Recall 23V296 covers 94,343 2013-2017 Nissan Leaf vehicles with incorrect defroster instructions. Nissan provides updated instructions free of charge for windshield visibility.
Nissan is recalling 94,343 2013-2017 Leaf vehicles because the owner's manual gives incorrect defroster instructions that can reduce windshield defrosting performance under specific conditions. Reduced visibility raises crash risk, and Nissan dealers will complete the recall remedy free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2013-2017 Nissan Leaf uses an electric Positive Temperature Coefficient heater as its main heat source. That heater warms air for the cabin and for the windshield defroster, which clears fog, ice, and moisture so the driver can see through the glass. The owner's manual is supposed to tell the driver how to set the system for proper defroster operation.
On affected Leaf vehicles, the manual's defroster instructions are incorrect. Under the conditions described by Nissan, following those instructions can reduce defroster performance because the PTC heater is not being used in the way needed for the windshield clearing function. The issue is a compliance problem with the windshield defrosting and defogging system, not a broken mechanical part.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner would not get a dashboard light or separate alert telling them the manual instructions are wrong; the sign is reduced windshield clearing when the defroster is needed.
Who's affected?
The scope is split between owner's manual materials and defroster or HVAC information for the same Leaf model line.
| 2013 Nissan Leaf | vehicle equipment |
|---|---|
| 2017 Nissan Leaf | vehicle equipment |
| 2017 Nissan Leaf | visibility component |
| 2013 Nissan Leaf | visibility component |
| 2014 Nissan Leaf | vehicle equipment |
| 2014 Nissan Leaf | visibility component |
| 2015 Nissan Leaf | vehicle equipment |
| 2015 Nissan Leaf | visibility component |
| 2016 Nissan Leaf | vehicle equipment |
| 2016 Nissan Leaf | visibility component |
| Units affected | 94,343 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced defroster performance can leave the windshield harder to clear and limit forward visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the problem affects defroster performance, so treat poor windshield clearing as a reason to schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2017 Nissan Leaf is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nissan dealer or Nissan customer service to request the free owner-manual addendum with updated defroster operating instructions.
- Reference recall number 23V296 (Nissan recall R23A1) when you call.
- Keep the addendum with your Leaf owner's manual after it arrives.
- Use extra care in fog, rain, or cold weather; clear the windshield fully before driving if visibility is reduced.
What happens at the repair
For this recall, Nissan provides an updated Owner's Manual addendum with corrected defroster operating instructions, free of charge. There is no parts replacement listed for the dealer to perform. If you have questions, a Nissan service desk can explain the updated defroster instructions and confirm that your VIN is covered. Nissan's reimbursement statement covers the cost of a related remedy paid before the recall notice for a vehicle no longer under warranty. Bring documentation for any prior related defroster remedy expense when you ask about reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 26, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 27, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| May 26, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 26, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 26, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 30, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V296?
Recall 23V296 covers 94,343 2013-2017 Nissan Leaf vehicles with incorrect owner-manual instructions for defroster operation. Under specific conditions, those 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 2013-2017 Nissan Leaf is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Leaf is included in recall 23V296. If it is, follow the updated defroster instructions Nissan provides in the free owner-manual addendum. You can also call Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 and reference recall R23A1.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall remedy at no cost. For recall 23V296, Nissan mails a free owner-manual addendum with corrected defroster instructions instead of replacing a part at the dealer.
Is it safe to drive my Nissan Leaf before I get the addendum?
Use extra care when windshield fogging or frosting affects visibility. Recall 23V296 concerns reduced defroster performance under specific conditions, which can limit the driver's view and increase crash risk. If the windshield is not clearing, stop in a safe place before continuing.
When did Nissan notify owners about recall 23V296?
Nissan mailed owner notification letters on May 26, 2023. The notice explains the incorrect defroster instructions and the free owner-manual addendum. If you bought the Leaf used or never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall R23A1 when contacting Nissan.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V296000 |
|---|---|
| Nissan customer service | 1-800-867-7669 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V296 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V296000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →