The new LEAF EV is a cornerstone of Nissan’s comeback plan, but it’s already facing a recall in Japan due to a battery defect.
Nissan recalls new LEAF EVs in Japan
Nissan issued a recall in Japan for the new LEAF on March 27 due to a high-voltage battery issue. In a statement, Nissan said the recall was due to improperly manufactured electrode plates used in the battery cells, which could cause fragments to adhere to the modules.
If the battery is repeatedly charged, it can short-circuit, triggering a malfunction warning or, in the worst-case scenario, overheating or even catching fire.
Only one fire has been reported, involving a B7 LEAF with the 78 kWh battery owned by a Nissan dealer. However, it’s still under investigation whether the battery caused the fire.
Nissan said it’s issuing the recall as a “preventative measure.” The recall impacts 171 Nissan LEAF models produced between December 1, 2025, and March 7, 2026.
For those with affected vehicles, Nissan will replace the battery pack or module with a working one. Until the part is ready, Nissan will keep your vehicle and replace the parts as soon as possible.
The recall comes after Nissan just launched the new LEAF in Japan last October, with deliveries beginning in January 2026.
Nissan began production of the new LEAF at its Sunderland plant in the UK in December, calling it “a momentous occasion” for the company and the UK economy.
In the US, Nissan has no reported recalls involving the 2026 LEAF with the NHTSA. Previous LEAF generations, including over 19,000 model years 2021-2022, were recalled last October due to a similar defect.
| 2026 Nissan LEAF trim (US) | Starting Price | Driving Range |
| LEAF S+ | $29,990 | 303 miles |
| LEAF SV+ | $34,230 | 288 miles |
| LEAF Platinum+ | $38,990 | 259 miles |
The 2026 Nissan LEAF S+ starts at $29,990, making it one of the few electric vehicles in the US priced under $30,000. All 2026 LEAF models are powered by a 75 kWh battery, providing between 259 miles and 303 miles of range.
Although it planned to launch a lower-priced S trim this year, Nissan canceled it for the 2026 model year. A 2027 model has yet to be decided.
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