Nissan recalls 47k Leafs for freezing brake booster

A problem with a relay in the brake booster freezing over in cold temperatures has prompted Nissan to recall 46,859 Leaf EVs for an ECU refresh.

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The Basics: Nissan is recalling 46,859 examples of the 2013-15 Leaf EV manufactured between November 19, 2012, and July 31, 2015.

The Problem: The relay inside the electronic brake booster could freeze and not function properly, forcing the driver to apply more effort to slow down the vehicle.

Injuries/Deaths: None reported.

The fix: A simple reprogramming of the Intelligent Brake Control Unit is all that’s required.

If you own one: Watch out for the brake warning light when starting up the vehicle after it was parked in the cold for a long period of time, and prepare yourself to apply more pressure than usual on the brake pedal.

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RECALL Subject : Brake Relay may Freeze in Cold Temperatures
Report Receipt Date: FEB 29, 2016
NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V119000
Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES
Potential Number of Units Affected: 46,859
Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 LEAF vehicles manufactured November 19, 2012, to July 31, 2015. During very cold temperatures, the relay inside the electronic brake booster may freeze, requiring the driver to exert more effort to slow the vehicle down.

CONSEQUENCE:
If the brake relay fails, longer distances or additional brake effort would be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Intelligent Brake Control Unit software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.