Recall 23V048 covers 64,732 2018-2023 Nissan Leaf vehicles with incorrect defroster instructions that reduce visibility. Nissan mailed updated instructions free of charge.
Nissan is recalling 64,732 2018-2023 Leaf vehicles under recall 23V048 because the owner's manual gives incorrect defroster instructions. Reduced defroster performance can limit windshield visibility and increase crash risk, and Nissan dealers will handle the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2018-2023 Nissan Leaf uses the defroster and defogger system to clear moisture, frost, or ice from the windshield. In the Leaf, a Positive Temperature Coefficient heater, or PTC heater, supplies electric heat for the cabin and windshield defroster. The owner's manual is supposed to tell the driver how to operate that system so the windshield clears within the required time.
On these Leaf vehicles, the manual's defroster instructions are wrong for specific cold-weather operation. Under those conditions, the instructions can make the PTC heater enter a protective mode for undercurrent protection. Once that happens, the heater limits output, so the defroster does not clear the windshield as intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue shows up when the defroster is needed in those cold conditions: the windshield does not clear as instructed, and visibility is reduced.
Who's affected?
Spans 6 Leaf model years, with the issue tied to the owner's manual kit and defroster/defogger information.
| 2023 Nissan Leaf | vehicle equipment |
|---|---|
| 2023 Nissan Leaf | visibility component |
| 2022 Nissan Leaf | vehicle equipment |
| 2022 Nissan Leaf | visibility component |
| 2021 Nissan Leaf | vehicle equipment |
| 2021 Nissan Leaf | visibility component |
| 2020 Nissan Leaf | vehicle equipment |
| 2020 Nissan Leaf | visibility component |
| 2019 Nissan Leaf | vehicle equipment |
| 2019 Nissan Leaf | visibility component |
| 2018 Nissan Leaf | vehicle equipment |
| 2018 Nissan Leaf | visibility component |
| Units affected | 64,732 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific hatchback is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced defroster performance can limit windshield visibility and increase the risk of a crash. Treat poor clearing, fogging, or frost on the glass as a reason to slow down, clear the windshield fully, and schedule the recall remedy. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2023 Nissan Leaf is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nissan dealer to request the free owner's manual addendum that corrects the defroster instructions.
- Call Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 if you have not received the addendum, and reference recall number 23V048 (Nissan recall R22C5).
- Follow the updated defroster instructions once you receive them; until then, clear the windshield before driving and stop if visibility is limited.
What happens at the repair
There is no parts replacement for this recall. Nissan provides an Owner's Manual addendum with corrected defroster operating instructions, free of charge. The addendum explains how to use the defroster so it performs as required under the recall. Nissan owner letters were expected to be mailed April 1, 2023. Nissan's notice also includes reimbursement instructions for owners who paid for a related remedy before the recall notice on a vehicle that was no longer under warranty. Keep repair documentation for that claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 2, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 7, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| March 30, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 1, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 1, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V048?
Recall 23V048 covers 64,732 2018-2023 Nissan Leaf vehicles with incorrect owner's manual instructions for defroster operation. Under specific conditions, the wrong instructions can reduce defroster performance, limit windshield visibility, and increase crash risk. Nissan's remedy is a free addendum with updated defroster instructions.
What should I do if my 2018-2023 Nissan Leaf is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Leaf is included in recall 23V048. If it is, follow the updated defroster instructions in Nissan's recall addendum. For help with recall R22C5, contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Nissan's recall remedy says it will mail the updated defroster-instruction addendum free of charge. This recall corrects the owner's manual instructions, so the remedy is written operating guidance rather than a parts replacement.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced windshield visibility. If the defroster is operated under the incorrect instructions, defroster performance can drop under specific conditions. Limited visibility out of the windshield increases crash risk, so included owners need the updated Nissan instructions for defroster operation.
When were Nissan Leaf owners notified about recall 23V048?
Owner notification letters were scheduled to be mailed April 1, 2023. If you own a 2018-2023 Nissan Leaf and never received a notice, check your VIN and reference recall 23V048 or Nissan recall number R22C5 when contacting Nissan customer service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V048000 |
|---|---|
| Nissan customer service | 1-800-867-7669 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V048 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V048000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →