wheel alignment, and was any suspension wear noted?”
  • “Have the front lower control arms been replaced?”
  • “Does the car have any history of kerb strikes or suspension impacts?”

03Electric Parking Brake Actuator Motor Seizure

Test the electric parking brake through multiple apply-and-release cycles before and after the test drive.ev2010–2016Brakes
CommonBrakes $600–$2,000 to fix

Does not apply

The ZE0 and early AZE0 Leaf uses an electrically-driven parking brake actuator mounted at each rear calliper. The actuator housing is exposed underneath the vehicle and vulnerable to water and road contamination ingress. Internal corrosion attacks the brass and nylon gear train; a white nylon reduction gear shrinks with age and seizes on its axle shaft, stalling the motor. Failure manifests as the parking brake refusing to release after the vehicle is parked, or failing to apply at all. The actuator motor can also short internally, tripping the electrical system. Dealer replacement quotes in export markets reached NZD 1,500 or more per side. A confirmed SpeakEV community repair guide documents the internal failure mechanism. The 2013-2015 model years were also subject to a separate Nissan recall requiring reprogramming of the e-ACT Electrically-Driven Intelligent Brake Control Unit.

Symptoms to notice

  • P parking brake warning light stays on or flashes after engagement
  • Parking brake will not release — rear wheels locked after parking
  • Grinding or clicking noise from rear when applying or releasing parking brake
  • Brake system warning on instrument cluster with no manual release available

What to check

  1. Test the electric parking brake through multiple apply-and-release cycles before and after the test drive.
  2. Listen for any grinding, hesitation or motor straining from the rear.
  3. Check whether the rear callipers show signs of corrosion, water staining or failed rubber boots around the actuator body.
  4. Verify no brake warning lights appear on the cluster.
  5. Ask if the parking brake has ever been stuck or replaced.
  6. Inspect the actuator housing underneath each rear wheel for corrosion or impact damage.

Where to look: Electric actuator motor integrated into each rear brake calliper

Parts involved: Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the parking brake ever seized, refused to release, or required repair?”
  • “Have the rear parking brake actuators been replaced or serviced?”
  • “Is there any record of Nissan reprogramming the e-ACT brake control unit?”

Nissan Leaf faults in detail

Narrowed to the Nissan Leaf · 2018. Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

Traction Battery BMS State-of-Charge Drift and Sudden Power CutMajor · Electrical

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Nissan Leaf’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Buying guides that cover the Nissan Leaf

Other Nissan models

Nissan Patrol48 documented faultsNissan Navara45 documented faultsNissan X-Trail45 documented faultsNissan Micra22 documented faultsNissan Stagea22 documented faultsNissan Juke21 documented faults

Nissan Leaf buyer questions

Is the Nissan Leaf reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 22 documented faults for the Nissan Leaf, the recurring problem areas are electrical, brakes, and suspension. A Nissan Leaf with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Nissan Leaf?

We've catalogued 22 known faults for the Nissan Leaf, covering electrical, brakes, and suspension. All 22 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Nissan Leaf?

Most single repairs on the Nissan Leaf fall between $650–$4,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 22 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Nissan Leaf?

Yes. A Nissan Leaf inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.