Nissan announced that it will replace some poorly performing batteries in its LEAF EV and will offer new warranty coverage to address battery issues for 18,000 U.S. owners.
Under an expanded New Electric Vehicle Limited Warranty, Nissan will protect against capacity loss in LEAF batteries that fall below nine bars, of the available 12 bars displayed on the vehicle’s battery capacity gauge, for the first five years or 60,000 miles in the United States, whichever comes first.
For LEAF vehicles whose batteries have fallen below nine bars during this period, Nissan will repair or replace the battery under warranty with a new or remanufactured battery to restore capacity at or above a minimum of nine bars.
A vehicle whose battery has nine remaining bars indicated on the gauge is retaining approximately 70 percent of its original battery capacity. This new limited warranty coverage remains subject to the other terms, conditions and exclusions of the Nissan New Electric Vehicle Limited Warranty, which otherwise remain unchanged.
The specifics of this new limited warranty coverage will be communicated to each owner in a dedicated communication early next year. The expanded warranty coverage will apply in the United States to the upcoming Model Year 2013 Nissan LEAF upon its release.
Importantly, Nissan will provide this expanded coverage to all model year 2011 and 2012 Nissan LEAFs sold and distributed by Nissan in the United States to date, effective upon a date to be announced but which is anticipated to be in the Spring of 2013.
Expanded New Electric Vehicle Limited Warranty ‘Question & Answer’
Q. What does the LEAF’s Expanded “Nissan New Electric Vehicle Limited Warranty” actually cover?
A. In addition to the coverage provided under the existing Nissan New Electric Vehicle Limited Warranty, this expanded warranty applicable to LEAF vehicles in the United States will protect against capacity loss in LEAF batteries that falls below nine bars, of the available 12 bars displayed on the vehicle’s battery capacity gauge, for the first 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. For LEAF vehicles whose batteries have fallen below nine bars during this period, Nissan will repair or replace the battery under warranty with a new or remanufactured battery to restore capacity at or above a minimum of nine bars. A vehicle whose battery has nine remaining bars indicated on the gauge is retaining approximately 70 percent of its original battery capacity, although remember that the rate of capacity loss is non-linear and decreases over time.
Q. What vehicles are covered by this new limited warranty coverage? Will this warranty be retroactive for existing owners?
A. The expanded warranty coverage will apply in the United States to the upcoming Model Year 2013 Nissan LEAF upon its release. Importantly, Nissan will provide this expanded coverage to all model year 2011 and 2012 Nissan LEAFs sold and distributed by Nissan in the United States to date, effective upon a date to be announced but which is anticipated to be in the Spring of 2013. This new limited warranty coverage remains subject to the other terms, conditions and exclusions of the Nissan New Electric Vehicle Limited Warranty, which otherwise remain unchanged.
Q. Does the warranty cover replacement or refurbishment?
A. This warranty covers any repairs needed to return battery capacity to a level of nine remaining bars on the vehicle’s battery capacity level gauge. If possible, the Lithium-Ion battery components will be repaired or replaced, and the original Lithium-Ion battery will be returned to the vehicle. If necessary, the Lithium-Ion battery will be replaced with either a new or remanufactured Lithium-Ion battery. Any repair or replacement made under this Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity Coverage may not return a Lithium-Ion battery to an “as new” condition with all 12 battery capacity bars, but it will provide the vehicle with a capacity level of nine bars or more on the battery capacity level gauge.
Q. Why doesn’t the warranty restore the battery to the same level as a brand new one?
A. Gradual capacity loss is normal and expected in all lithium-ion batteries with time and use. The intent of this warranty is to provide consumers with confidence that despite this normal battery capacity loss, they will be assured of a minimum level of capacity throughout the warranty period.
Q. Is there an option for an owner to replace the battery? Is there a price for replacement?
A. Nissan is confident this new warranty will ensure customer satisfaction, but we also plan to release battery replacement pricing for those customers who wish to replace their batteries once they are no longer eligible for the warranty. Further details will be announced at a later timing in spring of 2013.
Q. What is the cost of the replacement battery?
A. We will announce further details before implementation.
Q. When does this new warranty coverage go into effect?
A. This expanded warranty will apply to Model Year 2013 LEAFs upon their release for sale by United States Nissan dealers. The date on which this new warranty coverage becomes effective for Model Year 2011 and 2012 Nissan LEAF vehicles will be announced in the future, effective upon a date to be announced but which is anticipated to be in the Spring of 2013, to allow for proper implementation by Nissan and its network of certified LEAF dealers.
Q. Why did you decide to enhance the warranty policy and implement this program now?
A. The expanded warranty is intended to put customers’ minds at ease concerning battery capacity loss, although it is expected that the great majority of LEAF owners will not have to use this enhanced warranty. Nissan’s decision is to demonstrate its confidence in the integrity and performance of its battery system.
Q. What is the status of the class-action lawsuit against Nissan related to battery capacity issues?
A. The lawsuit has been settled as part of our effort to address customer concerns including those expressed by the two customers who filed the class-action lawsuit.
Q. What are the other countries where this warranty policy will apply?
A. Further details will be announced in spring of 2013, but in addition to the United States we do plan to include other global markets such as Japan and Europe.
Q. Why are you waiting until spring of 2013 for implementation of this warranty as it applies to Model Year 2011 and 2012 vehicles?
A. Providing prompt and effective warranty service requires proper planning and preparation by our parts and service division working closely with our network of certified LEAF dealers.
Q. What should customers do if the gauge falls below 9 bars?
A. Customers who believe that their vehicle battery may need repair or replacement should visit their nearest certified Nissan LEAF dealer. Additional details on the warranty and repair process will be provided in spring 2013.
Q. How does the frequency of fast charging affect the rate of capacity loss? Are there other factors that influence the rate of capacity loss?
A. Quick charging the vehicle more than one time a day will affect and may hasten the rate of battery capacity loss. Other factors that will affect and may hasten the rate of capacity loss include, but are not limited to: (1) Sustained high battery temperatures (caused, for example, by exposure to very high ambient temperatures or extending highway driving with multiple quick charges); (2) Sustained high battery state of charge (caused, for example, by frequently charging to 100% state of charge and/or leaving the battery above 80% state of charge for long periods of time); and (3) Higher than estimated annual mileage accumulation (such as more than 12,500 miles per year).
