Nissan’s Ariya electric crossover is once again under scrutiny due to a safety recall stemming from a software glitch. This marks the second time the model has been summoned back to dealerships for an issue that could abruptly cut power while driving, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
The latest recall encompasses 1,188 2023 Ariya vehicles manufactured between September 8, 2022, and May 8, 2023. The root of the problem lies in a software error within the inverter that misinterprets data from a current sensor.
This misdiagnosis erroneously triggers a protective measure that abruptly shuts down the vehicle’s power system. To rectify the issue, Nissan dealerships are tasked with inspecting and, if required, reprogramming the inverter’s power electronics.
While the inspection process is relatively quick, reprogramming can be more time-consuming, especially for all-wheel-drive models equipped with two inverters, potentially taking up to an hour and a half to complete.
Nissan initiated a recall of its Ariya crossover following an overseas incident in April 2023 where the vehicle abruptly lost power at high speed due to an unintended fail-safe activation.
Despite a relatively low number of 16 warranty claims related to this issue, Nissan is taking proactive measures to address the problem. Owners will be notified by mail starting September 9th, and can also check their vehicle’s status using the 17-character VIN on Nissan’s recall portal.
Produced in Japan and China, the Ariya has faced sales challenges compared to its more affordable predecessor, the Leaf. However, Nissan is betting on the growing popularity of electric SUVs by transforming the Leaf into a crossover for the 2026 model year.
