NHTSA Complaint #11548857 — 2023 NISSAN LEAF

Soon after I leased this Leaf, I noticed shifting interference. It grew steadily worse over the 3 or so months I kept the Leaf. Toward the end of that time period, it took a great deal of maneuvering of the shift knob to get into the correct direction. It would flip back from position before it engaged the forward or reverse motion. I got involved in a fender bender incident which was at least partially a result of the shifting confusion. At one point I put 3-in-1 oil into the top of the shifting pad. It helped for a very short time. Finally, I could not get the car to move either forward or back. I had the car towed to the dealer. The dealer said that foreign something had gotten into the shifting mechanism. I noted that the shifting mechanism in this car is located directly adjacent to a drink cup holder. So, apparently splash from my drink caused problem. If true, at the least, the shifting mechanism ought to be water proofed from outside fluid and particulate travels. An unsafe regular occurrence, I think.