Nissan has determined that certain 2023 model year Nissan Leaf EVs may have a damaged right hand brake tube that could result in a brake fluid leak.

Nissan first became aware of the potential problem in January 2023 when a Nissan technician noticed a 2023 Nissan Leaf EV being assembled with a damaged right hand brake tube assembly. Nissan collected the affected parts and began an investigation. The investigation included a parts audit of 975 brake assemblies which revealed twenty-five (25) damaged right hand brake tubes at the actuator connection bend. Nissan also conducted a yard audit of 395 vehicles and found five (5) with a scratched or damaged right hand brake tube. These parts were quarantined and the vehicles were put on a quality hold.

According to the defect report, an investigation with the supplier determined that the incorrect tooling was used to align the brake tube into the pipe bending jig. Because the brake tube was misaligned, the tooling clamped the pipe in the incorrect position and caused scratching, and in some cases deformation of the tube, at the actuator bend.

Nissan performed corrosion and stress tests on two (2) of the worst case condition parts to evaluate the effect of the damaged brake tube on brake performance over time. Nissan concluded that the brake performance could be degraded and could lead to extended stopping distances possibly without prior warning. Nissan decided to conduct a Voluntary Safety Recall to recall all potentially affected LEAF vehicles to inspect the right-hand brake tube and replace any damaged brake tube assemblies.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the right-hand brake tube inspected for damage. If damage is found, the affected brake tube will be replaced. Nissan’s number for this recall is PC976 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-362.