Nissan Calls Back Leaf Electric Cars, Citing Brake Fluid Leaks

Nissan recently announced that it is recalling more than 700 Leaf electric vehicles because of possible braking problems.

Right-hand brake tubes in the recalled vehicles may be damaged, the auto manufacturer told federal regulators. The tubes are susceptible to corrosion, Nissan said, impacting brake performance.

“Certain right-hand brake tubes may have been damaged due to incorrect tool clamping that occurred during a limited production run at the supplier,” Nissan said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Over time, the damaged brake tube may become corroded which could lead to a hole in the brake line.”

The potential threat is serious, the company acknowledged.

“If this occurs, the affected vehicles may develop a brake fluid leak that could result in reduced braking performance,” Nissan told NHTSA. “Reduced braking performance can potentially lead to extended stopping distance without prior warning, which could increase the risk of a crash.”

The recall covers certain 2023 Leaf vehicles, which were produced between December 2022 and January 2023. 

Nissan plans to notify owners of recalled cars via mail by July 7. The company will ask owners to bring their vehicles to authorized local dealers for inspection and repair. Dealers will replace brake tubes if needed, a process that should take about an hour and will be offered free of charge.

This is Just the Latest Nissan Recall

Nissan, unfortunately, has a lot of experience with handling recalls.

The auto manufacturer recently recalled 700,000 Rogue sport utility vehicles, for instance. It told NHTSA at the time that malfunctioning car keys could inadvertently cause Rogue SUVs to lose power without warning.

Nissan last year called back approximately 20,000 Kicks SUVs and Versa sedans over a power steering problem. The company told NHTSA that the feature could simply stop working at any time, which increases the risk of crashes.

Know Your California Lemon Law Rights

There is some good news for Nissan and other car owners in California. The state’s lemon law offers some valuable rights and protections.

The law generally requires car manufacturers to perform a variety of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces them to buy back covered vehicles that they are either unable or are simply not willing to fix. 

The buyback requirement includes compensating the owner for any down payment on the car, as well as for monthly loan payments and the outstanding balance on any loan. The manufacturer is also responsible for towing, rental car and other related expenses. 

A carmaker can alternatively offer to replace the vehicle. It is up to the owner, however, to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement. 

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.