http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1096985_2013-2015-nissan-leaf-owners-complain-of-brake-problems-canada-launches-investigation 2013-2015 Nissan Leaf Owners Report Brake Problems, Canada Investigates [UPDATE] By Richard Read Feb 25, 2015
[images http://images.thecarconnection.com/hug/2015-nissan-leaf_100473870_h.jpg (Leaf EV gallery slideshow flash) ] In the U.S., numerous complaints about the braking system on the Nissan Leaf have been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to Detroit News, NHTSA's colleagues to the north, Transport Canada, have received quite a few complaints of their own, and the agency has now launched an investigation of all-electric Leaf vehicles from the 2013, 2014, and 2015 model years. Transport Canada's website isn't quite as "transparent" as NHTSA's, so finding a record of complaints there isn't easy to do. However, a quick scan of NHTSA's website reveals several consumer complaints about the Leaf. For the 2015 model, two of the three consumers who've filed have had issues with the car's brakes cutting out. For example: "MY 2015 LEAF S IS 3 WEEKS OLD WITH LESS THAN 700 MILES. I WAS DESCENDING AN 8% GRADE HILL IN B MODE WITH A SHARP BEND AT THE BOTTOM. AS I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND B MODE CUT OUT. THE CAR WAS NOW ROLLING DOWN THE HILL AND ACCELERATING UNDER GRAVITY WITH NO BRAKES AND WITHOUT B MODE SLOWING THE CAR. I WAS EXPECTING TO HIT A BRICK WALL AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL WHEN SUDDENLY, AFTER NO MORE THAN TWO SECONDS, THE BRAKES AND B MODE CAME BACK ON AND I SAFELY STOPPED. ON REFLECTION AFTER THE INCIDENT, IT WAS AS IF THE WHOLE COMPUTER/ELECTRONICS MOMENTARILY SHUT DOWN AND THEN REBOOTED. I DIDN'T NOTICE IF THE DASH LIGHTS WENT OFF OR NOT." (Sorry about the all caps. For reasons we don't fully understand, that's the way that NHTSA formats complaints. Then again, going cappy does convey anger pretty well, so maybe it's appropriate.) Many problems with the Leaf's braking system have occurred during bouts of very cold weather. If there's a linkage between the two, given the icy conditions found in much of Canada and the U.S. today, we wouldn't be surprised to find a few more complaints logged with NHTSA in the near future ... ---------- UPDATE: Nissan has issued the following statement: “Nissan is aware that a small number Nissan LEAF drivers in Canada have recently observed that the brake warning light in their car is illuminated on start-up or they are experiencing a soft feel to their brake pedal. We take this matter seriously and an engineering team is currently investigating. Nissan is not aware of any accidents related to this issue and is committed to a high level of customer safety, service and satisfaction.” [© 2015 The Car Connection] http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/foreign/2015/02/25/leaf/23992259/ Canada opens braking probe into Nissan Leaf EV David Shepardson February 25, 2015 [image http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/6fc974df6fcd205740486f3277d1d415b8364503/c=184-0-2816-1974&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/DetroitNews/2015/02/25/B99246956Z.1_20150225111417_000_G2UEVE8I.1-0.jpg Nissan Leaf Canadian regulators opened an investigation Wednesday into brake system malfunctions in Nissan Leaf electric vehicles in severe cold weather.(Photo: Thomas B. Shea / AP) ] Washington — Canadian regulators opened an investigation Wednesday into brake system malfunctions in Nissan Leaf electric vehicles in severe cold weather. The investigation covers the 2013-15 Leaf. Nissan didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Nissan sold 1,084 Leafs in Canada in 2014 — more than the previously three years combined when it sold 880 in total, according to insideevs.com In the United States, at least seven complaints have been filed with recent year Leaf EVs for braking issues with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but none were directly linked to cold weather. [© detroitnews.com] http://www.consumeraffairs.com/nissan-recalls Nissan recalls vehicles with steering issue 02/18/2015 | ConsumerAffairs By James Limbach Extra play in the steering wheel could increase the risk of a crash A Washington, D.C., reporter for more than 30 years ... Read Full Bio? Email James Limbach Phone: 866-773-0221 Nissan North America is recalling 16,973 model year 2008 Infiniti EX35 vehicles equipped with the power tilt/telescope option included in the premium package, manufactured June 29, 2007, to April 25, 2008; 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2007, to April 16, 2008; and 2009 Nissan GT-R vehicles manufactured March 14, 2007, to April 25, 2008. The steering column outer tube may not be round, resulting in extra stress being applied to the up.. [© 2015 Consumers Unified] http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/nissan-recalls-vehicles-with-steering-issue-021815.html Nissan recalls vehicles with steering issue Extra play in the steering wheel could increase the risk of a crash 02/18/2015 | By James Limbach A Washington, D.C., reporter for more than 30 years, Jim Limbach covers the federal agencies for ConsumerAffairs. Previously, he was a reporter and news anchor for Associated Press Broadcast Services, where he covered business and consumer news as well as space shots and other major spot news events. Read Full Bio? Email James Limbach Phone: 866-773-0221 PhotoPhoto source: Nissan Nissan North America is recalling 16,973 model year 2008 Infiniti EX35 vehicles equipped with the power tilt/telescope option included in the premium package, manufactured June 29, 2007, to April 25, 2008; 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2007, to April 16, 2008; and 2009 Nissan GT-R vehicles manufactured March 14, 2007, to April 25, 2008. The steering column outer tube may not be round, resulting in extra stress being applied to the upper steering bearing. This stress may cause the bearing retainer to fracture, creating extra play in the steering wheel or a possible loss of steering. Extra play in the steering wheel or a loss of steering may increase the risk of a crash. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft on the Infiniti EX35, FX35, and FX45 vehicles, and will replace the steering column assembly on the Nissan GT-R vehicles, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Infiniti owners may contact customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan owners may contact the GT-R hotline at 1-866-668-1487. [© consumeraffairs.com] http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=12008 My Nissan Leaf Forum • View topic - Unclear on regenerative braking I see people here talking about coasting instead of braking to recharge the battery, and people talking about braking instead of coasting to ... http://www.google.com/url?url=http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php%3Ff%3D30%26t%3D19108&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&sa=U&ei=UynuVMCYKseqgwTA1YC4Bg&ved=0CDgQrAIoADAF&usg=AFQjCNEVF-OkSLRRXPc4SnA33wCvkQVX6A grabby brake issue - resolved 10 posts Feb 8, 2015 http://www.google.com/url?url=http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php%3Ff%3D27%26t%3D17560&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&sa=U&ei=UynuVMCYKseqgwTA1YC4Bg&ved=0CDkQrAIoATAF&usg=AFQjCNFjWv0r1l9n7WjLT0qHMvsg-afsvw Electric parking brake switch 10 posts Aug 5, 2014 http://www.google.com/url?url=http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php%3Ff%3D31%26t%3D13584&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&sa=U&ei=UynuVMCYKseqgwTA1YC4Bg&ved=0CDoQrAIoAjAF&usg=AFQjCNGos5fIPOfQA2D9yT5m1eBTDxkTRA Regen brake efficiency 10 posts Jul 13, 2013 http://www.google.com/url?url=http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php%3Ff%3D8%26t%3D6086&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&sa=U&ei=UynuVMCYKseqgwTA1YC4Bg&ved=0CDsQrAIoAzAF&usg=AFQjCNFbeUlrt8TJdg3OzRAK1I7Bk2NGNg Grabby Brakes? 10 posts Oct 6, 2011 http://www.truedelta.com/Nissan-LEAF/brake-problems-968 Nissan LEAF Brake Problems 274 TrueDelta members own (or used to own) a 2000 or newer Nissan LEAF. 12 of these members (4.4%) have reported brake repairs for their car. A total of 16 brake repairs to Nissan LEAFs--an average of 0.1 per vehicle--have been reported. See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Nissan LEAF problems occur, check out our car reliability stats. Problems by area Percentage of Nissan LEAF repairs by problem area Show all problems Chart based on 112 repairs. Non-members can see only ten Nissan LEAF repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all. 2013 Nissan LEAF 4dr Hatch 107-horsepower Electric 1-speed automatic FWD 13000 mi - Coming to a full stop, and accelerating from a full stop resulted into a single but loud click. There is a TSB for this issue, which involves applying lubrication and swapping out some washers. Parts weren't in stock, so I have to return. Brakes extremely sensitive under 15 MPH. Known issue with 2011 and 2012 MY, 'new' to 2013. There was a TSB for it (SB 2013 LEAF; Brake Pedal Sensitive at Speeds Below 15 MPH,NTB14017), which involved applying a software update. 14000 - Follow up to the previously reported clicking noise. Parts were ordered, and have been installed. Noise is mostly gone (I can hear it, but it's much quieter). Mostly concerned this problem will come back. 2012 Nissan LEAF 4dr Hatch 107-horsepower Electric 1-speed automatic FWD 22000 mi - Grabby brakes 22000 - Brakes locked at 25mph, slid into guard rail 11000 - Warning lights diagnosed. Dealer unsure of cause. Not fixed. Lights went off by themselves on trip home. Deep snow may have affected wheel yaw sensor which subsequently reset by itself. 34000 - Right side ABS sensor malfunction. Diagnosed same day, parts put in next day. Repair complete. 2011 Nissan LEAF 4dr Hatch 107-horsepower Electric 1-speed automatic FWD28000 mi - Brakes "click" after first brake application after moving from forward to reverse (or vice versa). Software updated. 30000 - "clicking" noise 35000 - Pads replaced due to a "clicking" sound. 26000 - TSB to correct grabby brake problem at slow speeds. 23000 - Brakes were very 'grabby'. Dealer updated the brake controller firmware referenced ina service bulletin which resolved the issue. 26000 - Software update to address grabby brake issue 33500 - Software update due to grabby brakes at low speeds. [dated] http://www.electricforum.com/cars/nissan-leaf-forum/5936-any-nissan-leaf-owners-having-problems-brakes.html Any Nissan Leaf Owners having problems with brakes? 08-24-2013, 11:34 PM 2048Megabytes Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 11 Default Any Nissan Leaf Owners having problems with brakes? I have read that some people are having problems with Nissan Leaf brakes. One owner said he noticed the braking assist displaying a mind of its own. He said sometimes he would just tap the pedal and the brakes would apply much more than the pressure he was applying. Other times the brakes would apply normally but then do not immediately release after they would stop pressing the brake pedal. Also, is it true that the Nissan Leaf has an automatic braking feature on it? http://repairpal.com/does-anyone-else-have-the-same-computerbraking-problem-on-their-nissan-521 Nissan Q&A 2011 Nissan LEAF Question: Does anyone else have the same computer/braking problem on their Nissan? (change car) Question patsiefe, Santa Barbara, CA, April 01, 2013, 15:22 Rookie My Nissan Leaf (10,000 miles less than two years) has a braking issue, and has been in the Nissan dealership shop for 10 days so far (god help me on the bill!). It has never been in an accident or run over a curb. It seems to slide a little when you brake, and the brakes do not catch right away (1/2 second delay). Now the computer does not see that you have pressed the brakes AT ALL, so the car cannot be started. Nissan, and nissan USA have been unable to figure out what is going wrong, and as the leaf is a radically new model I cannot take the car to another service location, like an independent garage. Obviously the computer being unaware of the brakes is an obvious safety issue, so I want it repaired correctly, but after 10 days and no ideas, I am concerned that Nissan is clueless on this, or that it is a large enough item that it is scaring them. http://jpwhitenissanleaf.com/2011/09/12/customer-complaints-surface-regarding-leaf-emergency-braking/ Customer Complaints surface regarding LEAF emergency braking September 12, 2011 by jpwhitehome Four customers have reported issues with their brakes remaining on after they have needed to brake hard during an emergency. One driver claims that this caused the LEAF to be rear-ended. In all cases control of the vehicle was maintained, thanks no doubt to the great handling of the LEAF. The complaints indicate that the brakes do not let off for up to a second until after the pedal is released, resulting in unwanted and aggressive braking. This has not resulted in a recall or investigation as of yet. All complaints describe similar symptoms which makes one wonder if there is a undiscovered problem with the vehicle. All complaints detail how they took evasive maneuvers while braking hard at speeds over 50 mph. One wonders if the anti-lock and anti-skid technologies are interacting. My personal experience is very positive regarding the LEAF braking system, even when required to brake hard. To read the customer complaints visit the following website [ http://www.mycarstats.com/reports/nissan/leaf/2011/complaints.aspx ]. Four complaints is a very low number, however there are relatively few LEAF’s on the road, so 4 maybe significant for the LEAF. For EVLN posts use: http://evdl.org/evln/ http://www.evdl.org/archive/index.html#nabble+template%2FNamlServlet.jtp%3Fmacro%3Dsearch_page%26node%3D413529%26query%3DEVLN%2Bbrucedp2%26days%3D0%26sort%3Ddate {brucedp.150m.com} -- View this message in context: http://electric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com/EVLN-Canadian-Leaf-EV-braking-probe-complaints-since-2011-tp4673985.html Sent from the Electric Vehicle Discussion List mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE: http://www.evdl.org/help/index.html#usub http://lists.evdl.org/listinfo.cgi/ev-evdl.org For EV drag racing discussion, please use NEDRA (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NEDRA)
