2011 Nissan Leaf

Car throws a B1018 DTC, which is for the passenger seat occupancy sensor. The seat occupancy sensor failing poses a major safety risk, as it causes the airbags to not deploy properly in the event of a crash. This is a very well known issue for the 2011-2012 LEAF, and the only option Nissan gives to fix this is a full seat replacement, which is cost prohibitive at over $3000. Previously, a recall was issued for 2013-2016 LEAFs for a similar issue, but the 2011-2012 was not included in that recall.

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Air bag sensor fault, passenger seat warning on dashboard. Confirmed sensor failure at repair shop. Notified by Nissan that sensors are DISCONTINUED parts. No alternative solution suggested. This means all airbags in this vehicle are disabled. Car has less than 40,000 miles and has years of service life left. How is Nissan allowed to discontinue supply of an essential safety component?

Reported

Mar 2025

Incident date

Aug 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Please see thread: [XXX] My 2011 Nissan Leaf's OCS has failed randomly. I pulled the code via an Bluetooth OBD reader and the LeafSpy Pro app installed on my phone: B1018-00 09 AIR BAG Occupant Sens [Unit Fail] SRC-41. I took the car to a local dealership and was quoted over $4k for a full seat replacement with no ETA as the part is on back order. There is no option to simply replace the OCS alone and there is no workaround from Nissan to re-enable the passenger airbag without paying the $4k for the new seat. Opened a case with Nissan Consumer Affairs who advised they could do nothing for me. The repair is more expensive than the value of the vehicle. Because Nissan offers no workaround other than paying $4k for a new seat, consumers are incentivized to bypass the airbag sensor using a 3rd-party box (see here [XXX] rather than properly repair it. This is a safety issue and Nissan should do the right thing in making the repair affordable or making an official way to bypass the sensor/enable the airbags. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Jul 2024

Incident date

Jun 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

When applying brakes, at a point in the pedal travel the vehicle deceleration goes from too little to vastly too much. This makes the vehicle challenging to drive in traffic without colliding into the vehicle in front and not stopping so quickly as to cause the trailing vehicle to collide. The dealer has confirmed the behavior. There is a TSB to supposedly address the problem, and a receipt is attached of that TSB software update being applied. However, this has not changed the behavior. This is at least partially a software issue, since the vehicle blends physical brakes with EV regenerative braking.

Reported

May 2024

Incident date

Dec 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Supplemental air bag warning light started blinking on 9/24/2023. It blinks regardless of whether the front passenger seat is occupied. The OCS sensor for the passenger seat failed. This should have been covered by a recall. The dealer wants over $3,000.00 to replace the seat cushion. I declined the repair. Dealer assured me that driver air bag isn't affected, so I'll operate the car without a front passenger. Dealer Estimate: Denied Repair Step Step Total: $3,687.14 Correction: inspected system, dtc b1018 for occupant sensor unit failure is present. Cleared dtc, when sitting in passenger seat, dtc came back on. Inspected continuity to passenger seat occupant sensor and found ok at this time. Diagnosis says replacement of passenger occupant sensor assembly (lower seat assembly) Labor: $588.00

Reported

Sep 2023

Incident date

Sep 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Vehicle doesn't slow down when taking foot of the acceleration pedal. Same both power settings. It will continue to move at slow speed on level ground. It behaves as though the minimum pedal.motor speed is too fast. My concern.is that it might get very fast without any pedal. Thank you.

Reported

Jul 2023

Incident date

Jul 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My airbag sensor light went off for no reason. I took it into the dealership and was told that it would cost $3,700 to get it repaired/replaced since the seat needs to be removed. I am concerned that this safety issue is not taken care of and have read that many 2011 Leaf's are having this same issue.

Reported

Jun 2023

Incident date

Jun 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

On 05/28/23 while i was trying to park my 2011 Nissan Leaf in a parking lot, the car accelerated unexpectedly and hit a pole and fence and scratched an already parked car. Applying break did not slow down my car. I own this car since 2011 and never had an experience like this.

Reported

Jun 2023

Incident date

May 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

The airbag warning light has come on. An independent shop and the dealer say the repair is $4500 or more -- greater than the value of the vehicle, because Nissan only sells the complete passenger seat as a repair part, and requires the airbag be paired with the car at the dealer. I ask that this situation be resolved by Nissan making just the seat cushion available as a repair part, as they have for recalls of airbags on other model year cars. The SAFETY problem is that Nissan's refusal to sell a repair part, leads to a FISCAL INCENTIVE TO BYPASS THE AIRBAG. See also NHTSA #: 08V-521

Reported

May 2023

Incident date

Jan 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Air bag occupant sensor in front passenger seat failure causing air bag system shut off. DTC Code: B 1018 Description: Air Bag Occupant Sensor (Unit Fail). Well documented common failure of this critical safety component on the Nissan Leaf Forum. Sensor is not available to replace the defective part and a recall campaign was issued by Nissan, but doesn't cover 2011-2012 models. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The system scan revealed the DTC Code. Code returns after code clearing. Component has not been inspected by manufacturer. Air Bag Warning indicator lamp and Air Bag Off X 2 lamp illuminated.

Reported

Aug 2022

Incident date

Aug 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Passenger airbag sensor is not working. When car is turned on and driving, the dashboard continually displays a red flashing warning light indicating an airbag malfunction. There is also a message that the passenger air bag is off. Newer Nissan Leaf models have had the same problem and have been recalled, but not the 2011 year. It should be recalled. Estimated cost to fix is $3000. Seat bottom was replaced in 2016.

Reported

Jul 2022

Incident date

Jul 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Airbag light comes on when it should not. Vehicle disables the passenger airbag because it has code B1018. Airbag should not disable when an adult is sitting in the passenger seat. Code can be reset, but will come back any time someone sits in the passenger seat, regardless of size.

Reported

May 2022

Incident date

May 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The air bag sensor unit failed. The car only has 5271 miles on it and it was stored in a warm garage since 2011. This failure isn't due to use so it must be a manufacturing defect.

Reported

Oct 2021

Incident date

Oct 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated that the Telematics Control Unit, which locates the nearest charging station, was inoperable and could not be upgraded. Additionally, the 12 Volt battery would not charge, and the doors would not unlock to open. The windows would not roll up, and the gear shifter would not shift out of park into neutral. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. However, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Reported

Sep 2021

Incident date

Sep 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

2011 NISSAN LEAF VEHICLES IS DEFECTIVE AND AFFECTS THE PROPER DEPLOYMENT OF THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG. I HAVE A FAULTY OCS SYSTEM FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR AND I WILL NEED TO SCRAP THE CAR RATHER THAN PAY THE 4-6 THOUSAND DOLLAR COST OF A NEW PASSENGER SEAT.M I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RESET THE ODBC CODE BUT NOW ITS NOT ALLOWING ME TO DO THAT ANYMORE

Reported

Apr 2021

Incident date

Dec 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

WHEN I ACCELERATED FROM A STOP ON A CITY STREET TO TURN LEFT ON MY WAY HOME THE ENGINE LOST POWER EVEN AS I PUSHED THE ACCELERATED PEDAL MORE TILL THE CAR ALMOST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN. ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL ACCELERATION POWER AFTER I PREPARED TO PULL OVER OUT OF TRAFFIC. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON.

Reported

Apr 2021

Incident date

Apr 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR IS NOT WORKING. WHEN CAR IS TURNED ON AND DRIVING, THE DASHBOARD CONTINUALLY DISPLAYS A RED FLASHING WARNING LIGHT INDICATING AN AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. THERE IS ALSO A MESSAGE CONTINUOUSLY DISPLAYING THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS OFF. NEWER NISSAN LEAF MODELS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE BEEN RECALLED, BUT NOT THE 2011 YEAR. IT SHOULD BE RECALLED. ESTIMATED COST TO FIX IS $3000.

Reported

Apr 2021

Incident date

Dec 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHING. PASSENGER AIR BAGS ARE DISABLED. DEALER FIX IS A NEED A NEW PASSENGER SEAT AT A COST OF $3,000+. CURRENT FAULT CODE IS B1018. OCCUPANT SENSOR UNIT FAIL. SEAT IS PERFECT AND NO ONE SITS ON IT - IT JUST STOPPED WORKING. THIS IS A KNOWN IISSUE

Reported

Dec 2020

Incident date

Sep 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

2011 NISSAN LEAF HAS CODE B1018 OCCUPANT SENS(UNIT FAIL) FOLLOWING A CUP OF WATER SPILLED ON FRONT SEAT. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT TIME. ONLY PROPOSED REMEDY IS TO REPLACE FRONT SEAT AND SENSOR FOR ~$2,624. 2013-2016 LEAF WERE RECALLED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 16V244000; PLEASE EXPAND RECALL TO 2011 & 2012 NISSAN LEAF.

Reported

Nov 2020

Incident date

Oct 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHING. PASSENGER AIR BAGS ARE DISABLED. DEALER FIX IS A NEED A NEW PASSENGER SEAT AT A COST OF $3,000+. CURRENT FAULT CODE IS B1018. OCCUPANT SENSOR UNIT FAIL. NO DAMAGE TO SEAT OR CUSHION. IT JUST STOPPED WORKING. SAFETY ISSUE. SAFETY RECALL SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED.

Reported

Jul 2020

Incident date

Jul 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2011 NISSAN LEAF VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE PARTY. I QUICKLY NOTICED THAT MY BATTERY CAPACITY WAS AT 5 BARS AND THE VEHICLE HAS 73300 MILES. I ALSO NOTICED THE EV SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT WAS ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALER AND LET THEM KNOW THAT I WAS GOING TO NEED A NEW BATTERY BUT WANTED TO KNOW THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLES BATTERY BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT THE DEGRADATION OF THE VEHICLES BATTERY WOULD FALL INTO THE SEVERE CATEGORY AND BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS IN BETWEEN OWNERS AT THE TIME NO ONE TOOK IT IN FOR A BATTERY REPLACEMENT. CURRENTLY IN 2020 THE 2011 VEHICLE IS AT 5 BARS MEANING THAT IF THE BATTERY ONLY LOST ONE BAR IN THE LAST YEAR THE BATTERY WOULD HAVE TO HAVE LOST MORE THAN 50% CAPACITY WITHIN THE TIMEFRAME THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER THE 8 YR/100,000MILES EXTENDED WARRANTY. THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ME WITH ANY VEHICLE BATTERY INFORMATION ALTHOUGH THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEALER DID CONFIRM THAT THE WARRANTY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN EFFECT LAST YEAR. THEY THEN QUOTED ME $6600 FOR A BATTERY REPLACEMENT. AFTER RESEARCHING I FOUND A LETTER FROM NISSAN WHICH STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WARRANTY WOULD BE EFFECTIVE FOR 2011 MODELS WITH IMPLEMENTATION STARTING SOMETIME IN SPRING OF 2013. NISSAN SO FAR IS NOT WILLING TO REPAIR THE BATTERY OR ASSIST IN THE REPAIR ALTHOUGH THE WARRANTY WOULD HAVE COVERED THIS ISSUE. THE VEHICLE HAS COME CLOSE TO TURNING OFF WHILE I'VE BEEN ON THE ROAD. I AM AFRAID OF MY CARS BATTERY DYING WHILE I'M ON THE ROAD. IT'S MY ONLY VEHICLE. *TR

Reported

May 2020

Incident date

May 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHES INDICATING AIR BAG SYSTEM INOPERATIVE. IT CAN BE RESET BY RECYCLING THE CAR ON/OFF 3 TIME WITHIN CERTAIN TIME LIMITS. THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING AGAIN WITHIN ABOUT 5-20 MILES OF DRIVING. SAME PROBLEM ON OTHER NISSAN LEAFS THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY RECALLED. NISSAN DEALER WANTS $250 AND CHANGE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND THEN TELL ME WHAT THE SOLUTION IS, BUT EVERYBODY ALREADY KNOWS THE SOLUTION IN A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT AND SENSOR. THE NISSAN CUSTOMER AFFAIRS OFFICE INSISTS THAT I PAY THE DIAGNOSIS FEE DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE DASH BOARD LIGHT ALREADY DIAGNOSES THIS PROBLEM, WHICH ALONG WITH THE KNOW HISTORY OF NISSAN LEAF CLEARLY POINTS TO THE KNOWN PROBLEM. NISSAN CUSTOMER AFFAIRS SAYS "WE WILL CONSIDER GOOD WILL ASSISTANCE" - AFTER I PAY THE DIAGNOSIS, BUT LATER IN THE CALL NOTED THAT THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY SO IT IS CLEAR NO GOOD WILL ASSISTANCE IS BEING CONSIDERED. THE DEALER SERVICE MANAGER (HAYWARD) TELLS ME THAT HE HAS HAD A NUMBER OF LEAFS IN WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHING AND IT COULD BE "ANYTHING FROM A LOOSE CONNECTOR TO THE WIRING HARNESS," WHICH INTERESTINGLY IS A SET OF POSSIBILITIES THAT EXCLUDES THE SENSOR/SEAT REPLACEMENT WHICH IS THE WELL KNOWN FIX. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS NISSAN'S RESPONSIBILITY. PLEASE RECALL THIS VEHICLE. THANKS.

Reported

Feb 2020

Incident date

Feb 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE BRAKES MALFUNCTION AT LOW SPEEDS, BUT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL PROGRAM. NISSAN HAS NOT HELPED AND DOES NOT RESPOND TO EMAILS OR QUESTIONS ON TWITTER. AT LOW SPEEDS THE BRAKES WILL SPORADICALLY ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE WITH REGENERATIVE BRAKING ENABLED. THEY WILL SOMETIMES CATCH WHICH CAUSES SUDDEN STOPPING OR SKIDDING IN HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. THEY WILL ALSO NOT ENGAGE UNTIL THEY ARE PRESSED EXTREMELY HARD WHICH WILL ALSO CAUSE SUDDEN BRAKING AND CAN BE HAZARDOUS IN TRAFFIC OR HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. I'VE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO REACH NISSAN TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE, BUT THEY DO NOT RESPOND. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE THAT MAKES THE VEHICLE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT TIMES.

Reported

Jan 2020

Incident date

Feb 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

PASSENGER AIR BAG HAS SHUT OFF. DEALER RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND SAID I NEED A NEW PASSENGER SEAT AT A COST OF $3,182. CURRENT FAULT CODE IS B1018.

Reported

Dec 2019

Incident date

Oct 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN LEAF. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH DOWN A MOUNTAIN, THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT BRAKING ABILITY AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE HILL DESCENT ASSIST FAILED TO ENGAGE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VALLEY NISSAN OF STAUNTON (297 LEE JACKSON HWY, STAUNTON, VIRGINIA 24401, (540) 213-9600) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING WAS NOT RESPONSIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ADDITIONAL TESTING SHOULD BE PERFORMED ON ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

Reported

Dec 2019

Incident date

Jan 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND DANGER SYMBOL BEGAN FLASHING RECENTLY. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE AIRBAG SENSOR IN THE SEAT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE AIRBAGS WOULD NOT FUNCTION UNTIL THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. THIS VEHICLE HAS UNDER 60,000 MILES ON IT AND THE REPAIR PART COSTS NEARLY $3000 WHICH IS ABOVE THE KBB VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO INCIDENT TO REPORT, JUST A FAILURE ON THE VEHICLE.

Reported

Dec 2019

Incident date

Nov 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

ILLUMINATED AIRBAG WARNING LIGHTS FOR FRONT PASSENGER SEATS, DIAGNOSED BY NISSAN DEALER AS A FAILED SENSOR. WAS TOLD THE WHOLE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BOTTOM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLAED (ESTIMATE $3,185.61). ALSO TOLD THAT THE FAILURE OF THIS SENSOR MEANT THAT ALL AIRBAGS WERE DEACTIVATED.

Reported

Nov 2019

Incident date

Nov 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

2011 NISSAN LEAF. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE OCCUPANT SEAT SENSOR. *LD *DT *DT *JS*DT *JS*DT CONSUMER STATED I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I HEARD FROM THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP LAST NIGHT (THURSDAY) AND AM TOLD THE REPAIR HAS BEEN COMPLETED. I PLAN TO PICK UP THE CAR TONIGHT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT SURE WHAT BECAME OF THE DEFECTIVE SEAT/SENSOR AND SAID STAFF FROM NISSAN DID ALL THE WORK, NOT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP.*JB CONSUMER UPDATE, I HEARD FROM MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE AGREED TO REPLACE THE SEAT.*JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR*JB

Reported

Jul 2019

Incident date

Dec 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR IS FAILING. THIS CAUSES THE PASSENGER AIRBAG TO TURN OFF AND THE WARNING LIGHTS TO FLASH ON THE DASH. THIS CONDITION MAY ALSO DISABLE THE DRIVERS AIRBAG. NISSAN ESTIMATE TO REPAIR IS OVER $3200, THE ENTIRE SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED. THIS IS OVER HALF THE VALUE OF THE CAR. NISSAN HAS RECALLED OTHER YEARS AND MODELS FOR THE SAME OR SIMILAR ISSUE, BUT NOT THE 2011 MODEL. THIS SERIOUS, KNOWN SAFETY DEFECT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY NISSAN IN A RESPONSIBLE MANNER. THE OCS SYSTEM CAN BE RESET, BUT THE TROUBLE APPEARS AGAIN IN A FEW DAYS. IT USUALLY APPEARS ON VEHICLE START-UP. THE PASSENGER SEAT MAY BE OCCUPIED, OR NOT.

Reported

May 2019

Incident date

Apr 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR FAILED. SAME ISSUE AS OTHER COMPLAINTANTS. VEHICLE STATIONARY. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE AS AN EXISTING RECALL FOR LATER YEAR MODELS. WHEN IS THIS RECALL GOING TO BE EXTENDED TO EARLIER YEARS? THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NISSAN IS TRYING TO CHARGE OVER $2K TO FIX.

Reported

Apr 2019

Incident date

Mar 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE LIGHT FOR MY SENSOR FOR MY PASSENGER AIRBAG (OCS SENSOR) IS ON ALL THE TIME AND FLASHING RED WITH OR WITHOUT A PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. SEEMS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE AS I WAS TOLD ALL AIR BAGS ARE DISABLED WHEN THE LIGHT IS FLASHING. COST INVOLVES REPLACING PASSENGER SEAT TOO AND TOTAL WOULD BE $4,800. THIS IS A 2011 NISSAN LEAF WITH 78,000 MILES AND ALL 12 BARS OF RANGE STILL REMAINING (ONE REPLACEMENT BATTERY TWO YEARS AGO). I HAVE NOT HAD IT REPAIRED DUE TO COST AND IT IS NOT PART OF A RECALL OF THE SAME PROBLEM IN 2013+ LEAFS. NO 2011 RECALL FOR THIS SAFETY PROBLEM!

Reported

Apr 2019

Incident date

Mar 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE RANGE METER ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE DASH SHOWS INCORRECT RANGE. I UNDERSTOOD WHEN PEOPLE WOULD SAY IT DEPENDS ON HOW YOU DRIVE, BUT NO MATTER HOW I DRIVE THERE IS NO POSSIBLE WAY FOR ME TO GET THE RANGE THE CAR SAYS I HAVE. IF IT SHOWS 55 MILES I CAN BE SURE TO GET BETWEEN 20 AND 35 MILES BEFORE BEING STRANDED. I CONTACTED NISSAN FOR A WARRANTY OR SERVICE CONCERN AND THEY CLAIMED IT NOT TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.

Reported

Mar 2019

Incident date

Nov 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN, THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. A CHECK OF THE DIAGNOSTIC CODES SHOWED THAT THE PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILED. THEY RESET THE CODE AND IT CLEARED FOR 2 WEEKS, THEN RE-APPEARED. WAS INFORMED THAT REPAIRS TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR WAS $2700 + LABOR. THIS SAME PART WAS RECALLED IN 2013+, BUT NOT RECALLED ON 2011/2012. THE REPAIR IS VERY EXPENSIVE BECAUSE NISSAN WILL NOT SELL JUST THE AIRBAG SENSOR--YOU MUST PURCHASE AN ENTIRE SEAT.

Reported

Feb 2019

Incident date

Jun 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE LIGHT FOR MY SENSOR FOR MY PASSENGER AIRBAG (OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM OCS SENSOR) IS ON ALL THE TIME AND FLASHING, EVEN WHEN THERE IS AN ADULT PASSENGER SITTING IN THE CAR. AFTER A SEARCH ONLINE, I FOUND THAT NISSAN LEAFS FROM 2013 TO 2018 HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THAT OCS PART, BUT MY 2011 NISSAN LEAF HAS NOT. ONLINE, MANY OTHER OWNERS OF MY SAME YEAR NISSAN HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. MY DEALER TOLD ME, IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE SENSOR, SINCE IT IS OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY, IT WILL REQUIRE REPLACING THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SEAT, WHICH IS UPWARDS OF $2700, NOT INCLUDING LABOR. I CALLED NISSAN, WHO TOLD ME THAT IT IS TOO FAR OUT OF THE WARRANTY, AND THEY CANNOT HELP ME. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT TRIED TO GET ME A COURTESY REIMBURSEMENT, BUT HE WAS UNABLE TO CONVINCE THE HIGHER-UPS, AND ALSO COULDN'T EVEN CONVINCE THEM TO REIMBURSE THE AMOUNT I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE THE DEALER CONFIRM WHAT I ALREADY KNEW ABOUT THE DEFECTIVE PART (ANOTHER $145). I AM NOW FORCED TO RIDE WITHOUT AIRBAGS FOR MY FRONT PASSENGER. IT SEEMS UNCONSCIONABLE FOR NISSAN TO ALLOW A SENSOR (A PART INTEGRAL TO THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND NOT AFFECTED BY NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OF THE CAR) TO NOT BE PART OF A RECALL, ESPECIALLY WHEN SO MANY OTHER VEHICLES (NISSAN AND OTHERWISE) HAVE THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. I CAN ONLY ASSUME IT'S BECAUSE THE SENSOR IS TOO DIFFICULT TO REPLACE CHEAPLY. THEY LIKELY FIGURED OUT THE PROBLEM WITHIN THE FIRST FEW YEARS OF THE CAR'S MANUFACTURE AND CHANGED THE LOCATION OF THE SENSOR - HENCE THE REASON THEY WOULD AGREE TO REPLACE THOSE IN LATER MODELS AND NOT THEIR EARLIEST MODELS.

Reported

Feb 2019

Incident date

Feb 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM DISABLED BY OCCUPANT SENSOR FAILURE. THIS HAPPENED ON STARTUP. DTC B1018 AIR BAG OCCUPANT SENS [UNIT FAIL] I WANT MODEL YEAR 2011 NISSAN LEAF TO BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING RECALL FOR MODELS 2013 NISSAN LEAF.

Reported

Jan 2019

Incident date

Jan 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

STARTING ON 12/03/2018, THIS 2011 NISSAN LEAF BEGAN RELEASING SMOKE AND A NOXIOUS BURNING-PLASTIC SMELL INTO THE CABIN DURING 240V AND 125V ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND THE IGNITION IS OFF. THE SMOKE ORIGINATES FROM THE ON-BOARD CHARGER (PART 296A0-3NA8A) LOCATED BEHIND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT, WHICH IS RIGHT BEHIND WHERE THE CHILD SEAT USUALLY GOES. DESPITE THIS, THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO CHARGE FROM ELECTRICAL SOURCES AND DRIVE NORMALLY. AN INSPECTION BY STEVENS CREEK NISSAN (4855 STEVENS CREEK BLVD, SANTA CLARA, CA 95051) ON 12/12/2018 FOUND THE SAME BURNING SMELL AND REPORTED THAT A "FUSE IN THE ON-BOARD CHARGER (IS) FUSING". THEY OFFERED NO FURTHER EXPERTISE ABOUT THE CAUSE EXCEPT TO RECOMMEND A REPLACEMENT OF THE ON-BOARD CHARGER. ON THE SAME DAY, NISSAN NORTH AMERICA WAS CONTACTED AND ASKED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE AND REPLIED THAT THEY REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM ON 01/11/2019. THE ATTACHED IMAGES INCLUDE THE TECHNICIAN'S REPORT FROM NISSAN STEVENS CREEK AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF WHAT APPEARS TO BE THERMAL DAMAGE AND COMBUSTIBLE SOOT BUILDUP WITHIN THE ON-BOARD CHARGER, WHICH NOT ONLY CHEMICALLY CORRODES ELECTRONICS, BUT ALSO CAUSES OVERHEATING AND PRESENTS A FIRE HAZARD.

Reported

Jan 2019

Incident date

Dec 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

OCCUPANT SENSOR FAILURE IS PREVENTING THE PASSENGER AIR BAG FROM DEPLOYING. THE CODE IS REPORTED AS A B1013. AS THIS MODEL WAS DESIGNED WITH A SENSOR WITHIN THE SEAT, THE OFFICIAL ACTION IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT, FOR AN ESTIMATE OF $3133.51. THIS IS HIGHLY COST PROHIBITIVE FOR A SAFETY FEATURE THAT SHOULD NOT PREVENT AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.

Reported

Nov 2018

Incident date

Nov 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AND INDICATES THE AIRBAGS ARE OFF AS I UNDERSTAND IT. WENT TO NISSAN AND THEY SAID IT WOULD COST $5,000.00 TO REPAIR AND REFUSED TO CORRECT THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE! WE ARE STUNNED AND HAVE NOT USED THE CAR FOR A LONG TIME NOW, TERRIFIED THAT WE MIGHT BE SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED...HELP!! DATE IT HAPPENED I DO NOT RECALL BUT PUT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO....

Reported

Aug 2018

Incident date

Aug 2016

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

RECENTLY I GOT A NISSAN LEAF. BATTERY HAS BEEN ACT INCORRECT MILES .I DROVE 2 MILES IT COUNT AS 5 MILES. CHARGING WAS INCORRECT. I WAS CHARGE ON QUICK CHARGE TOOK ME 40 MUNITE FOR 30 MILES.

Reported

Aug 2018

Incident date

Aug 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT AT AROUND 35 MPH, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. SUBSEQUENT DIAGNOSIS SHOWED A B1018 CODE THROWN BY THE LEAF, WHICH INDICATES THAT THE PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR HAS FAILED. THE CODE WAS RESET AND STAYED OFF, BUT AGAIN ABOUT 5 DAYS LATER, THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED. THIS TIME, THE CODE WOULD NOT RESET. I WAS QUOTED $2700 IN PARTS AND $300 LABOR BY THE DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, WHICH WAS UNECONOMICAL AND MORE THAN HALF THE VALUE OF THE CAR. THE CAR ONLY HAS 53,000 MILES AND IS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD. I CONTACTED NISSAN CUSTOMER AFFAIRS AND THEY WOULD NOT HELP WITH THE PRICE OF THE REPAIR AT ALL. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT NOT REPAIRING THE SENSOR WOULD RESULT IN ALL AIRBAGS BEING DISABLED, SINCE THE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. IT SEEMS LIKE A BIG SAFETY ISSUE THAT IF THE PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILS, ALL AIRBAGS ARE DISABLED. WE WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE CAR AND CANNOT AFFORD A $3000 REPAIR TO A $5500 CAR. THIS SAME PART IS RECALLED ON 2013-2015 LEAFS AS WELL AS MILLIONS OF OTHER NISSAN CARS. IF THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE, MAYBE IT SHOULD BE RECALLED ON THE 2011-2012 LEAF AS WELL.

Reported

Jun 2018

Incident date

May 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN LEAF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SEAT SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 31686373. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

Reported

Jun 2018

Incident date

Jun 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT PRESSURE SENSOR FAIL. PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF LIGHT ILLUMINATE WHEN FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPIED THE SEAT ALSO FLASHING AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD. ERROR CODE B1018. DEALER WANTS WHOLE SEAT REPLACEMENT COST $3000. NO NISSAN WARRANTY OR RECALL ON 2011 NISSAN LEAF.

Reported

Jun 2018

Incident date

May 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

SO, APPARENTLY THE 2012 - 2014 NISSAN LEAF HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR AND IS COVERED BY RECALL, BUT NOT THE FIRST YEAR MODELS, 2011. IS THIS TO ASSUME THAT THE SENSOR IS DIFFERENT FROM THE FIRST TO THESE SUBSEQUENT YEARS.

Reported

Dec 2017

Incident date

Nov 2017

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I BELIEVE THE BATTERY WAS RIGGED INTO RUNNING LOW RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY RAN OUT

Reported

Oct 2017

Incident date

Oct 2017

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

INTERMITTENTLY, LITTLE OR NO BRAKING FORCE MAYBE BE AVAILABLE WHEN THE CAR IS PUT IN GEAR AFTER INITIAL KEY-ON FOLLOWING ABOUT 10 MINUTE KEY-OFF AFTER A 20-30 MINUTE DRIVE CYCLE. THE FAULT IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN WARM WEATHER. PUMPING THE BRAKES ONCE BEFORE PUTTING THE CAR IN GEAR WILL CLEAR THE PROBLEM. IF THE BRAKES ARE NOT PUMPED THE CAR WILL CONTINUE TO ROLL DUE TO THE RESIDUAL TORQUE FROM THE ELECTRIC DRIVE THAT EXISTS EVEN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS NOT DEPRESSED. I TOOK THE CAR TO A NISSAN DEALER WHO CHARGED $209 FOR ANALYSIS AND TO APPLY A, "SOFTWARE UPGRADE," TO THE CAR'S COMPUTER SYSTEM. IT S NOT YET KNOWN IF THE SOFTWARE RESOLVED THE ISSUE DUE TO INTERMITTENT NATURE. THIS ISSUE COULD POSE A HAZARD FOR ITINERANT DRIVERS OF LEAFS WITHOUT SOFTWARE UPGRADE BECAUSE THOSE DRIVERS WOULD NOT KNOW BRAKE PUMPING ALLEVIATES THE PROBLEM. THE NORMAL REACTION IS TO PRESS THE BRAKES HARDER WITHOUT LIFTING, WHICH HAS NO EFFECT ON RESTORING BRAKE FORCE.

Reported

Jul 2017

Incident date

Jul 2017

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

2011 NISSAN LEAF PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR OFF WHEN PASSENGER IS IN SEAT. I TOOK IT TO DEALER WHO INSPECTED HARNESS AND CONNECTIONS UNDER FRONT SEAT FOR WEAR OR DAMAGE. NO FINDINGS. FOLLOWED INSPECTION PROCEDURES IN ESM. I WAS TOLD THAT VEHICLE WILL REQUIRE A SEAT CUSHION REPLACEMENT WITH OCCUPANT DETECTION CONTROL UNIT. COST APPROXIMATELY $2,900 AND NO GUARANTEE OF FIX. MAY NEED AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT REPLACEMENT. SEEMS TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2013 - 2016 RECALL, BUT 2011 DID NOT GET RECALLED.

Reported

Jul 2017

Incident date

Jun 2017

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN LEAF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER (COGGIN NISSAN ON ATLANTIC IN JACKSONVILLE 10600 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225 (904) 302-8231) DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN OCS ERROR FAILURE, IN WHICH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COULD DEACTIVATE OFF OR FAIL TO FUNCTION. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER VERIFIED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO AN AIR BAG RECALL, BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Reported

Jun 2017

Incident date

Dec 2016

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN LEAF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN CHARGED THE ENTIRE NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING INVOLVED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,769.

Reported

May 2017

Incident date

Apr 2017

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I HAVE HAD THE CAR INTO THE DEALER TWICE IN THE PAST 1 1/2 YEARS TO 'REPROGRAM' THE GRABBY BRAKES. THEY GET VERY SENSITIVE WHEN BRAKING BELOW 25 MPH. THEY GRAB, LET GO, GRAB, AND LET GO. I AM NOW BEING TOLD THAT IT WILL COST ME OVER $100 JUST FOR THEM TO LOOK AT THEM A THIRD TIME. I AM TIRED OF THE BANDAID APPROACH AND WANT IT FIXED BUT SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY A PENNY FOR IT. THE CAR JUST TURNED 40,000 MILES. I LOVE IT EXCEPT THIS ANNOYING AND POSSIBLY DANGEROUS BRAKING PROBLEM.

Reported

Jul 2016

Incident date

Jul 2016

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I ECHO SO MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THE EXPERIENCE OF THE BRAKES BEING OUT OF ONE'S CONTROL AT LOW SPEEDS. INSTEAD OF ALLOWING FOR A SMOOTH, SLOW DECELERATION, THE BRAKES ACTIVATE HARD END END UP JERKING THE CAR. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN THIS HAS BEEN REALLY FRIGHTENING. ENOUGH PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS THAT IT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO! IT'S HARD TO RECALL EXACTLY THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THIS HAPPENS, BECAUSE IT'S INTERMITTENT, BUT MOSTLY AT LOW SPEEDS.

Reported

May 2016

Incident date

May 2016

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported