Leaf abnormal tyre wear

Orebro

Stumbled across a lengthy thread on the SpeakEV forum earlier. It seems that the Leaf can suffer from abnormal excessive tyre wear on the rears, especially on the outside of the passenger side ones. Nissan don't appear interested in rectifying the issue.

Has anyone here experienced this? Am picking up my Leaf in the UK next week, and this is the first real problem I've come across with them - I hope it doesn't put a dampener on the whole experience.

Soarer

Nothing to be worried about.

If it starts to happen, rotate the tyres.

n97 mini

Rear axles have been replaced under warranty to try to solve the problem. Seems to yield mixed results.

BoatMad

Orebro wrote: »

Stumbled across a lengthy thread on the SpeakEV forum earlier. It seems that the Leaf can suffer from abnormal excessive tyre wear on the rears, especially on the outside of the passenger side ones. Nissan don't appear interested in rectifying the issue.

Has anyone here experienced this? Am picking up my Leaf in the UK next week, and this is the first real problem I've come across with them - I hope it doesn't put a dampener on the whole experience.

30 kwh Leaf, at the recent service the are wear difference was so small between the wheels as to not warrant rotating the tyres, 60,000 Km on original set as of present

Orebro

BoatMad wrote: »

30 kwh Leaf, at the recent service the are wear difference was so small between the wheels as to not warrant rotating the tyres, 60,000 Km on original set as of present

That's encouraging - thanks.

KCross

I think the issue might have been resolved from 2016+

cros13

I had no issues on my Mk1.5 24kWh Leaf but my dad's 161 30kWh had some uneven wear on the front drivers side... not a huge issue... just something to keep an eye on.

KCross

cros13 wrote: »

I had no issues on my Mk1.5 24kWh Leaf but my dad's 161 30kWh had some uneven wear on the front drivers side... not a huge issue... just something to keep an eye on.

Its not an issue on the fronts as they can be adjusted at any tyre fitting centre.

The issue is with the rears. They cant be adjusted and are out on some cars. It seems hit and miss as to whether you get one that has the issue. As stated, some owners have had rear axle replaced if the wear is bad enough.

Well documented in the UK forum.

makeorbrake

I'm wondering whether there's something similar at play in my case. I'm driving a 141 Mk 1.5 24kW Leaf. Link to tyre pics below.

Tyre Pics

Perhaps I have this wrong. However, my basic understanding was that if you under inflate, then wear will be at BOTH edges and if over inflated, then wear will be at the centre of the tyre. Is there any circumstance in which wear would ONLY be on one edge?

Both driver and passenger side rear tyres seem to have uneven wear in this instance....although the rear passenger side tyre seems to be more pronounced?


Does this look like it's symptomatic of what some Leaf drivers have been reporting?


***Before anyone grills me, I have 2x fresh Goodyear Efficient Grips on the front and 2x ordered - so rears will be swapped out the minute I get them!***

n97 mini

makeorbrake wrote: »

Is there any circumstance in which wear would ONLY be on one edge?

Yes, when suspension geometry is off.

Orebro

That's the exact issue that is reported on the UK SpeakEV forum. It seems some people managed to get Nissan to replace the rear axle and in some cases it fixed the issue but in others it didn't. Appears to be some manufacturing flaw with the part. It's a pity as the tyres cant be adjusted due to the design in the rear. As soarer mentioned, rotating the tyres is the only answer, doesnt solve it it but delays the tyres needing replacement. Also a pity that it seems Nissan claim to know nothing about it and are doing nothing to resolve. You may be able to do something if you are still under warranty, but even then it looks like it is like pulling teeth with Nissan.

And yes it seems the problem is worst on the passenger side rear on the outside.

makeorbrake

@Orebro : I've posted over on speakev. Will see what the others think. I'm under warranty but need to check warranty book asap - as I might have passed a deadline to get the last service done :-(


I think I might be screwed anyway. However, is there a difference between the irish warranty on the 24kW and the UK version? Did a search and UK suggests 5 years/60,000miles and IRL suggests 3 years/100,000KM. I am JUST under the 100K - but the car was bought in the UK. Can I assume it's the UK warranty that applies (as it was sold with a UK warranty)??

Orebro

I'm new to all this so I can't help with those queries - I'm sure someone will be along to help you out though - this forum has opened a whole new world for me ðŸ˜

Same with me but I'm not that bothered in 6 months I won't be driving it any more !

sgalvin

Nissan Manufacturers warranty is 3 years on the car in general.
Sometimes the importer will extend this at their own cost to increase sales. If there is failure the importer pays to fix.

If a longer warranty was supplied for UK sales, there must have been a plan to handle it when the car was abroad. Whether it is registered abroad is a moot point, remember you can always reregister in the uk if needed!

makeorbrake wrote: »

@Orebro : I've posted over on speakev. Will see what the others think. I'm under warranty but need to check warranty book asap - as I might have passed a deadline to get the last service done :-(


I think I might be screwed anyway. However, is there a difference between the irish warranty on the 24kW and the UK version? Did a search and UK suggests 5 years/60,000miles and IRL suggests 3 years/100,000KM. I am JUST under the 100K - but the car was bought in the UK. Can I assume it's the UK warranty that applies (as it was sold with a UK warranty)??

Barlo Nissan gave me some cock and bull story and said they never heard of the issue. So I left it at that, not my car so I couldn't care less. I'll keep it in good condition as best I can for the next owner and that's all I can do.

makeorbrake

sgalvin wrote: »

Nissan Manufacturers warranty is 3 years on the car in general.
If a longer warranty was supplied for UK sales, there must have been a plan to handle it when the car was abroad. Whether it is registered abroad is a moot point, remember you can always reregister in the uk if needed!

No issue on the timeframe - it's the mileage that's the problem.

makeorbrake

It looks like I got myself a bit befuddled last night - I AM within warranty (but only just! - another 10 days and I'll be over the 60K).


Now, I can see others have had major problems trying to get this addressed by Nissan. Is there anyone here with any experience of pursuing same? An insight into tackling same would be very beneficial. Don't want them to run rings around me!

Orebro

makeorbrake wrote: »

It looks like I got myself a bit befuddled last night - I AM within warranty (but only just! - another 10 days and I'll be over the 60K).


Now, I can see others have had major problems trying to get this addressed by Nissan. Is there anyone here with any experience of pursuing same? An insight into tackling same would be very beneficial. Don't want them to run rings around me!

What I would do straight away is make contact with the dealer on it, and start getting some communications on paper, emails etc so you have the dates and mileage. Get it booked in for a check under warranty. That way when the time for your warranty expires, you will have alerted them to the problem and they can't use the warranty expired excuse and you can go from there.

feichin

I had / have this problem (2016 30kw) The rear tyres needed changing @ 30K because the passenger side was badly worn on the outside. The front tyres were good for 50K. knowing that this was an issue I've rotated them so now they are all up for replacement @ 75K. The car has been back to the main dealer twice for servicing, I suppose they would have a record of the thread depths from the first service, but at this stage I doubt I could make a case that would stand up to prove the excessive wear on the back passenger side, It's a bit annoying to hear that this is a problem on other cars and Nissan are not owning up to the problem.:(

makeorbrake

feichin wrote: »

It's a bit annoying to hear that this is a problem on other cars and Nissan are not owning up to the problem.:(

We need to organise - and get records together. They know this is a major $$ issue for them (particularly as it seems they can't fix it properly!).


I'll get to a dealer over the next couple of days.

KCross

Took my 151 for a service today. Without any discussion/debate they volunteered to change the rear axle under warranty.

When he was talking me through what they did he started with "the fronts were over inflated" so I was thinking... here we go... battle on my hands about the rear axle.... but no, straight up said the rears were out and beam needs replacing!

I was all ready with supporting data of how others had axle's replaced(in the UK). I didn't even have to suggest an axle replacement. I just told them there was bad wear on the rear when I checked it in and when I went to collect it they had contacted Dublin and they agreed on an axle replacement. They said two others have had it done in Ireland.

I'd say a lot more than that require it but from tyre rotation, people just not spotting it or not bothering Nissan about it they have only had to replace 2.... its 3 now anyway!


Just waiting on the axle to be delivered now and hopefully it will even up the wear. I was losing about 15-20% of the wear on the rears which isn't that bad compared to some on the UK forum. The fronts were fine.


For the rest of the service all they did was brake inspection, the pollen filter and topped up the washer! Its money for jam!

KCross

KCross wrote: »

Took my 151 for a service today. Without any discussion/debate they volunteered to change the rear axle under warranty.

When he was talking me through what they did he started with "the fronts were over inflated" so I was thinking... here we go... battle on my hands about the rear axle.... but no, straight up said the rears were out and beam needs replacing!

I was all ready with supporting data of how others had axle's replaced(in the UK). I didn't even have to suggest an axle replacement. I just told them there was bad wear on the rear when I checked it in and when I went to collect it they had contacted Dublin and they agreed on an axle replacement. They said two others have had it done in Ireland.

I'd say a lot more than that require it but from tyre rotation, people just not spotting it or not bothering Nissan about it they have only had to replace 2.... its 3 now anyway!


Just waiting on the axle to be delivered now and hopefully it will even up the wear. I was losing about 15-20% of the wear on the rears which isn't that bad compared to some on the UK forum. The fronts were fine.


For the rest of the service all they did was brake inspection, the pollen filter and topped up the washer! Its money for jam!

Job done. Rear axle replaced today under warranty. Looks shiny anyway. I've taken some measurements on the tyres so just have to put a few thousand km up on it now and see how it goes.

It also proves the UK warranty is good here!

I did have one issue today though.... serious case of range anxiety.... on the petrol courtesy car!.... the petrol light came on and the needle was at the bottom of the red! Could have done with a bit of regen for the last 15km! :pac:

makeorbrake

KCross wrote: »

I did have one issue today though.... serious case of range anxiety.... on the petrol courtesy car!.... the petrol light came on and the needle was at the bottom of the red! Could have done with a bit of regen for the last 15km! :pac:

Mine going in tomorrow for same. Surprised that like you, I'll be provided with a courtesy car. Am I right in thinking they are not obliged to provide same?


Did you decide to tackle Nissan Ireland re. contribution towards tyres? I know that on the speakev forum, there's at least one guy (irish based) who got a voucher towards tyres.

DrPhilG

I just had to replace both rears after 15k miles.

Passenger rear was a little worse, but nowhere near the disparity of those axle issue ones.

Fronts are low too.

ELM327

At last service (71k km), replaced both front tires (they were racing slicks at that stage). The rears were at about 3-4mm so I left them on. They are the original tires sold with the leaf. Now I'm at 80k km and I am needing to change the original rears as they are at about 1.6 mm.

EDIT: 2014 SVE leaf with 17s. Imported sept2016 with ~40k km

The 215/50 R17 on the SVE seem to last way worse than 205/55 R16 on XE/SV. Our Dunlops are wearing evenly but the offside front (which gets hammered on enthusiastic roundabout driving) has now just above 1.6 mm of thread left. The car has just over 48k km on the clock. Looks like the replacement will need to happen sometime at 50k mark. Two other tyres are closing on the wear limit and the 4th one has considerably more meat left as I had to replace it 25k ago due to a damage that could not be fixed. At that time I also rotated the tyres to get same size tyres to the driven axle which has delayed the impending tyre purchase a bit.

How does this compare to the other 17 inch owners?

Soarer

samih wrote: »

How does this compare to the other 17 inch owners?

I'd rather not talk about my private life.

Soarer

Soarer wrote: »

samih wrote: »

How does this compare to the other 17 inch owners?

I'd rather not talk about my private life.

Soarer, you are such a big ... duck. :-)

makeorbrake

so replacement tyres or no? Do Nissan Ireland have a responsibility in that regard?

ELM327

makeorbrake wrote: »

so replacement tyres or no? Do Nissan Ireland have a responsibility in that regard?

There was a warranty repair done in a number of cases documented online.
If it is found to be a warranty issue then your warranty should be transferred from UK to ROI

makeorbrake

ELM327 wrote: »

There was a warranty repair done in a number of cases documented online.
If it is found to be a warranty issue then your warranty should be transferred from UK to ROI

Yup...it's being done right now (the back beam replacement). However, I'm wondering if I have a valid claim with regard to tyre replacement (or partial claim)?

KCross

makeorbrake wrote: »

Yup...it's being done right now (the back beam replacement). However, I'm wondering if I have a valid claim with regard to tyre replacement (or partial claim)?

You can ask! I suspect it is really down to their discretion whether they replace tyres.

I didn't bother. I lost some wear but not enough to go creating waves. I was happy enough that they did the job without any hassle and they gave me a courtesy car, which they didn't have to do.

Also bear in mind I imported it so they had even less reason to be nice.

I just took the warranty repair and left it at that. If you feel you have lost, say, 50% of the wear of your tyres you should ask.... I'd say I lost maybe 15-20%.

makeorbrake

KCross wrote: »

You can ask! I suspect it is really down to their discretion whether they replace tyres.

I didn't bother. I lost some wear but not enough to go creating waves. I was happy enough that they did the job without any hassle and they gave me a courtesy car, which they didn't have to do.

Also bear in mind I imported it so they had even less reason to be nice.

I just took the warranty repair and left it at that. If you feel you have lost, say, 50% of the wear of your tyres you should ask.... I'd say I lost maybe 15-20%.

Yeah - it's the above I've been thinking of. I have an aversion as regards main dealers - but this one has been dead sound so far. Then again, none of this comes out of their pocket I think? - Nissan Ireland pick up the tab, do they not?

They did say at the outset that Nissan wouldn't listen to any claim on tyres. I have a tendency to challenge things! However, I'm thinking perhaps if I've got some semblance of goodwill going on with the dealership, perhaps I'll leave well enough alone and be happy they replaced the beam/back axle...


Someone else on speakev (irish customer) got them as far as offering a voucher towards the cost of tyres...

KCross

makeorbrake wrote: »

Then again, none of this comes out of their pocket I think? - Nissan Ireland pick up the tab, do they not?

The dealer gets paid alright. In fact they are probably delighted with the work!
I suspect Nissan Ireland doesn't even pay for it considering they fixed an imported car. Probably Nissan corporate pays.

makeorbrake wrote: »

They did say at the outset that Nissan wouldn't listen to any claim on tyres. I have a tendency to challenge things! However, I'm thinking perhaps if I've got some semblance of goodwill going on with the dealership, perhaps I'll leave well enough alone and be happy they replaced the beam/back axle...

That was my thought process. If I go back for something that isn't warranty they might see me as a customer rather than a crank!

Now, if the tyres were eaten off the car I might go a different direction but mine weren't really that bad, but they were bad enough to want it fixed.

makeorbrake wrote: »

Someone else on speakev (irish customer) got them as far as offering a voucher towards the cost of tyres...

Was the voucher usable anywhere or through the dealer. There might have been conditions on that that made it dearer than buying your own!

makeorbrake

KCross wrote: »

Was the voucher usable anywhere or through the dealer. There might have been conditions on that that made it dearer than buying your own!

There's only two reports of compensation related to tyre damage on that forum;

1. They guy was offered a discount off tyres - but to be sourced from the dealer. When he weighed it up, it was pointless as he could get them cheaper from his regular tyre supplier/fitter.

2. The second guy states this; "I got some compensation from Nissan Ireland (only after pursuing it!) in the way of a 60 euro voucher off my next service though they were pretty tight about it!"


I might ask them tomorrow if they mind if I pursue it. If they tell me to have at it, then I'll take them on. I don't think Nissan Ireland or Corporate would like this to appear in the small claims court!

That said, I don't want to go there if it upsets the dealer - they seem to have been decent thus far - and I'm sure I'm going to need them again.

makeorbrake

Got car back - with beam swapped out. I've changed my mind re. tyres.


I don't care what Nissan Corporate maintain. Damage to tyres came about as a direct result of a flaw in their build which they have already conceded liability on and responsibility for. They can hard ball all they like. Both tyres have worn out in half the time. Therefore, I will settle for a settlement to the value of 1x tyre replacement.

The feedback seems to be that they won't countenance that. We will see - as I'm committed to lodging this with the small claims court immediately upon receipt of their Dear John letter.

One question though.....Are warranties issued by the National version of Nissan or Nissan Corporate? My car is a UK sourced Leaf. Do I name Nissan Ireland as the defendant or Nissan UK, or some entity that fulfills the role of Nissan Corporate?


Many will wonder why go to the bother. I'm a bit twisted that way - it's about principal.

Barlo Nissan in Kilkenny gave me the same BS even though the rear passenger is 2mm out !

anyway I don't care , 6 months left on contract and need 4 tyres soon, going to put the cheapest non lethal tyres on it.

makeorbrake

Update regarding Nissan's responsibilities with regard to unnatural / premature lifespan of rear tyres as a result of this defect.

I tackled them on it. They immediately came back and threw all manner of nonsense at me. I thought I was being reasonable simply asking for the cost of 1x tyre - rounding it up to 50% causal wear on each back tyre. Given the lies that they came back with, made a quick call to get some basic legal advice - went back to them and advised them that my original proposal was made without legal advice and demanded 2x tyres replaced.

They offered one (without fitting!). I said I'd settle for cheque to the value of €100 or else I was lodging with the small claims court (or the equivalent in the UK - as they were suggesting that they wouldn't be on the hook for it - that it would be Nissan UK).

Cheque is in the post.


It looks like that they are quietly replacing back beams now - but at no point are they acknowledging the issue. the dealership checked the 'bulletins' - I told him he wouldn't find anything (which he didn't).


Bottom line - if you discover this defect - get it resolved under warranty and have them replace the tyres.

goz83

What year is your Leaf?

makeorbrake

goz83 wrote: »

What year is your Leaf?

2014

goz83

makeorbrake wrote: »

2014

Mine is a UK march 2014. How long is the warranty again?

makeorbrake

goz83 wrote: »

Mine is a UK march 2014. How long is the warranty again?

3 years / 60,000 miles (for a UK import). It would be 100,000KM and 3 years in Ireland. Have you noticed unnatural wear on your rear tyres (particularly the back passenger side?

No matter either way as you're out of time. I just made it in on time and mileage - I've gone beyond the mileage now and in terms of time, warranty is up on the 30 Jun. 17.

goz83

makeorbrake wrote: »

3 years / 60,000 miles (for a UK import). It would be 100,000KM and 3 years in Ireland. Have you noticed unnatural wear on your rear tyres (particularly the back passenger side?

No matter either way as you're out of time. I just made it in on time and mileage - I've gone beyond the mileage now and in terms of time, warranty is up on the 30 Jun. 17.

I've noticed some extra wear on the rear passenger alright. But I don't know if the tyres were rotated, because they are Dunlops on the rear and some other brand on the front. I'm changing the rears in a week or so and will keep an eye on it. Mileage is around 53k now

makeorbrake

goz83 wrote: »

I've noticed some extra wear on the rear passenger alright. But I don't know if the tyres were rotated, because they are Dunlops on the rear and some other brand on the front. I'm changing the rears in a week or so and will keep an eye on it. Mileage is around 53k now

It's not so much extra wear. It's uneven/unnatural wear.

If over inflated, then the expectation is that the tyre will wear in the centre moreso than the sides. If under inflated, the expectation is that the tyres will wear moreso at each side of the tyre rather than the centre.

With this issue, the wear was evident on the 'outside' of each tyre at the back. A mix of tyres shouldn't be an issue - so long as they're kept inflated to the recommended level. I had a continental and a michelin on the rears.

Keep an eye on it by all means. However, you're on your own now IF it becomes an issue - as you're out of warranty. :-(

....At least, not unless pressure is brought to bear to officially recognise the defect to the point that it becomes a recall. However, they will do all in their power to avoid that scenario.

pavelpro

I took a picture of my tyres and suspect the same problem

Passenger rear

Uneven wear at outside where it is much more than inside

Driver rear

The same situation but much less

Looks like it will be a battle to force them to change...

Car is 2014, registration in Sept.

Would you mind to share what Nissan Dealer did it for You makeorbrake?

goz83

Its the outside of the passenger rear that has the extra wear on mine. Its not bad, but I did notice it after I read it was an issue.

Now don't forget those tyres removed from the front will show increased signs of wearing as they wear more on the rear.

What I mean is that the front tyres that suffered as a result of poor alignment will show more wear as they ear further on the rear if that makes sense.

In my case the rear passenger wheel is 2mm off and Barlo Nissan said "ye must have hit something"

Anyway it's leased and I couldn't care less.

makeorbrake

pavelpro wrote: »

Would you mind to share what Nissan Dealer did it for You makeorbrake?

PM sent.

BoatMad

my tyres at 65,000km

are 20% remaining front tires

-10% nearside rear , ie 110% worn ( from 1,6 mm = 100% )
10% remaining offside rear

It does look like the leaf wears the nearside rear a bit more then the others

Most of that wear by the way seems to be recent based on the previous service

mine have not been rotated by the garage

KCross

BoatMad wrote: »

my tyres at 65,000km

are 20% remaining front tires

-10% nearside rear , ie 110% worn ( from 1,6 mm = 100% )
10% remaining offside rear

It does look like the leaf wears the nearside rear a bit more then the others

Most of that wear by the way seems to be recent based on the previous service

How would that be possible? Unless you think the issue is one that develops over time... maybe a weak axle that distorts?