The battery replacement/buyback thread.

[TylerH]

According to someone in the USA Facebook group, Nissan is ONLY doing buybacks now. Likely ending production of the 40kWh pack.

(Sorry for the FB link to a different group, not familiar enough with the forum to know how to do photos.)

 

[Decision]

I'm currently looking at purchasing a used 2017 Leaf that has 8 bars and 85k miles for $7k with hopes that I could get the battery replaced via warranty, but it seems like buybacks might be the only option lately? Would it still be worth purchasing this Leaf if Nissan is just going to do a buyback instead? Hearing how generous Nissan has been (and I am in California as well), should I be expecting a lot more than $7k back from Nissan? Or will they somehow know I paid $7k (private seller) and only give me $7k at most?

 

[LeftieBiker]

I had to remove the link from that post because it was causing this site to reject it for SQL errors. Let me try adding it to my post.

https://m.facebook.com/groups/NissanLeafOwners/permalink/6682596721838260/

 

[TeaHSD]

That’s a good price for a good car. Pay it and try to get the battery warranty fulfilled. Even if it never happens, that’s a great price for a decent 45-50 mile before next charge vehicle

 

[crimsona]

According to someone in the USA Facebook group, Nissan is ONLY doing buybacks now. Likely ending production of the 40kWh pack.

(Sorry for the FB link to a different group, not familiar enough with the forum to know how to do photos.)

2023 and 2024 leaf still has a 40 kWh trim.

30 kWh battery is discontinued and perhaps they decided to no longer replace with 40 if they can buy back cars for less than the cost of a new battery (plus shipping and labor for warranty work to dealer)

 

[mn4az]

Well that was quick. I never did hear from the regional CA specialist as was promised and so Monday and today made sure that via the Nissan CA chat I was clear that I haven't heard from them yet and expected to. While I didn't get a call from the regional CA specialist, I did get a call from an arbitration specialist (AS). The AS explained they had no idea when the part (ie the battery pack) would be ready and thus I had a buyback option that would follow the BBB AutoLine recommendations for my state (ie following the lemon law for my state). Given the lemon law for my state is really good I agreed to pursue that option. All the documentation/photos have been submitted and hopefully by EOD Friday I learn about next steps. The AS explained that once I was to accept the offer (none of what I'm doing mandates that I accept it - I get that chance later on in the process) it's up to 4 weeks for the repurchase process to complete.

Quick update on my story. I accepted the buyback offer and sent the signed paperwork back. AS replied in email that i'll be 7-10 days for Nissan processing and then should hear from Morley 7-10 days after that to set a date for the surrender of the car. All in all, I've been very pleased with the process.

Another update. Small delay due to Morley needing additional paperwork from me. Nissan has cut the check and Morley "has accepted the case". The AS tells me that the surrender date should be in a "few weeks". My next update will be after the surrender happens and the check clears.

Yesterday was surrender day. Walked into the dealership at 10a and met with the Morley rep. Signed some paperwork that legally transferred the car to Nissan and at 1030a walked out with a check for $26,910.79. The check has already cleared. Time to go shopping.

 

[crimsona]

Canada Nissan leaf owners Facebook group has a report of a replaced pack yesterday, but for a 2018 with failing cells

Only waited since March 2023 so it does seem like they are prioritizing native 40 kWh units over fixing degraded 2016-17 units

Still waiting from February 2023 for my 2016

 

[ebeighe]

Yesterday was surrender day. Walked into the dealership at 10a and met with the Morley rep...

That sounds pretty good settlement.
Who is "Morley"?

 

[cwerdna]

Yesterday was surrender day. Walked into the dealership at 10a and met with the Morley rep...

That sounds pretty good settlement.
Who is "Morley"?

https://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?p=631932&hilit=morley#p631932
https://www.salary.com/job/morley-companies/repurchase-coordinator-remote/j202211040717170971431

https://www.morleybpo.com/ has a section:

Reacquired Vehicle Management (RVM)
ACCELERATED SOLUTIONS
When Lemon Laws mandate that an OEM must buy back a vehicle, the process is costly and complex. By offering the industry’s fastest and most comprehensive buyback process (months faster than the industry standard), our clients save money and increase customer brand loyalty.

I am surprised to hear about meeting w/a Morley rep. I never heard of that w/anyone who had their Bolts bought back, me included.

 

[mn4az]

Yesterday was surrender day. Walked into the dealership at 10a and met with the Morley rep...

That sounds pretty good settlement.
Who is "Morley"?

https://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?p=631932&hilit=morley#p631932
https://www.salary.com/job/morley-companies/repurchase-coordinator-remote/j202211040717170971431

https://www.morleybpo.com/ has a section:

Reacquired Vehicle Management (RVM)
ACCELERATED SOLUTIONS
When Lemon Laws mandate that an OEM must buy back a vehicle, the process is costly and complex. By offering the industry’s fastest and most comprehensive buyback process (months faster than the industry standard), our clients save money and increase customer brand loyalty.

I am surprised to hear about meeting w/a Morley rep. I never heard of that w/anyone who had their Bolts bought back, me included.

Upon my arrival, the Nissan service manager said, "you'll be meeting with a Morley rep". That could have meant the person acting on behalf of Morley and/or Nissan. All I know is that she knew what she was doing and the process was quick.

 

[ebeighe]

...If Nissan is acting similar to GM during its buyback, the manufacturer follows the lemon laws of the state you live in. Red states have weaker consumer protection than Blue states, so you can expect your offer in NC to be less generous than e.g. a LEAF owner in CA

I'm wondering about all these references to lemon laws. In Arizona no lemon law applies after 24 months or some number of miles, and as such would have no applicability here, since we're dealing with cars way older than 2 years. I would think many states have such limitations.

 

[mn4az]

...If Nissan is acting similar to GM during its buyback, the manufacturer follows the lemon laws of the state you live in. Red states have weaker consumer protection than Blue states, so you can expect your offer in NC to be less generous than e.g. a LEAF owner in CA

I'm wondering about all these references to lemon laws. In Arizona no lemon law applies after 24 months or some number of miles, and as such would have no applicability here, since we're dealing with cars way older than 2 years. I would think many states have such limitations.

Nissan is choosing to snap to a state's lemon law. My guess is that they do that to avoid potential lawsuits for not being able (or wanting) to honor the battery warranty.

https://bbbprograms.org/programs/all-programs/bbb-autoline/lemon-laws-by-state/

 

[TeaHSD]

2016 Leaf 30 kWh - Warranty. Got the battery replacement approved by dealer + corporate on July 5, 2023. Finally called the nissan corporate consumer affairs number to get a case last week and today got a follow-up from the person handling my case. Same story "30 kwh batteries aren't being made anymore ... we won't be getting you a 40 ... don't bother waiting ... the dealer doesn't know the full story ... no batteries are coming ..."

Looks like they are trying the buy-back for me.

"We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to contact Nissan regarding your situation. As a company interested in winning lifelong customers, nissan apologizes for any inconvenience you may have expereinced. Nissan carefully considered your request during a review of all available facts pertaining to your situation. Based on the vehicle repair history, Nissan offers to repurchase or replace your vehicle to comply with the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act."

then they ask for
photos, registration, purchase contract, payoff quotes, receipts, title. Anticipate repurchase within 2-4 weeks from time of acceptance.

Supplying the requested documents does not indicate your acceptance of the offer. you have the chance to review the fully detailed offer.

Signed,

Freddie
Arbitration Specialist II
Dispute Resolution Programs
Nissan North America, INC.

 

[TeaHSD]

Personally I want to wait for the battery. I imagine since i've got approval from the dealer, I just wait it out, and if it never comes 1-2 years later, I could be part of a class action lawsuit? ... hopefully a battery magically comes someday within next year.

 

[crimsona]

First 2017 replacement report in a while, 10 month wait, California

https://www.reddit.com/r/leaf/comments/160d32q/finally_battery_replaced_2017sl/

 

[M72017L38f]

What city do you live in? I have been waiting 9 months. Thanks!

 

[dean]

What city do you live in? I have been waiting 9 months. Thanks!

The reddit poster is the person who is getting the battery. They stated they're in California.

 

[Driver8]

Same story "30 kwh batteries aren't being made anymore ... we won't be getting you a 40 ... don't bother waiting ... the dealer doesn't know the full story ... no batteries are coming ..."

It's very annoying to hear Nissan suggesting that the dealer doesn't know the full story, when that just makes them look bad. It's their job to communicate with their dealers!

 

[user 37169]

Update!

Went through the surrender process at the local Nissan dealership with the Morley rep last week. Took about 20 minutes. Brought the vehicle, title, 2 key fobs and charging cable.

Received check for $34,768.62 for our 2016 Leaf with 40K miles. Basically drove it for free for over 6 years!

Check has cleared and we have since purchased a 2023 Nissan Ariya Platinum Plus Eforce. Top of the line for 62K.

Got $1000 off for Nissan Loyalty. Got another $1100 off for special discount code received in buyback. Got another $3750 off for special rebate for financing through Nissan financial.

Got first billing statement from Nissan financial and paid off new Ariya using buyback funds plus cash.

Considered using buyback funds to get a cheaper EV for free(Tesla M3, Y etc...) But like the Ariya much better, plus did not qualify for tax credit due to income.

Couldn't be happier. The Ariya is an amazing EV.

 

[user 37169]

Personally I want to wait for the battery. I imagine since i've got approval from the dealer, I just wait it out, and if it never comes 1-2 years later, I could be part of a class action lawsuit? ... hopefully a battery magically comes someday within next year.

I'd send in the docs and find out what they are willing to offer. Maybe they will make you an offer you can't refuse? Sending docs and getting offer is non-binding so why not find out?