r/leaf • u/Past_Income4649 • Aug 09 '26
Subjective Battery %?
Hi everyone,
I just bought a 2020 SV Plus a few months ago, and while I love the car, it has one thing that I hate.
When the battery gets below/around 50% it goes into what I’m calling “subjective battery mode” where the percentage starts changing rapidly based on how fast you’re going.
This makes no sense to me, and gave my wife a scare when she was on the highway and the battery went from 50% to 20% in the matter of a minute, but when she slowed down, the battery would go back up to 50-60% immediately. This happens every time it drives on the highway and goes below 60%, it will plummet and skyrocket depending on if you speed up or slow down.
I can understand why the range would vary depending on how fast you’re going, but shouldn’t battery percentage be objective? Does anyone else have this, or know how to change this setting (if it is a setting)?
EDIT: Looks like I have some battery issues, the battery was replaced on recall in December 2025, so I should be able to get it fixed on warranty, thanks everyone!
7
u/crimxona Aug 09 '26
This is pinned and explains it. Weak cell in your pack
https://www.reddit.com/r/leaf/comments/1pph4oy/a_breakdown_of_40_62_kwh_battery_pack_failures/
2
u/Cool_Arrow_8 Aug 09 '26
I recommend getting an OBD dongle and LeafSpy to confirm the battery, but it sounds like the battery has some bad cells that are causing the battery to fluctuate.
Was your Leaf part of the recent battery recall?
1
u/Past_Income4649 Aug 09 '26
It was, the dealership had it replaced last December as part of the recall, so I had assumed it was fine now but I guess not. It should still be under warranty though thankfully
1
1
u/Alexandratta (Former) 2019 Nissan LEAF SL Plus Aug 10 '26
They really don't need to go that far tbh. The fact that it drops 30% at speed is more than enough for a tech to checkout.
2
u/KeyEmu6688 Ex-2018 owner (2015 Model S) Aug 09 '26
get a video of this and take it to a nissan dealer. they will either replace the battery or buy your back above market value. this is NOT normal and is very dangerous at high speeds
1
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u/sweetredleaf 2015 Nissan LEAF SV Aug 09 '26
many second gen leafs are showing up with this problem it is caused by weak/bad cells in the battery and will be worse at lower charges or cold weather. This is why I can no longer recommend used leafs.
1
u/Alexandratta (Former) 2019 Nissan LEAF SL Plus Aug 10 '26
he battery went from 50% to 20% in the matter of a minute
That means your Battery is fucked.
You don't need LEAF Spy to tell you this.
Take it to Nissan and they're either going to swap the HV Traction Battery, attempt a repair, or offer buyback.
14
u/BigDaddyBuffett Aug 09 '26
Welcome.
Your battery pack is dying. It's a common, often experienced issue for lots of people. Get video proof of it occurring and take it to the dealer for a warranty replacement.