Electric Cars

Nissan has broadened its recall for Leaf electric vehicles, now encompassing almost 45,000 units, urging owners to refrain from using DC fast charging because of a potential fire danger. The recall extends to Leaf models from 2019 to 2022, equipped with both 40 kWh and 62 kWh batteries produced at Nissan's Smyrna facility. This directive is a considerable inconvenience for owners who purchased these vehicles partly for the efficiency of fast charging, a feature the Leaf already offered at a modest 50 kilowatts due to its basic, non-liquid-cooled battery system. The protracted nature of the recall, which has seen several delays in providing a definitive solution, is undoubtedly a source of frustration for the affected vehicle owners.

The root cause of this hazard is traced to lithium-ion batteries from Automotive Energy Supply Corporation, where internal cells can develop excessive lithium deposits. This phenomenon leads to increased electrical resistance, causing the cells to overheat rapidly during DC fast charging. Continued fast charging under these conditions could trigger a battery fire. Initially, the recall targeted 25,704 Leaf vehicles from the 2019 and 2020 model years, but the recurrence of the defect in newer models suggests a more persistent manufacturing flaw than Nissan first estimated. Although Nissan indicates that only about 1% of recalled vehicles might have this specific defect, this still translates to approximately 450 vehicles carrying the risk of fire during what should be routine charging.

Nissan's proposed resolution involves a software update designed to prevent thermal incidents, although specific details remain scarce. This software is expected to monitor battery temperatures during charging and automatically reduce or cease the charging process if abnormal heating is detected. Such an intervention would alert owners to potential defects in their vehicle's battery cells, necessitating a physical replacement. The timing of this ongoing issue is particularly challenging, as a redesigned third-generation Nissan Leaf, featuring a NACS charging port and enhanced DC fast charging capabilities, is set to be released soon. This upcoming model, with its 75-kilowatt-hour battery version, may appear as a much more attractive option to current Leaf owners who are enduring the extended wait for a remedy to their vehicles' battery issues.

This situation underscores the critical importance of vehicle safety and manufacturer accountability. It reminds us that while technological advancements bring convenience, they also carry responsibilities to ensure the well-being of consumers. This incident serves as a poignant example for the automotive industry to prioritize thorough testing and swift, effective resolutions when safety concerns arise, reinforcing trust and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Alfa Romeo, the renowned Italian automaker, faces yet another significant challenge with a new recall impacting over 62,000 Giulia and Stelvio vehicles. This announcement comes on the heels of a previous recall just last month concerning fuel pump issues, further complicating the brand's efforts to maintain market consistency and customer confidence. The latest recall, specifically addressing faulty rearview cameras, raises serious safety concerns as it directly impacts rear visibility, a critical component of safe driving.

The scope of this recall is extensive, encompassing a wide range of production years for both the Giulia and Stelvio models. While the September recall targeted vehicles from 2017 to 2019, this new action includes Giulia models manufactured between August 6, 2019, and March 12, 2025, and Stelvio models produced from August 2, 2019, to March 14, 2025, specifically for the US market. With over 116,000 cars from just these two models affected by recent recalls, Alfa Romeo, which only re-entered the US market in 2014 after a nearly two-decade absence, is grappling with a considerable setback during a period of already declining sales.

The root cause of this particular issue stems from a failure to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111, which dictates requirements for rear visibility systems. An investigation initiated by Stellantis on May 14, 2025, revealed that certain rearview mirrors were malfunctioning due to defective components, either a flaw in the circuit board or a software glitch. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by November 25th and will be eligible for complimentary repairs, including parts and software updates, at authorized Alfa Romeo dealerships. Vehicle owners can verify if their specific VIN is impacted by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, with checks available from October 14th.

This ongoing commitment to addressing safety concerns, even when facing significant operational challenges, demonstrates a proactive approach to consumer protection. Such actions, while disruptive in the short term, ultimately build trust and reinforce the long-term viability of a brand dedicated to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its customers.