Faults in the infotainment system and problems with the cabin heating can seriously reduce the comfort of your Nissan Leaf, especially in winter and on long journeys. These faults occur more often than you might think. They are usually caused by minor software bugs or glitches and loose connections. How do you solve these problems and what can you do yourself before going to the dealer?
A touchscreen that does not respond
One of the most commonly reported problems with the Nissan Leaf is a touchscreen that responds poorly or not at all. The right-hand side of the screen in particular often causes issues, meaning you cannot use the back button. Some owners experience that the screen regularly crashes and restarts, while others are faced with a display that has completely failed.
This problem is usually caused by minor software errors, loose wiring behind the screen or defective internal memory components. It is annoying, because without a working screen you lose access to important functions such as your reversing camera, navigation and smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
‘ Even so, they can be quite irritating, especially if they occur while driving. ’
Software crashes and strange functions
The Nissan Leaf’s infotainment system runs on software. This software controls several functions at the same time. When this software develops a fault, the system can slow down, freeze or stop responding altogether. Owners also report that the audio system sometimes switches on automatically after starting the car, even if it was switched off before shutting down.
These glitches are usually temporary and can be resolved with a system reset. Even so, they can be quite irritating, especially if they occur while driving.
Problems with cabin heating via the screen
The Nissan Leaf’s climate control works via the infotainment screen. When this screen does not work, you cannot fine-tune the temperature and ventilation. The status of the heating system is only visible on the display, which means that in winter you have no proper control over defrosting and temperature adjustments.
This is particularly annoying in cold weather. You can still use the basic heating buttons, but you lack oversight and precision. For long journeys in wintry conditions this is a serious limitation of comfort.
Connectivity problems and SOS function
More recent models, such as the 2023 Nissan Leaf, sometimes suffer from faults with the Nissan Connect EV and Services app (Nissan’s official connectivity app). The SOS button then stops working, which can be a safety issue. These connectivity problems also disrupt communication between your car and your smartphone.
The cause often lies in software bugs or updates that have not been carried out correctly. Make sure you regularly check whether new software updates are available via the dealer or the app.
‘ Owners report that a new display unit sometimes takes 6 to 8 weeks to arrive due to problems in the supply chain. ’
What are the main causes?
The causes of these infotainment faults vary:
- Minor software bugs caused by errors in the operating system
- Loose or damaged wiring behind the display. This gets worse with vibrations or irregularities in the road surface.
- Blown fuses that interrupt the power supply to the screen
- Defective hardware such as internal memory or display components
The availability of replacement parts also plays a role. Owners report that a new display unit sometimes takes 6 to 8 weeks to arrive due to problems in the supply chain.
What can you do yourself to solve the problem?
There are a number of steps you can try yourself. Start with a simple reset of the system by switching the car off completely, waiting a few minutes and then restarting it. In some cases this resolves temporary glitches.
Is that not working? Then try recalibrating the touchscreen. You do this via a hidden service menu:
- Switch off the car and start it again
- Go to the map screen and switch off the audio
- Open the hidden service menu via the settings
- Select “Confirmation/Adjustments”
- Go to “Display Diagnostics”, then “Touch Panel” and then “Touch Panel Calibration”
Does this not work straight away? Then try again after restarting the car.
Check fuses and wiring
Another practical step is to check the fuses in the fuse box. Find the fuse that is responsible for the infotainment system and replace it if it has blown. This is often a quick and inexpensive solution.
Are you a bit more technically inclined? You can then also inspect the wiring behind the screen for loose or damaged wires. Note: always switch off the car first and disconnect the battery before working on the wiring.
‘ These repairs require specialist tools and expertise. ’
When should you go to the dealer?
If the steps above do not help, it is time to call in professional help. Replacing the complete display is an example of a difficult repair. Fixing serious software issues is another. These repairs require specialist tools and expertise.
Prepare for possible waiting times. Due to problems in the supply chain, replacement parts are not always available immediately. Make an appointment with the dealer. Document all problems. Note when they occur and under which conditions. This helps the technician make the right diagnosis.
Tips to prevent future problems
Prevention is better than cure. Keep the infotainment system up to date. Regularly check whether new software updates are available. Ask your dealer about the latest version and have it installed.
Avoid exposure to extreme humidity or temperature fluctuations. These can damage the internal components. Make regular backups of your settings so that you can quickly restore them if you need to reset the system.
Document all problems you encounter in a logbook. Record the date, the conditions and exactly what happened. This information is valuable if you need to visit the dealer later.
Learn from other Nissan Leaf owners
Online communities of Nissan Leaf owners regularly share their experiences and solutions. Forums and Facebook groups are valuable sources of tips you will not find anywhere else. Many owners have experienced the same problems and are happy to share how they tackled them.
Follow these communities actively. Ask questions when you run into something. You will then quickly get answers to specific problems. These issues are often not covered in the official manual. This practical knowledge can save you a lot of time and frustration.
Infotainment and software faults with the Nissan Leaf are annoying, but often solvable. With the right knowledge and approach you can fix many problems yourself or help the dealer carry out a targeted and rapid diagnosis. On the Carnews website you will find much more information about electric cars, maintenance advice and common faults in different car brands. Discover more and stay up to date with the latest tips for car enthusiasts.
Frequently asked questions
The most common faults are a non‑ or poorly responding touchscreen (often on one side of the screen) and freezes or spontaneous restarts of the infotainment system. In addition, there are software glitches where the system becomes slow, freezes or functions such as audio switch themselves on. There are also many reports of connectivity problems with NissanConnect EV/Services, including a non‑functioning SOS button. In more serious cases, the entire display fails due to internal memory or software corruption and the display unit has to be replaced.
The causes of these software issues lie mainly in software glitches, possibly corrupted or outdated software, loose wiring and sometimes internal hardware damage such as defective memory or display components. Supply problems for replacement units also play a role, because faulty parts cannot be replaced quickly. These problems strongly affect daily usability, as functions such as navigation, cameras, smartphone integration and climate control become less reliable or completely unusable. As a result, operating and safely using the car in everyday traffic becomes noticeably more difficult and more frustrating.
Nissan has made software updates and, in some cases, replacement display units available via dealers for certain model years and types of infotainment systems. However, these updates are not the same for all Leaf models and issues, and depend on the specific type of fault and the model year. The availability of hardware replacements may be limited and delayed due to supply problems. Check with an official Nissan dealer using your VIN number to see whether there is a specific update or service campaign for your car.
Persistent software faults undermine the perceived reliability of the Nissan Leaf, because key functions such as navigation, cameras, connectivity and sometimes climate control become unpredictable or fail. This can lead to lower customer satisfaction and reduced confidence in the car as an everyday means of transport. Potential buyers often see structural infotainment and software problems as a sign of higher risks and future costs, which puts pressure on the residual value. In addition, long waiting times for parts and repairs can further reinforce this negative perception and the resulting drop in value.
Yes, there are several practical tips that owners can apply themselves. First try restarting the car, performing a soft reset of the infotainment system and, if necessary, calibrating the screen via the hidden service menu. Also check the fuses that belong to the display and see whether any loose or damaged wiring is visible behind the screen. As a last resort, owners can briefly disconnect the 12V battery to reset the system completely.