[SIGNAL BRIEF] Fixed Ops: Recall: Nissan recalls 51 2026 LEAFs: battery defect, park outside, do not charge

[SIGNAL BRIEF] Fixed Ops: Recall
Apr 05, 2026 8:45 AM ET
Nissan recalls 51 2026 LEAFs: battery defect, park outside, do not charge
NHTSA campaign 26V188 covers 51 model year 2026 Nissan LEAF vehicles built July 17, 2025 to Nov 26, 2025. The defect involves damage to battery cell cathode edges during supplier manufacturing, which can fold and create an internal short circuit, potentially causing overheating and a battery fire. Nissan confirms two thermal incidents, one in Japan (Feb 16, 2026) and one in the U.S. (Mar 2, 2026), with no injuries reported. Nissan is advising owners not to charge and to park outside and away from structures until the remedy is available; dealers will provide rental cars and later replace affected battery modules or the full battery if needed. Interim owner letters are planned to begin April 17, 2026.
Source: NHTSA — https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V188-8548.pdf