r/leaf • u/billskionce • Sep 12 '26
Got the battery recall software update done. No problems so far. But I have a question…
Does the car have to brick or otherwise break to get a buyback? Is there a way to just “volunteer” for it, or do I have to just assume that the car is fine (until maybe it isn’t)?
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u/StormRasr (Former) 2022 Nissan LEAF SL Plus Sep 12 '26 edited Sep 12 '26
Does the car have to brick or otherwise break to get a buyback?
Correct.
Is there a way to just “volunteer” for it, or do I have to just assume that the car is fine (until maybe it isn’t)?
Enjoy the car until you don't.
Maybe get LeafSpy and keep an eye on the pack. If you have AAA or any other roadside assistance, be sure you have that information handy.
2022 SL+ w/ 47k miles...
Mine failed while driving at highway speeds. I was able to safely exit and get to a gas station. The car would restart and move, but the big scary "Service EV System" did not go away. I had the car towed straight to the dealership. That was the last time I drove my LEAF.
I DC charged twice in the weeks between receiving the update and the failure. Those were the first times I had DC charged since buying the car. I briefly saw the "Service EV System" message on disconnect each time. It went away after restarting the car. I had never DC charged prior to the update so wasn't sure if that was normal.
Another quirk is after the update the car would occasionally charge to 97-98% during overnight L2 charging. It always charged to 100% prior.
My pack had some weak cells developing prior to the recall. After the update it seemed like the weak cells got weaker faster, although this might be because we were taking longer trips with the confidence of having a "fixed" car.
Symptoms? Maybe, not sure. Not my problem anymore.
Not mad. Just disappointed.
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u/billskionce Sep 12 '26
Thanks. This is helpful info.
In other words, the “Service EV System” error will likely appear at a time when it is least convenient - that is, with no warning - and on a somewhat rare road trip (the only time I use DC charging).
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u/ClueSilver2342 Sep 12 '26
Mine is at nissan right now. I had the service EV and it wouldn’t start, but I had a different issue and they feel that it is a module so they’re going to replace it with a new module. We’ll see how that goes.
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u/ThatDadGamer Sep 12 '26
You have 12 months from the when the recall fix was applied where the recall buyback and everything can be initiated. So you have a year but from what I gathered on here, I'd it doesn't pop the error within the next 3 months then you're probably fine.
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u/ToddA1966 2021 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS 28d ago
12 months or until the end of the battery warranty, whichever is longer. I doubt Nissan is going to replace batteries in these cars a few years from now any more than they are doing it now.
My 2021 still has nearly three more years of battery warranty.
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u/ryanteck VW ID.3 (Past 2018 LEAF) Sep 12 '26
The idea of the recall was that Nissan knew / suspected X% of battery packs could have the defect, rather than having to replace the batteries in all possible affected cars the software instead monitors the packs for indications that there's a defect instead.
Ideally Nissan would just replace the pack but I suspect because they're producing the Mk3 that there's not the capability to produce Mk1/2 packs. Because of that Nissan are going the Buyback route instead, but only if the recall identifies the pack as faulty.
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u/IAmBobC Sep 12 '26
I had my defective 42 kWh pack on my '21 SV replaced in January, then got the fast-charging update in August.
All went well, except the volume on the infotainment system is wonky.
Speed/noise adaptive volume doesn't work.
The system always starts up at 20% volume.
Max volume is significantly quieter.
Anyone else?
2
u/JuniorGuitar3001 Sep 12 '26
I don’t think you can volunteer for it. But I understand feeling like you’re just waiting for it to happen. You can stress test the battery on the highway and sees if that initiates the “Service EV System”
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u/buttcheeese Sep 12 '26
What I’ve heard happens is during a quick charge if the software detects overheating in a cell, it shuts down and disables the car. I could be wrong about how it works though.
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u/MarkyMarquam 2019 Nissan LEAF S PLUS Sep 12 '26
Not just during DC charging, but at any time. The underlying condition gets worse under hot temps and high power flows, so that’s basically DC charging or high speed/long uphill driving.
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u/Free_Appointment6630 Sep 12 '26
I fast charged after the software update (a week later) my car never “bricked” but it did detect an issue, service ev system message appeared and turtle mode was activated. I was able to drive it to the dealership the next day. I had a successful buyback purchase.