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 Maxima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While traveling at 50 MPH in the rain consumer saw a tree that fell on the road. Consumer could not avoid hitting the tree. Impact flattened the hood, and the window shield came into the vehicle. Also, sun roof was smashed. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy. Consumer struck her head on the steering wheel. Vehicle was totaled.
Tl contact owns a 1995 Nissan Maxima. During the summer months, the contact noticed smoke coming out of the steering wheel cover where the air bag was located. He will take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnosis. The failure mileage was 144,000 and current mileage was 167,000. Updated 01/09/09. Updated 01/09/09.
While traveling approximately 20mph had collision with 3 other vehicles head-on. Maxima's air bag deployed. Driver's hands, at 8 & 4 position, were severly injured. The right fingers went into the hand & the thumb went into the wrist. Owner had 4 weeks of therapy. Unable to use hand. No burns to face due to having nylon air bag. The sensors were located in bumper at time of accident.
During vehicle rollover collision, safety restraints did not adequately support consumer, accompanied by violent/aggressive deployment of air bag resulted in severe injury (quadriplea). (atorney for consumer)( in the 239th judicial district court of brazoria county, texas: cause #3697-jg98).
The air bag light came on and remained on, after the vehicle was started. The mechanic ran a diagnostic and found the air bag had a faulty unit and it needed to be replaced. Nissan of the ne region was contacted, and they stated an air bag was not needed.
Airbag light was blinking, took vehicle to dealer. Dealer stated that airbag sensor needed replacing. Vehicle was not included in manufacturer's recall due to VIN. Please provide any further information.
Consumer was involved in a side impact collision, impact 3:00, while traveling 40 to 45 MPH and the driver's and passenger's side air bags deployed causing serious injuries to occupant.
Woman stopped short. My brakes were applied but my car hit the rear of woman's car. Airbag did not open resulting in extensive damage to my car and injury to driver.
Upon impact, during frontal crash at approx. 40mph, 11:00 on front bumper, dual airbags failed to deploy, driver sustained neck and back injury.
At 12:00 position in 35mph accident driver side airbag did not deploy until after accident driver leaving the vehicle. Tt
Airbag complaints in other Maxima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1995 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the air bags of the 1995 Nissan Maxima, 16% of the model year's 152 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Nissan Maxima airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 1995 Nissan Maxima. 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 Maxima airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 138,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 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.