Nissan LEAF 2023 Owners Manual
9.23.3. Electric power steering system
If the READY to drive indicator light is OFF while driving, the power assist for the steering will not work. Steering will require much more effort.
When the electric power steering warning light illuminates while the READY to drive indicator light ON, the power assist for the steering will cease operation. You will still have control of the vehicle but steering will require much more effort.
The electric power steering system is designed to provide power assistance while driving to operate the steering wheel with less effort.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly or continuously while parking or driving at a very low speed, the power assist for the steering wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent overheating of the electric power steering system and help protect it from getting damaged. While the power assistance is reduced, steering wheel operation will become harder. When the temperature of the electric power steering system goes down, the level of power assistance provided by the system will return to normal. Avoid repeating such steering wheel operations that could cause the electric power steering system to overheat.
You may hear a noise when the steering wheel is operated quickly. This is normal and does not indicate malfunction.
If the electric power steering warning light 
illuminates while the READY to drive indicator light is ON, it may indicate the electric power steering system is not functioning properly and may need servicing. Have the electric power steering system checked by a knowledgeable LEAF repairer such as a NISSAN certified electric vehicle dealer. (See
When the electric power steering warning light illuminates with the READY to drive indicator light is ON, the power assist for the steering will cease operation. You will still have control of the vehicle. However, steering will require much more effort, especially in sharp turns and at low speeds.