Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Nissan 200SX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I had a minor fender bender about 5 days ago and my airbags deployed, causing serious burns to my hands and wrists and minor facial burns. I would have been unhurt had the airbags not deployed. I rear-ended another car due to sun glare. I had no idea airbags caused such injury and I have never received a recall notice or any other warning about this. The airbags also broke my steering wheel and my windshield. Otherwise the car suffered relatively minimal damage.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Nissan 200sx. The contact stated that the air bag indicator remained illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the part was discontinued. The contact stated that the vehicle was rejected for an inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown.
Engine light came on approximately 6/30/97 and again 4 wks ago dealership checked,stated no problem. Engine light came on 5/22/01 and on 5/27/01 car did not start. Per pep boys engine valves burned out. Airbag light came rt after left dealership after having the electrical system serviced because dashboard panel went black and interference with alarm operation. Returned to dealership and advised airbag light came on was not on prior to visit. They check and advised computer chip was bad and cost $800 to replace. Refused responsibility. I took the car in 11/2000 for over $800 in repairs, incl 90,000 mile maintenance work even though car only had 84000 miles. Work included rt cv joint replacement. Within 2 hours rt tire was flat. I paid for towing to dealership, advised just had work done on the rt side and they refuse ownership. …
I got off work and got in my car. When I started it the airbag light came on and started blinking. I let it slide for a long time after contacting Nissan because of how expensive the part was. Now im trying to sell the car and I had to fix it. Cost 623 dollars altogether. Started looking into and found out there has been a lot of airbag problems with the 200sx, some even with injuries. I think Nissan atleast owes us an explanation of why this is happening, maybe even a recall to be made.
Air bag warning light came on for no apparent reason, 4000 miles after the warrantee expired. Dealer says that it could cost up to $1,000 to turn it off/repair system. If the government is going to require this questionable equipment on a vehicle, they should also assure that it functions properly and continues to function at no additional cost to the consumer! Nissan air bags are junk!
Consumer pulled into a parking lot and made a right, shifted from 1st to second gear, and pressed on gas. 3 seconds later, airbags deployed. Consumer stated that there was no object in the road, and didn't hit anything for airbags to deploy.
Vehicle ran off the side of the road and rolled over, and neither driver's or passenger's side airbags deployed. Nissan says the vehicle had to be hit head-on in order for airbags to deploy.
Vehicle hydroplaned and crashed inot the back of a van and there was no deployment of the driver or passenger side air bag. Everything in the front of the vehicle was damage except the bumper.
While traveling in rain vehicle started sliding, then flipped over. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy . Manufacturer has been notified. Please provide further information.
Southbound ny state freeway, tractor trailer cut off vehicle, hit by rear tire on driver side, car spinned, hitting guard rail, air bag did not deploy.
Airbag complaints in other 200SX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1995 Nissan 200SX?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the air bags of the 1995 Nissan 200SX, 51% of the model year's 51 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (22 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Nissan 200SX airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 1995 Nissan 200SX, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Nissan 200SX airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 15 crashes, 1 fire and 11 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.