2014 Nissan Leaf problems

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The Nissan Leaf (Japanese: 日産・リーフ, Hepburn: Nissan Rīfu), stylized as "LEAF," is a battery-electric powered compact car manufactured by Nissan, produced since 2010 across two generations. It has been offered exclusively as a 5-door hatchback. The term "LEAF" serves as a backronym to leading environmentally-friendly affordable family car.

The Leaf was unveiled on 1 August 2009 as the world's first mass market electric and zero-emission vehicle. Among other awards and recognition, it received the 2010 Green Car Vision Award, the 2011 European Car of the Year, the 2011 World Car of the Year, and the 2011–2012 Car of the Year Japan. A second-generation Leaf was introduced in October 2017. The Leaf's range on a full charge has been steadily increased from 117 km (73 miles) to 364 km (226 miles) (EPA rated) by the use of larger battery packs and several minor improvements.

Global sales across both generations totalled 577,000 by February 2022. As of September 2021, European sales totalled more than 208,000, and as of December 2021, over 165,000 had been sold in the U.S., and 157,000 in Japan. The Leaf was the world's all-time top selling plug-in electric car until it was surpassed in early 2020 by the Tesla Model 3.

2014 Nissan Leaf

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Common 2014 Nissan Leaf problems

The Nissan Leaf is an electric vehicle that has gained popularity due to its affordability and ease of maintenance compared to vehicles with internal combustion engines. However, it has faced some common problems over the years, particularly in its earlier models.

One of the most significant issues is battery degradation, which is particularly prevalent in the 2014 Nissan Leaf. The battery degradation rate for the 2014 model is 23% after six years of ownership, which is one of the highest rates among the Nissan Leaf models. This can significantly impact the car's driving range, making it less suitable for long-distance travel.

Another common problem with the 2014 Nissan Leaf is the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system. Some owners have reported issues with the AEB system, causing the brakes to apply out of nowhere, even when there isn't an obstacle ahead. This can be a serious safety concern and may require a software update to fix.

The 2014 Nissan Leaf has also had issues with the power inverter. Nissan issued a recall (14V263000) for select model year vehicles, citing the inverter as a common cause of concern. This can lead to the car shutting down completely without any warning, which can be dangerous while driving.

Additionally, the 2014 Nissan Leaf's driving range tends to diminish by about 20% during cold weather, according to a report by the Norwegian Automobile Federation. This can make it less suitable for areas with cold climates.

In summary, the 2014 Nissan Leaf has faced several common problems, including battery degradation, AEB system issues, power inverter failure, and diminished range during low temperatures. These issues can significantly impact the car's performance and safety, making it essential to consider these factors when purchasing a used 2014 Nissan Leaf.

2014 Nissan Leaf engine

What is the most common problem of Nissan Leaf?

Most Common Nissan LEAF Problems

  • Nissan LEAF Battery Degradation.
  • Problems with the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System.
  • Power Inverter Failure.
  • Diminished Range During Low Temperatures.

How long does a 2014 Nissan Leaf last?

Generally, you should expect the Nissan Leaf to last for around ten years. Because electric car batteries last so long, many outlast other components of the car, so you might get a new car before your battery's condition becomes an issue.

What are the weaknesses of the Nissan Leaf?

Cons

  • Limited small-item storage.
  • The back seats don't fold flat.
  • Less range than many other EVs.
  • The Leaf's type of fast-charging port isn't widely supported.

What is the disadvantage of Nissan Leaf?

Lows Lacks range, DC fast-charging limited to 50 kW, cheaper competitors offer more range. Verdict The Nissan Leaf is an easy way to get into an electric vehicle, but its lack of range and slow charging make it tough to live with.

2014 Nissan Leaf car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Nissan Leaf problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2014 Nissan Leaf vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2014 Nissan Leaf

The NHTSA has received 34 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2014 Nissan Leaf. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2014 Nissan Leaf vehicles.

2024-07-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-18
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP2EC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: [XXX] - I was on the way to work on a clear and sunny morning. After stopping at a traffic light, vehicles started moving forward through the intersection. Traffic was building and the lady in front of me stopped very quickly. When I pressed the the brake pedal to stop behind her nothing happened. The brakes did not brake! The pedal went all the way to the floor. It didn't even try to slow down. I just rolled right into the back of her. The front end of my 2014 Nissan LEAF sustained significant damage and the rear bumper of her SUV sustained minor damage. Both of us had minor neck/back pain after. I am still recovering from spine surgery and I'm concerned about any long term issues that may be caused from this accident. We were in a very busy area of Atlanta and it is amazing that no one was seriously hurt. After calling 911 and being on hold for close to 30 minutes State Farm advised it was okay to swap info without an official police report. I don't want this accident to count against my accident free/good driver discount with my insurance. There were no warning lights on my dash or audible brake sounds. I have had similar problems in the past with the brakes not engaging. It has been to the dealership at least 4 times for brake related issues in the 10 years that I have had this car. The dealership and 1 independent garage have inspected my brake system, including fluid, pads and rotors. Everything is in good condition. In the past there was a correlation between the 12V battery power and the brakes not working. It has not been possible to recreate the problem on demand. I've reported this very serious safety issue to Nissan Consumer Affairs. They deny responsibility, but will not provide it in writing. A basic google search shows that I am not the only LEAF owner that has this problem. It is parked in my driveway and is considered unsafe to drive unless it is repaired per the dealership. I am glad that no one else in my family was injured because of this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023-04-12

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-29
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP5EC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing from the garage, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. The contact noted that the failure mileage was approximately 50,100 and speed was approximately 5 mph.
2022-09-19

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-09-19
  • VIN: 1n4az0cp0ec
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: Complete braking system failure. After putting the car into reverse, only the emergency brake and parking system were functional. Once taken out of park, the vehicle was effectively free-rolling and nearly hit a structure. While in-gear, the brake sensation was that of having ABS actively working, and the brake needed to be smashed to the floor to get any functional braking. The fearful part was the car was still applying powertrain effort, without any accelerator input. Yellow Brake Warning Light, Red BRAKE light, VDC Warning Light, Red/Yellow Master Warning Light were all illuminated. This had not been brought up with the dealer, but a terrifying failure mode of electronic braking systems.
2022-03-15

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-08-16
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP3EC
  • Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The power steering has intermittently been de-activating. There is a warning light that comes on (yellow triangle with an exclamation mark). When this happens it causes the steering wheel to feel like it’s pulls in a direction. After we suddenly lose power steering with no warning we’re left to drive a car with no power steering until it suddenly re-engages. There has been no rhyme or reason to when this happens. The issue has been diagnosed at a factory dealership. The car has not sustained any accident (ever) in the +/- 4 years we’ve owned it
2022-02-03

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-02-03
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP0EC
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: 1) start the vehicle 2) exit the vehicle 3) Unplug the vehicle 4) re-start the vehicle 5) put in drive Seat belt chime does not ring. I found that I can also 1) Start the vehicle 2) Put in drive 3) Put in park 4) exit the vehicle 5) enter the vehicle w/o seatbelt buckled 6) put in drive. No seatbelt chime.
2021-12-01

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-11-30
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP4EC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: Brake Failure - ABS noise, there is zero brake action. Pedal goes all the way to the floor and nothing happens. Car makes an ABS noise but there is zero brake action. I reported this to Nissan dealer twice at first, they couldn't find a problem now their saying it maybe the ABS Control Unit. They want to replace the ABS Control Unit at $2,200 but does not guarantee that's the problems. The Nissan dealer states that the car is not safe to drive. even if I pay them $2,200 to replace the ABS control unit.
2021-05-28

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-04-07
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP6EC
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: My car suddenly accelerated out of my control and my car was totaled in a supermarket parking lot. Amazingly no serious injuries though two other cars were damaged by this event. No warnings and no time to act. I demanded that Nissan do an inspection. The email I got from them this morning said they found nothing wrong with the vehicle BUT that the accelerator was at 100% at the time of the accident. I was parked and getting out of my car when this occurred but Nissan did not think it suspicious that my car accelerated to 100% without any reason for me to accelerate and my foot not on the power pedal. Their letter to me claimed no responsibility for the malfunction. In fact. They are claiming no malfunction at all. I have requested in writing to get all the data they collected and although they had previously agreed to provide it to me. They are now backpedaling on that now that I’ve posed legitimate questions. This happened TWICE in a 15 month period and the last accident destroyed my car. Everyone was eager to blame me for the first accident that did thousands of dollars damage, which I know for a fact I was parked in my own driveway and not even driving. It was scary and stressful and still is. The only thing I can feel good about is that the car, my beautiful LEAF, is off the road forever and will not be dangerous any longer to me or anyone else.
2021-04-20

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-04-02
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP5EC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY 2014 NISSAN LEAF SL AT A LOW SPEED (5-10 MPH) WHEN THE BRAKES HAD A SUDDEN AND UNANTICIPATED TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. WHILE PULLING UP TO A STOPLIGHT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET BEYOND WHERE I HAD INTENDED. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES OR PEDESTRIANS IN MY PATH. THIS EVENT HAPPENED IN DOWNTOWN SALT LAKE CITY. FROM THE POINT OF FAILURE, I WAS ABLE TO PREDICTABLY STOP THE CAR WITH SOME EXERTION. BUT CLEARLY, A FUNDAMENTAL MAJOR COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE FAILED. IT WAS NOT PART OF THE BRAKES THEMSELVES, OR THE ROTORS, OR WEAR. I DROVE THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY TO KEN GARFF NISSAN, WHICH WAS APPROXIMATELY 5 BLOCKS AWAY. THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AND REPORTED THAT IT WAS A FAILURE OF A MAJOR ELECTRICAL COMPONENT THAT PROVIDES BRAKING TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM. I CONTACTED NISSAN ABOUT THE ISSUE, AND REPORTED TO THEM THAT AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I HAD SEEN OTHER REPORTS FROM INDIVIDUALS ABOUT SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THEIR NISSAN LEAF BETWEEN THE MODEL YEARS 2013-2015. THERE WERE REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM AFFECTING MORE THAN 40 VEHICLES. NISSAN USA EXPLAINED THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY RECALLS FOR THAT ISSUE, AND THAT I WOULD SIMPLY HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. HOWEVER, I FELT THAT THIS EXPERIENCE, BECAUSE IT WAS SO DANGEROUS, AND SO SUDDEN, AND WASN'T A RESULT OF POOR MAINTENANCE OR AN ERROR OF ANY SORT, IT SHOULD BE ESCALATED AND EVALUATED FOR RECALL. NISSAN USA SHOWED NO INTEREST OR INTENTION OF MAKING FURTHER INQUIRY INTO THE PROBLEM, SO I FELT I SHOULD PUSH FOR A RECALL. MY CASE NUMBER WITH NISSAN USA WAS ORIGINALLY ASSIGNED AS #436-319-65, AND A NEW CASE NUMBER WAS ASSIGNED AS #436-368-82. THE INDIVIDUALS ASSISTING IN THE CASES WERE NAMED PAMELA AND NANCY, RESPECTIVELY.
2021-02-20

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-01-15
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CPXEC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING. FEW TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD, THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING AND I HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKES. THE BRAKES MALFUNCTION WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. ON A CITY STREETS.*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER BRAKE CYLINDER SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR $3000.00.*JB
2020-11-18

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-11-04
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP2EC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: AFTER COMING FROM WORK (54 MILE BACK AND FORTH) ON 11/4/2020, PARKED 2014 LEAF SV AT THE DRIVEWAY FOR 40 MINUTES. THEN WENT BACK IN, POWERED THE CAR AND SHIFTED TO REVERSE. THE CAR BACKED-UP FAST BECAUSE THE BRAKE SEEMED NOT WORKING. SO I HAVE TO STEPPED ON THE PEDAL HARDER. I KNOW SOME THING IS WRONG BECAUSE WHEN YOU STEP ON THE BRAKES A NOISE A CAN BE HEARD AT THE FRONT. I CHECKED AND IT SEEMED LIKE ITS ACTUATING SOMETHING BUT NOTHING IS HAPPENING. THE PEDAL IS DEEP. THE DASHBOARD BRAKE LIGHT IS ON AND YELLOW WARNING LIGHT. I TURNED IT OFF AND AFTER 1 HOUR I RECHECKED AND IT GOT BACK TO NORMAL OPERATION. BUT THIS WAS REPEATED SEVERAL TIMES DURING COLD WEATHER. THIS TIME 11/18/20, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE E-DRIVEN INTELLIGENT BRAKING COMM IS THE DTC CODE THAT CAME UP
2019-10-13

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-10-11
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP2EC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: UPON STARTING THE CAR IN THE PARKING LOT, THE BRAKE PRESSURE DID NOT RELEASE AS USUAL WHEN STARTING THE CAR. WHEN DRIVEN IN THE PARKING LOT AT LOW SPEEDS, THE BRAKE DOES NOT FUNCTION AS IT SHOULD. THERE IS SO MUCH PRESSURE THAT I CAN ONLY PRESS THE PEDAL DOWN A LIMITED AMOUNT TO MAKE THE CAR STOP. AFTER A FEW DAYS OF DRIVING THE CAR LESS THAN 10 MILES TOTAL, THE PROBLEM HAS WORSENED AND THERE IS LESS ROOM TO PRESS THE PEDAL DOWN WHILE BRAKING. I TOOK THE CAR TO GET THE BRAKES INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD THAT EVERYTHING IS FUNCTIONING AS IT SHOULD. I AM WORRIED THE ISSUE WILL WORSEN TO THE POINT THAT THE BRAKES WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BE PRESSED DOWN AT ALL.
2019-09-27

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-09-23
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP5EC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHEN STATIONARY, VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT INTO PARK, AND WILL ROLL UNLESS PARKING BRAKE IS APPLIED. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT COVER THIS UNDER THEIR POWERTRAIN WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH IT IS PART OF THE POWERTRAIN ACCORDING TO THE NHTSA AND IS A MAJOR SAFETY FLAW. DASH DISPLAYS AN ERROR THAT READS "T/M SYSTEM MALFUNCTION VISIT DEALER", AND "WHEN PARKED APPLY PARKING BRAKE".
2019-07-31

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-07-31
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP6EC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: HI, WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE YESTERDAY MORNING IT SPED OUT OF THE GARAGE WITH NO THROTTLE AND WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO BRAKE. TURNS OUT THE BRAKE, ABS, WARNING AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS WERE ALL ON. THROTTLE BEHAVIOR IN DRIVE WAS NORMAL BUT WAS ALSO REALLY HARD TO BRAKE. THERE WAS ALSO A WEIRD HUM AT POWER ON. I POSTED THIS TO THE R/LEAF FORUM ON REDDIT AND EVERYONE SAID REPLACE THE 12V BATTERY WHICH FIXED IT. OTHERS DESCRIBED SIMILAR EXPERIENCES.
2019-03-14

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-02-22
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CPXEC
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED ON IT WOULD MAKE A LOUD HUMMING NOISE. WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE IT WOULD ROLL BACK, ONCE YOU TAP ON THE BREAKS TO STOP IT WOULD KEEP ROLLING BACK. ONLY WAY IT WOULD STOP WAS BY SLAMMING ON THE BREAKS. SAME THING WOULD HAPPEN WHEN GOING FORWARD. THE ONLY WAY THE CAR WOULD BE DRIVABLE IS AFTER I LET IT SIT FOR A WHILE AND THEN GO BACK TO TURN IT ON AGAIN.
2018-12-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-12-05
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP4EC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: AFTER DISCONNECTING CHARGE PORT, THE VEHICLE START DISPLAYED THE WARNING LIGHT, ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT. MAJOR ELECTRIC PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, AT THE VEHICLE CHARGE STATION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMED TO HAVE COMPLETED THE RECALL, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED.*JS
2018-09-24

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-09-24
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP8EC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: DROVE VEHICLE FROM HOME TO DESTINATION 15 MILES AWAY WITH NO ISSUES. STOPPED AND TURNED OFF VEHICLE. AUDIBLE TONE CAME ON WITH EVERYTHING OFF. STARTED VEHICLE. MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED. TURNED OFF VEHICLE. TURNED BACK ON, BRAKE WARNING APPEARED, CAR IDLED FORWARD AND COULD NOT BRAKE IT TO STOP WITHOUT HARD BRAKING. TURNED OFF VEHICLE.
2018-03-21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-02-07
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP8EC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ON FEBRUARY 7, 2018, NISSAN LEAF CAUGHT FIRE WHILE CHARGING AT 3003 SUMMIT BLVD PARKING DECK P4, ATLANTA, GA 30068. AFTER REVIEW, NISSAN CLAIMS THAT THEY "FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF A PRODUCT PROBLEM, FAILURE, OR MALFUNCTION THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED OR CONTRIBUTED TO THE INCIDENT." VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WAS PLUGGED INTO CHARGER FOR LESS THAN 20 MINUTES BEFORE STARTING TO SMOKE AND CATCH FIRE. POLICE AND FIRE UNITS WERE DISPATCHED AND THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT. VEHICLE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY TOWED TO SALVAGE YARD A WEEK LATER. ROOT CAUSE COULD POSSIBLY BE CHARGING UNIT, HOW CHARGING UNIT WAS INSTALLED/MAINTAINED, OR A VEHICLE DEFECT. NISSAN'S CLAIMS NO PRODUCT PROBLEM, FAILURE, OR MALFUNCTION THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE INCIDENT. *TT *JS
2018-02-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-02-07
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: I WAS READING A RECENT ARTICLE REGARDING A NISSAN LEAF AND A FIRE. WE JUST HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN AT OUR FACILITY, 3003 SUMMIT BLVD. ATLANTA GA 30319. THE ISSUE IS THAT WE ARE NOT SURE IF IT WAS THE VEHICLE OR THE CHARGING UNIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND A COUPLE OF OTHER CARS NEARBY WERE ALSO DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND CONNECTED TO THE CHARGER. THIS WAS LOCATED ON THE 4TH LEVEL OF THE PARKING DECK.
2017-12-27

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-12-26
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP3EC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: AS I WAS DRIVING MY CAR THE BREAKS STARTED TO MAKE SOME NOISES WHEN ACTIVATED . I CHANGE MY ROUTE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A REVISION AND AS I WAS GETTING THERE THE BRAKES STARTED TO FAIL TO A POINT THAT, BY THE TIME I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP 9A COUPLE OF MILES AWAY) , IT WAS ALMOST NOT BREAKING AT ALL. MAY THIS HAVE HAPPENED IN DIFFERENT CONDITIONS THE RESULT COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT
2017-07-08

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-07-07
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP1EC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE BRAKES FAILED AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AS IT ROLLED INTO THE STREET. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND LOUD NOISES WERE HEARD FROM INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, PAID ~$300 TO "REINITIALIZE AND RECONFIGURE" THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
2017-01-11

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-12-01
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CPXEC
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 NISSAN LEAF. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DEFROSTER DID NOT GENERATE AN ADEQUATE AMOUNT OF HEAT TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
2016-12-01

VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-11-28
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Components: VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: MY NISSAN LEAF HAS HAD MAJOR ISSUES WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. IF THERE IS ANY AMOUNT OF ACCUMULATED SNOW, EVEN A SMALL AMOUNT, AN AMOUNT ON OTHER CARS I HAVE DRIVEN DOES NOT STOP THE WIPERS OR BREAK THE WIPER'S MOTOR. IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR MY WIPER'S MOTOR HAS BROKEN THREE TIMES. THE LAST TIME THE MOTOR BROKE I WAS COMING HOME IN A SNOW STORM. I COULDN'T SEE BECAUSE THE WIPERS QUIT WORKING. I TRIED TO SLOWLY PULL OVER BECAUSE I WAS ON A BUSY STREET. I HIT A PEDESTRIAN BECAUSE I COULD NOT SEE AND WAS AFRAID TO STOP ON A BUSY ROAD. NISSAN REPAIR SHOP BASICALLY TOLD ME THERE CAN BE NO SNOW ON YOUR WINDSHIELD OR THE WIPERS MOTOR WILL BREAK. THERE WAS VERY LITTLE ACCUMULATED SNOW ON THE WIND SHIELD. AS I SAID, I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER CAR. I FEEL LIKE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO HANDLE AN 1/8 OF AN INCH OF SNOW WITHOUT BREAKING THE MOTOR. YOU COULD BE DRIVING AND SNOW COULD DROP FROM A TREE ONTO YOUR CAR. *TR
2016-05-10

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-05-05
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CPXEC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: BRAKE FAILURE. PRESSING ON BRAKES WITH NORMAL PRESSURE HAD NO EFFECT. PRESSING ON PEDAL VERY HARD WOULD STOP THE CAR. WHEN DOING SO THERE WAS A NOISE THAT I BELIEVE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS IF THERE HAD BEEN A PEDESTRIAN AROUND. TOOK TO DEALER. THEY SAID THE BRAKING CONTROLLER HAD FAILED. THEY REPLACED AND IT APPEARS NORMAL NOW. THIS VEHICLE HAD THE COLD WEATHER BRAKE CONTROLLER UPDATE APPLIED TO IT APPROXIMATELY A MONTH EARLIER.
2016-03-15

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-10-15
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP5EC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: NISSAN DID NOT NOTIFY ME OF THIS RECALL OF THE LEAF WHICH WAS EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 26, 2016. WHEN I CALLED NISSAN REGARDING THEIR LACK OF NOTIFICATION ON THIS ISSUE, THE COMPANY, MOREOVER, DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECALL CITING A 'SERVICE NOTICE' HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE OCTOBER 15, 2015 OF WHICH I ALSO DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION! COULD YOU PLEASE FOLLOW UP ON THIS RECALL WITH NISSAN AND INFORM ME OF THEIR RESPONSE. THANK YOU. *TR
2016-01-18

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-01-17
  • VIN: 1N4AZ0CP3EC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: LOSS OF ALL BRAKING POWER DUE TO ABS FAILURE.

2014 Nissan Leaf recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2014 Nissan Leaf.

2023-04-26
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2017 LEAF vehicles. The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
  • Consequence: Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Nissan will mail an addendum with updated instructions on how to operate the defroster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23A1.
2016-04-26
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
  • Consequence: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
  • Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
2016-02-29
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • 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 recall began on March 28, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
2014-05-16
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Nissan LEAF vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, through April 24, 2014. Due to a problem with the motor control circuit board, the inverter may fail, causing the vehicle shut down.
  • Consequence: An unexpected vehicle shut down increases the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inverter, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
2014-04-16
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 LEAF vehicles manufactured February 28, 2014, through March 12, 2014. The front structural member assembly may be missing welds, which could reduce the structural integrity of the vehicle if the vehicle is involved in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 305, "Electric-Powered Vehicles: Electrolyte Spillage and Electrical Shock Protection."
  • Consequence: Missing welds may effect the vehicle's integrity in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the vehicle's occupants.
  • Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect to see if any of the welds are missing. Any vehicle missing welds will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 2, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
2014-03-25
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
  • Consequence: If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
  • Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Negative 2014 Nissan Leaf car reviews

  1. Carleton McDermott 2024-11-13

    I purchased my Leaf brand new in 2014 and for five years, it required no service repairs. However, it suddenly accelerated on its own while I was parked in my driveway, causing significant damage to my car, a 1972 Mustang, and my kitchen wall. Despite contacting Nissan and providing them with photos, they stopped responding after providing me with a case number. The repairs for my car and house were costly, and insurance did not cover the Mustang's repairs. The Nissan technicians found nothing on the diagnostics except for a low battery, which they said could cause the battery to 'jump.' However, the damage caused by the sudden acceleration was too severe for a mere jump. I replaced the battery out of pocket just in case, but 18 months later, the same scenario occurred in a grocery store parking lot, causing damage to two other cars. The police were called, and one of the drivers required medical attention. As a result, I am confident that there is a serious issue with my Leaf's acceleration that needs to be addressed.The bumper of the other car had paint on it, but I couldn't see any damage on it. Unfortunately, my car looked totaled, but thankfully I wasn't hurt badly. I had it towed to the Nissan dealer for evaluation. While this experience has shaken my trust in the Leaf, I hope Nissan will do the right thing. Although I am emotionally affected by this incident and may need psychological help, I don't want anyone else to go through this nightmare. Despite this setback, I still believe in EV technology and loved my car a lot.

  2. Francesco Pfeffer 2024-08-29

    Admitting to a mistake can be tough, but I think I may have made one with the Leaf in IL. While the lease payment is much less than my Avalanche, I probably should have waited for a Volt to become available locally. Unfortunately, there are a few things I don't like about the Leaf. For one, it gets really cold and I often refer to it as my 'carcicle'. Additionally, the stereo isn't great for music (although it's fine for audio books) and the battery life in the winter is pretty poor. In the real world, I can only get about 75 miles per charge in warm weather and about 45 miles per charge in the winter...and it's freezing in the car! Lastly, I can't move farther than 75 miles from where I live now without towing. Despite these issues, I'm still hopeful that the Leaf will pay off my solar panels with the difference in lease payment compared to my Avalanche.

  3. Theron Beahan 2024-08-26

    Update Sept. 2021. Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with my Nissan LEAF. At 43,000 miles, my battery has degraded quite a bit and I'm only able to get a 25 mile range with 4 bars on my battery. While this may not be ideal, I still think the LEAF is a great car to drive. It's worth noting that a new battery pack can be a bit pricey at $9,825, but there are many used options available for around $9,000-$10,000. While battery degradation can be an issue, it's important to consider the overall value of the car. I've had some trouble with Nissan's customer service, but I still believe the LEAF is a great option for those looking for an affordable and eco-friendly car. Thanks for reading!

  4. Heber Heaney 2024-05-26

    If you live in an area with frequent rain or snow, this car may not be the best fit for you. The car body designers did not take into account the effects of rain or snow on the car's appearance. The spray from the tires can create an unsightly mess, and snow build-up in the wheel wells and running boards can be quite frustrating. Unfortunately, splash guards are not readily available and must be special ordered, which can take up to 4 to 5 weeks. Additionally, the car's driving range is reduced in cold temperatures, with a decrease of 10-12 miles. If you use the climate control, your range estimate may decrease by 15 to 20 miles. However, if you are looking for a car with a range of 50 to 60 miles and are willing to take the necessary precautions during winter, this car may still be a good option for you.

  5. Albin Schoen 2024-05-24

    My Nissan Leaf EV isn't working well. The battery has less than 8 out of 12 bars capacity left, and the vehicle has a very limited range, maybe 20 miles. Unfortunately, I'm stuck making payments on it for the next 2 years. It was a big mistake buying this vehicle, and I won't make the same mistake again. I reached out to Nissan about this situation, but unfortunately, they weren't able to help. By the way, this vehicle only has 40,000 miles on it. Since I got rid of it, I lost several thousands of dollars, but I'm glad to be rid of it. Lesson learned: don't buy an electric car with a bad battery, and don't buy from Nissan. Update 9/2019: I voluntarily surrendered the vehicle, and now the finance company wants me to donate $900 more for it. Needless to say, Nissan will never have my business again.

Positive 2014 Nissan Leaf car reviews

  1. Delmer Beahan 2025-01-01

    I waited for six months before making the decision to purchase my car. My daily commute is between 40 to 60 miles each way, which means I spend around $600.00 on gas every month. I opted for the SL model with a 360 all-around view and a Bose sound system. I find it convenient to stop by my health club before or after work to charge my car while I work out. Although travelling with an electric car requires more planning than driving a traditional car, it eventually becomes a habit. Whenever my battery capacity is low, I simply move over to the slower lane. I keep a close eye on the power meter and rarely go over the fourth circle.

  2. Eugene Zulauf 2024-11-10

    Hey there! I totally get you - paying $250 a month for gas and $1000/month for maintenance and repairs on a gas vehicle can be a real pain. But guess what? I found a solution! I recently bought a used 2013 Leaf S and it was awesome (I still miss it). I have a one-way commute of about 40 miles and charging stations at work, so it was perfect for me. However, I did miss cruise control and the heating was a bit inefficient. Luckily, my local dealer had a great deal on a 2018 Leaf SV and I was able to take advantage of a tax credit. Let me tell you, it's the best vehicle I have ever owned! I can smoke gas cars from the lights, it's super maneuverable, and it even has an intelligent cruise that holds the lane, maintains distance to the car in front, and controls speed. Plus, it saved me when somebody cut in front of me and braked hard - the vehicle stopped itself before I could even react! The touchscreen is a bit overloaded, but I got used to it. And surprisingly, it's more comfortable than my 2014 Explorer and has more leg room in both the front and rear seats. Overall, I would say it's a great car!

  3. Linwood Brekke 2024-10-25

    I bought my used 2013 Leaf in February 2017 from Carmax after testing about 3 EV's and doing a lot of research. The EV Blogs are great as you hear directly from the consumer and not a propaganda machine out there. They are very informative. There are also plenty of Youtube tales which can be fun. There is loads of good content about the experience, including upsides and downsides. Update 10/4/23: I am back to commuting 30 miles each way every day. I don't mind getting up a little earlier and driving back roads to avoid the insanity of our state freeways. On a good day, it takes 45 minutes, but so far I haven't seen a good day on the freeway (I drive over it and see it backed up--and the morning radio jocks say it is backed up nearly every day). So back roads take a little over an hour each day, but it is never longer, as it can be on the highway (one day 45 min, next day 1 1/2 hours--you never know). The approach has a very beneficial upside, driving slower results in maximum distance for the Leaf and most days I don't bother charging at work and arrive home with 20% which is like 12-13 miles of distance remaining, which is enough to run to the grocery store on the way home even. There are upsides and downsides for sure: Some upsides--zippy to drive, quiet, eco-friendly, no gas/no oil/no emissions, heated steering wheel & seats (front & back), A/C and Heat are quick to get to optimal temperatures, and inexpensive to own/charge--many places have free or inexpensive charging (i.e. work, some local shops & eateries, golf course). The downsides of the used Leaf: Tires--you go through tires faster, in Cold months you get 50-60% distance. This winter I will need to charge near my office for the return trip home, but I'm not worried as it is a small battery after all and a full charge doesn't take very long with a Level 2 charger.The mall nearby has several charging stations, and there are apps for your phone that can help you find the most convenient ones for your daily needs. If you're in your 20s-30s and living in an urban area, this car would be perfect for you. You just need to find some regular charging spaces, unless you're renting a house with an outdoor outlet for the Level 1 charger. It's great to see so many older model Leaf EVs out there, and the 2013 Leaf may be like the Model T of EVs, but it keeps chugging along and as long as it can make the trip, I will keep driving it. I bought this car with 31K miles on it, and in the 6 years I've had it, I've put 41K miles on it (I was working remotely for much of 2019-2022, which explains the low mileage). I know it may seem like a scary proposition, but think about other new things and changes in your life that have made it better and easier. EVs will do just that. The newer cars are making it even easier to charge, providing greater distance, and if you're a shrewd shopper and dealmaker, you can get a great price for the car. Don't forget that in most parking garages, the best parking spaces are reserved for EVs. There are also a number of financial incentives worth looking into, such as rebates and tax credits for buying a new EV, and rebates or reimbursement for 50% of the cost of installation of a Level 2 charger at your home.You may or may not have strong feelings one way or the other about the environment, but it's the only planet our children and theirs will get to live on. We need to find common ground with one another, and preserving our planet for future generations seems like a worthy cause that anyone and everyone can and should get behind. This isn't THE solution, it's part of a larger conversation and solution. Just as PIE isn't the full meal... (unless you are a dessert-only person, in which case, respect). Alright, off the pulpit. Just remember, doing good feels good, and feeling good is better than feeling bad. If you're in the market for a second car for the family and have a reasonable commute, or new drivers, or live in a suburb/urban area, it's worth checking out the Leaf. There are other reasons to buy one, and with projected growth in the EV market, there is no better time to own one. The Leaf is optimal when going out to shop (easier to park), and has plenty of space (hatchback for a family of 5 worth of groceries), and working from home. You would be surprised how many trips to the store one charge gets you, even if only charging to 80% capacity. One thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn't expect salespeople at dealerships to know much about them. Do your own research, test drive as many as they have, check for EV Level 1 charger (standard in cars), get them to charge to 100% and take a substantial test drive, running heat or AC, and see how comfortable you are with the mileage. I think most people will enjoy the ride itself; it's a commuter car, and I've had several commuter cars--this is the best. When idling in traffic, you basically use no energy unless running heat or A/C. No exhaust fumes, no gas smells, no engine smells (from oil or other fluids), and no state emissions tests. Best of luck with your car buying decision!

  4. Justice Leannon 2024-09-18

    We tried out the 'Used EV Pool' and it's been a great help in breaking our Gas Station routine. Our Leaf has always been charged using the home charger that came with the car (110 Volt, 8 hour charge), which is why it still has 9 or 10 charge bars on the dash readout. It's impressive that a 2014 Leaf can still go up to 82 miles on the original battery. We're hoping to upgrade to an extended range battery that can give us around 230 miles, but unfortunately, there are only a few places in California that offer battery swaps and we don't know of any in the SF Bay area. Do you have any suggestions?

  5. Antwan Luettgen 2024-09-06

    Hey there! I just wanted to say that your message is awesome! It's great to see such enthusiasm and positivity. Keep up the good work!

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2014 Nissan Leaf problems:

Here Are The Nissan Leaf Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Here Are The Nissan Leaf Years To Avoid - CoPilot
https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/nissan-leaf-years-to-avoid/

Jul 21, 2023 ... Common Problems With Nissan Leaf · Electrical Problems · Air Bag Sensor Failure · Brake Problems · Premature Tire Wear.

2014 Nissan Leaf Reliability - Consumer Reports
2014 Nissan Leaf Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/leaf/2014/reliability/

Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash. Read Recall Details. Summary:.

2014 Nissan LEAF Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2014 Nissan LEAF Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/nissan/leaf/2014/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2014 Nissan LEAF? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

bad heater in 2012 LEAF | My Nissan Leaf Forum
bad heater in 2012 LEAF | My Nissan Leaf Forum
https://mynissanleaf.com/threads/bad-heater-in-2012-leaf.17647/

Aug 14, 2014 ... Help Support My Nissan Leaf Forum: ... 77. Location: Blacksburg VA · Aug 13, 2014. #1 ... This was a fairly common problem on the 2011 and 2012 ...

2012 Used Nissan Leaf Issues : r/leaf
2012 Used Nissan Leaf Issues : r/leaf
https://www.reddit.com/r/leaf/comments/ka0t9d/2012_used_nissan_leaf_issues/

Dec 9, 2020 ... Hello, I just recently bought a 2012 Nissan Leaf for $5,200, 2 previous owners, 44,000 miles. I had no clue it was an electric car until I ...

Other years of Nissan Leaf

nissan leaf 2015 photo
Leaf 2015
Nissan

98

4

14

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan leaf 2016 photo
Leaf 2016
Nissan

32

4

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan leaf 2017 photo
Leaf 2017
Nissan

0

2

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan leaf 2018 photo
Leaf 2018
Nissan

45

4

9

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan leaf 2019 photo
Leaf 2019
Nissan

55

5

13

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan leaf 2020 photo
Leaf 2020
Nissan

21

6

21

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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