In a shocking turn of events, Nissan has issued a safety recall for thousands of its electric vehicles. The company discovered a software error in the inverter’s power electronics box, which could lead to a dangerous situation while driving at high speeds.
The current sensor inside the high-voltage battery junction box may detect a gap in the current ripple frequency of the motor(s), causing the power electronics box to take a protective measure by cutting torque suddenly and without warning. This sudden loss of power greatly increases the risk of a crash.
To address this issue, Nissan has introduced improved fail-safe protocols with a safety recall number 23V-657. The recall affects 9,813 vehicles produced for the 2023 model year between June 17, 2022, and May 19, 2023. Additionally, 1,188 vehicles with build dates ranging from September 8, 2022, through May 8, 2023, have been recalled.
Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified via mail starting on September 9, 2024. In the meantime, owners can check if their vehicles are included in the recall by entering the 17-character VIN on Nissan’s recall portal.
Dealers have been instructed to inspect and reprogram the inverter’s power electronics box if necessary. The inspection should take approximately 30 minutes, while the reprogramming can take up to 1.5 hours for all-wheel-drive vehicles. The recall applies to various part numbers, including 291A0 5MP3G for front-wheel drive, 291A0 5MP5G for front inverters in AWD vehicles, and 291A0 5MP7G for rear inverters in AWD vehicles.
Nissan’s investigation into the recall condition began in April 2023 after receiving reports of the fail-safe mode activating unexpectedly and causing a loss of motive power. So far, the company has received 16 warranty reports related to this issue.
Despite this setback, Nissan’s electric vehicles have been gaining traction in the market. The Ariya, manufactured in both Japan and China, has seen moderate success. In China, it sold 3,702 units last year, while in the United States, it outsold the Leaf by a significant margin with 13,464 units sold.
Looking ahead, Nissan plans to revamp its electric vehicle lineup. The current generation of the Leaf, although affordable, is considered outdated by 2024 standards. In 2025, the Leaf will undergo a transformation into a crossover model, aligning with the growing trend in the electric vehicle market.
Nissan’s safety recall serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough testing and quality control in the production of electric vehicles. As the industry continues to evolve, automakers must prioritize the safety and reliability of their vehicles to ensure the trust and satisfaction of their customers.
