Please Report 2018 - 2020 Leaf Defects Here

My Nissan Leaf Forum

Help Support My Nissan Leaf Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Backup Camera guide lines on black screen.

I backed out of the garage to take my 2018 Leaf S to Boulder Nissan for the one year checkup. It was perfect timing.
"Bob" checked the camera when I pulled into the service bay and verified the problem.

I picked the car up after the service department closed. The camera works and the bonding straps recall was performed and the tires were rotated but the invoice has no additional information.

About a week later the backup camera quit again. I opened the rear hatch, grabbed the camera and wiggled it back and forth. It works again but there must be a poor connection somewhere.

Later: Same thing has happened twice...wiggle camera (it really doesn't move) after opening rear hatch and closing it. Obviously an intermittent problem that is almost impossible to troubleshoot.
 
Now that I have had over three months and nearly 4,000 miles with the 2018 LEAF S with a 5/18 build date here are a few things I noticed:

1. I definitely have noticed the speedometer accuracy issue. Started a thread about it before realizing there are numerous other threads on the same topic. I believe 6% is a conservative estimate of inaccuracy.

2. I have also experienced the warm A/C issue if the car is parked or idling while "on" for an extended period of time. Typically turning off and back on fixes the issue. I believe a suggestion in another thread about it was to have the dealership max out the RPMs while idling instead of the computer's default RPM reduction to conserve battery power?

3. I have also experienced the "clunk" noise and abrupt deceleration when making a tight left turn (max out steering wheel left) at low speed. May be a nut needing torquing per this thread?

4. The bluetooth will only connect to my (our my wife's) phone about half the time. The other half it says no device connected or something like that and when I select Bluetooth in the menu it just says "Please Wait". I was wondering if the system gets confused or freezes if both of our phones are in range at start up?

5. Recently noticed annoying rattle on passenger side of the cabin when driving at lower speeds over not-completely-smooth roads. I believe it is most noticeable if passenger front seat is empty so maybe a loose connection on the seat itself?

I was planning to take my list of issues to the dealership and get it all inspected at the same time, but now I am wondering if I should wait until the potential recall notice for the backup camera supposedly going out in late October?

This thread has been quite helpful!
 
Recently noticed annoying rattle on passenger side of the cabin when driving at lower speeds over not-completely-smooth roads. I believe it is most noticeable if passenger front seat is empty so maybe a loose connection on the seat itself?

The seat belt prong on the passenger's side tends to rattle against the window. If you can't change the height because of a short or tall passenger, you can put the seat belt over the seat back when not in use. The gen I Leaf also has that issue and it is quite annoying.
 
billexium said:
Now that I have had over three months and nearly 4,000 miles with the 2018 LEAF S with a 5/18 build date here are a few things I noticed:

1. I definitely have noticed the speedometer accuracy issue. Started a thread about it before realizing there are numerous other threads on the same topic. I believe 6% is a conservative estimate of inaccuracy.

I noticed most people with the inaccurate speedometer have the S so 205/55/16 tires. They are 2.4 % smaller than 215/50/17 tires. I wonder if Nissan used the 17" tire circumference to set the speedometer? That's still about 3% off from your 6% though.
 
Triggerhappy007 said:
billexium said:
Now that I have had over three months and nearly 4,000 miles with the 2018 LEAF S with a 5/18 build date here are a few things I noticed:

1. I definitely have noticed the speedometer accuracy issue. Started a thread about it before realizing there are numerous other threads on the same topic. I believe 6% is a conservative estimate of inaccuracy.

I noticed most people with the inaccurate speedometer have the S so 205/55/16 tires. They are 2.4 % smaller than 215/50/17 tires. I wonder if Nissan used the 17" tire circumference to set the speedometer? That's still about 3% off from your 6% though.

2.4% smaller what? Diameter? That would be well over 6% in circumference
 
DaveinOlyWA said:
2.4% smaller what? Diameter? That would be well over 6% in circumference
A 2.4% increase in diameter would have a 2.4% increase in circumference. The relationship is linear

However, 17/16 = 1.0625 = 106.25%
 
SageBrush said:
DaveinOlyWA said:
2.4% smaller what? Diameter? That would be well over 6% in circumference
A 2.4% increase in diameter would have a 2.4% increase in circumference. The relationship is linear

However, 17/16 = 1.0625 = 106.25%

Measuring the diameter of the tire vs the rim, and calculating revs/mile.

The diameter of the 17” Michelin’s is 25.5” and 815 revs/mile
The diameter of the 16” Ecopias is 24.9” and 837 revs/mile

So 837/815 = 102.699%
 
Flyct said:
SageBrush said:
DaveinOlyWA said:
2.4% smaller what? Diameter? That would be well over 6% in circumference
A 2.4% increase in diameter would have a 2.4% increase in circumference. The relationship is linear

However, 17/16 = 1.0625 = 106.25%

Measuring the diameter of the tire vs the rim, and calculating revs/mile.

The diameter of the 17” Michelin’s is 25.5” and 815 revs/mile
The diameter of the 16” Ecopias is 24.9” and 837 revs/mile

So 837/815 = 102.699%
That is a case of a shorter sidewall in the 17" tyres
 
2 weeks later after the dealer did further testing of the left front creaking and confirmed the location of the sound is coming from the chassis. My vehicle then was transported to Nissan's designated collision repair center (Gerber) for dis-assembly of the entire left/under sides to get deep into the frame. It took several days but I believe they finally found a bad weld somewhere in there. I expect to get a final report and my LEAF back in the next few days. Free rental vehicle started off as a Frontier, which then they swapped to a 2019 Altima with PP. Good service at this dealer.

jdcbomb said:
I first noticed this issue after reaching around 5,000 miles in the 18 SV. Any sharp left turn (u-turn) on a flat or downward include would cause an audible creaking sound coming from the left front area behind the dash.

First visit to original dealer resulted in "unable to replicate." Took to 2nd dealer a couple weeks later and was easily replicated. Tech investigated it for at least 2 hours and could not confirm the location. Weeks later Nissan regional tech lead worked with on-site tech and attached wireless sound sensors to multiple areas.

Confirmed it was not the axle, not the wheel, not the brakes, not the CV joint, and most interesting it was NOT the strut tower (older LEAFs has a TSB for strut tower spacers to solve a similar sound.)

After spending another 4 hours taking apart the under side panels and other components, the going theory it's a bad weld somewhere in the chassis. This will require me to leave the car with a certified body shop that will have to disassemble much of the left side to get to the chassis defect.

Dreading they won't be able to put it all back together correctly but we'll see. Warranty issue means I get free rental (dreading a ICE car too).

What's disturbing is I have another 18 MY SL and it's starting to exhibit the identical sound...
 
I’m having A/C issues on my 2018 SV with the heat pump. Car is in service now because it won’t blow cold air.

This is the second time in 6 months that I’ve had to take it in for this reason which is irritating but at least it’s all covered under warranty. Makes me think there is a slow leak somewhere in the system.

They gave me a Versa for a rental in the meantime ... really makes me appreciate how nice the Leaf is to drive. I once joked that the Leaf was just a Versa hatchback with a battery pack attached, I realize now that I owe the Leaf an apology.
 
Update to me previous post ^^^

The 2018 Leaf SV does, in fact, have a leak somewhere in the system according to the dealer. They are having a hard time tracking down exactly where it is because, I was told, the unique heat pump system on the Leaf doesn't allow them to put dye in the system and watch where it comes out (which is what they typically do). So hopefully I am not out of commission for too long and stuck driving this Versa.

Anyone else have similar issues with the heat pump?
 
FINALLY: After 2 weeks of testing and investigating by a combined team at the collision center and suspension specialists, it was determined that a combination of the motor mount + crossbar (non-critical) interacting with the chassis was causing the noise. The components were replaced / tightened and it appears the bolts for the crossbars were just a quarter turn too loose, causing the play with the chassis. It took so long, and was such a unique issue, that the main tech lead at the collision center said he lost sleep over racking his mind on what could be causing it. They even rolled up the carpet, took out the front seat, and sat in a lawn chair in the vehicle to nail down the source. I miss this car and just glad I will be getting it back, but appreciate that Nissan / Gerber took the time and effort to solve the issue once and for all. Now I get to have them look at an eerily similar but different sounding issue emanating from the steering column on my other 18 MY LEAF! :D

jdcbomb said:
2 weeks later after the dealer did further testing of the left front creaking and confirmed the location of the sound is coming from the chassis. My vehicle then was transported to Nissan's designated collision repair center (Gerber) for dis-assembly of the entire left/under sides to get deep into the frame. It took several days but I believe they finally found a bad weld somewhere in there. I expect to get a final report and my LEAF back in the next few days. Free rental vehicle started off as a Frontier, which then they swapped to a 2019 Altima with PP. Good service at this dealer.

jdcbomb said:
I first noticed this issue after reaching around 5,000 miles in the 18 SV. Any sharp left turn (u-turn) on a flat or downward include would cause an audible creaking sound coming from the left front area behind the dash.

First visit to original dealer resulted in "unable to replicate." Took to 2nd dealer a couple weeks later and was easily replicated. Tech investigated it for at least 2 hours and could not confirm the location. Weeks later Nissan regional tech lead worked with on-site tech and attached wireless sound sensors to multiple areas.

Confirmed it was not the axle, not the wheel, not the brakes, not the CV joint, and most interesting it was NOT the strut tower (older LEAFs has a TSB for strut tower spacers to solve a similar sound.)

After spending another 4 hours taking apart the under side panels and other components, the going theory it's a bad weld somewhere in the chassis. This will require me to leave the car with a certified body shop that will have to disassemble much of the left side to get to the chassis defect.

Dreading they won't be able to put it all back together correctly but we'll see. Warranty issue means I get free rental (dreading a ICE car too).

What's disturbing is I have another 18 MY SL and it's starting to exhibit the identical sound...
 
I ran across this thread and wanted to add my ongoing experience with my 2018 Leaf SL (built in Smyrna, TN).


  • No issues for the first 6 months, aside from Rapidgate.
  • May, 2019 - Nissan Connect EV stopped working (right around 6 months of ownership). Ignored it for a bit, hoping it was temporary. Spent hours on the phone with support to no avail.
  • June - Started getting "System malfunction" warnings with AEB disabled occasionally. Also, the backup camera would sometimes be solid black (360 camera was okay, except the rear portion).
  • July 9 - Took it into Nissan for servicing. They pulled codes and ordered in parts. Also, they did something that fixed Nissan Connect EV, but they weren't sure what.
  • July 15 - Replaced front radar.
  • Aug 1 - Replaced the windshield camera (whatever it is called, the one behind the rear-view mirror).
  • Sept 9 - Replaced the windshield camera again.
  • Oct 2 - Replaced the backup camera. (**this fixed the black backup camera issue**)
  • Oct 29 - Replaced the ADAS controller.
  • Nov 13-29 - Replaced the windshield camera again. They kept it for 2 1/2 weeks to road test, although the app showed it didn't even move for most of that time :roll: (that's a whole other discussion).

So far, the problem hasn't reoccurred since picking it up Nov 29. Hopefully it's finally fixed.

I'm curious if anyone else has had to have their car serviced this many times?
 
Transient said:
I ran across this thread and wanted to add my ongoing experience with my 2018 Leaf SL (built in Smyrna, TN).


  • No issues for the first 6 months, aside from Rapidgate.
  • May, 2019 - Nissan Connect EV stopped working (right around 6 months of ownership). Ignored it for a bit, hoping it was temporary. Spent hours on the phone with support to no avail.
  • June - Started getting "System malfunction" warnings with AEB disabled occasionally. Also, the backup camera would sometimes be solid black (360 camera was okay, except the rear portion).
  • July 9 - Took it into Nissan for servicing. They pulled codes and ordered in parts. Also, they did something that fixed Nissan Connect EV, but they weren't sure what.
  • July 15 - Replaced front radar.
  • Aug 1 - Replaced the windshield camera (whatever it is called, the one behind the rear-view mirror).
  • Sept 9 - Replaced the windshield camera again.
  • Oct 2 - Replaced the backup camera. (**this fixed the black backup camera issue**)
  • Oct 29 - Replaced the ADAS controller.
  • Nov 13-29 - Replaced the windshield camera again. They kept it for 2 1/2 weeks to road test, although the app showed it didn't even move for most of that time :roll: (that's a whole other discussion).

So far, the problem hasn't reoccurred since picking it up Nov 29. Hopefully it's finally fixed.

I'm curious if anyone else has had to have their car serviced this many times?

Nothing so far for my August '18 build. What month was yours built?
 
HerdingElectrons said:
Nothing so far for my August '18 build. What month was yours built?

Mine was also built 8/18. I think it was really close to the end of production for the 2018 model year as people were posting pics of 2019's showing up before it finally showed up at my dealership.
 
After driving my E Plus a month, I realize that my 40 kwh likely had some sort of front end issue. It would make a rubbing sound 50% of the time while making a left turn from an arterial to a street that was a few inches lower. My E Plus despite its heavier weight makes no such sound. I even experimented with taking the corner way too fast and still no sound.
 
Update on my other 18 MY SL that has a different sound emanating from the same area under the same driving conditions (left u-turn or sharp left turn).

Nissan manufacturing still determining what could be causing the "tock" sound to occur. The entire left axle was replaced but it didn't really do much. Regional Nissan tech is mystified and I find it fascinating that I have presented them with two LEAFs with frame sounds that take months to resolve. Customer service at the dealer is very good.

Good thing is they've ruled out it's a safety issue so I've been able to drive this vehicle normally without having to use a ICE loaner.

jdcbomb said:
FINALLY: After 2 weeks of testing and investigating by a combined team at the collision center and suspension specialists, it was determined that a combination of the motor mount + crossbar (non-critical) interacting with the chassis was causing the noise. The components were replaced / tightened and it appears the bolts for the crossbars were just a quarter turn too loose, causing the play with the chassis. It took so long, and was such a unique issue, that the main tech lead at the collision center said he lost sleep over racking his mind on what could be causing it. They even rolled up the carpet, took out the front seat, and sat in a lawn chair in the vehicle to nail down the source. I miss this car and just glad I will be getting it back, but appreciate that Nissan / Gerber took the time and effort to solve the issue once and for all. Now I get to have them look at an eerily similar but different sounding issue emanating from the steering column on my other 18 MY LEAF! :D

jdcbomb said:
2 weeks later after the dealer did further testing of the left front creaking and confirmed the location of the sound is coming from the chassis. My vehicle then was transported to Nissan's designated collision repair center (Gerber) for dis-assembly of the entire left/under sides to get deep into the frame. It took several days but I believe they finally found a bad weld somewhere in there. I expect to get a final report and my LEAF back in the next few days. Free rental vehicle started off as a Frontier, which then they swapped to a 2019 Altima with PP. Good service at this dealer.

jdcbomb said:
I first noticed this issue after reaching around 5,000 miles in the 18 SV. Any sharp left turn (u-turn) on a flat or downward include would cause an audible creaking sound coming from the left front area behind the dash.

First visit to original dealer resulted in "unable to replicate." Took to 2nd dealer a couple weeks later and was easily replicated. Tech investigated it for at least 2 hours and could not confirm the location. Weeks later Nissan regional tech lead worked with on-site tech and attached wireless sound sensors to multiple areas.

Confirmed it was not the axle, not the wheel, not the brakes, not the CV joint, and most interesting it was NOT the strut tower (older LEAFs has a TSB for strut tower spacers to solve a similar sound.)

After spending another 4 hours taking apart the under side panels and other components, the going theory it's a bad weld somewhere in the chassis. This will require me to leave the car with a certified body shop that will have to disassemble much of the left side to get to the chassis defect.

Dreading they won't be able to put it all back together correctly but we'll see. Warranty issue means I get free rental (dreading a ICE car too).

What's disturbing is I have another 18 MY SL and it's starting to exhibit the identical sound...
 
Wow. Transient has had a heck of a time w/his car.

Are '19 defects ok here or should there be another thread for that? https://www.facebook.com/groups/seattlenissanleaf/permalink/2880751448622940/ has a '19 w/a bad battery module.

Seems like these gen 2 Leafs aren't quite as reliable as the gen 1's.
 
aeroevan said:
2018 SL, the automatic emergency brake warning light kept turning on. Took it into the dealership, and they are waiting on a part. They said it was on back order due to this being a common issue, so I'd be interested to see if anyone else is in the same boat.

It sounded like the forward facing radar (in the front bumper) shorted out due to moisture getting in, but I might not have all of the info yet.

I'll edit this post with any updates, hopefully it won't take too long to get the part...

Have a 2019 SV Plus, Feb 2019 build date, almost 5K miles on it. My Automatic emergency brake warning light acts up every time it rains. Haven't taken back to the dealer for this yet.

Along the lines of the front radar/ camera is the response time. Example, If you're driving with ACC and car comes in front of you, say a lane merge, the car takes a good second or two to respond, and when it does respond the braking is harsh! It's nerve racking when you're closing in on the car in front of you and not slowing, then to have brakes "slam" on. Response seems better if the car is already in front of you and slows down. Now, I'm comparing this to my wife's 2018 Honda CRV which doe not experience this "lag" if you want to call it.

On a different note, the back up camera sucks!! When you watch the picture it's choppy, like watching a video that keeps buffering. Did take it to the dealership, was told there was a recall coming out for the cameras and there was nothing they could do. Then, the recall comes out and my VIN is not included.

Front right suspension sounds loud when you hit larger bumps, like a bad strut almost. Nissan Tech rode with me and said he couldn’t hear anything. Of course we didn't take over any real bumps for him to hear anything, plus he wouldn't be quite and try to listen.

Front drivers side door on the bottom rubs on the fender sometime, it's wearing through the paint. Haven't brought it back for this and the camera yet.

My take on the Leaf, what I like about it are the things inherent to being an electric car. Biggest, is the instant heat in the winter now!! No waiting for the car to warm up! Overall, and as a Nissan, it think it somewhat lacks for what the car cost. I'm trying to like it though since I spend a good chuck to by it. I feel like I bought a $15K quality car with a really expensive battery.
 
Back
Top