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 2009 Nissan Murano owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that several years ago, the vehicle was stolen, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was involved in a crash and that the air bags should have deployed; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact was unaware of several details associated with the crash, including the speed at the time of the crash. The vehicle was towed and returned to the contact by the Police Department. A Police report was filed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V916000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the vehicle was not repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the passenger's side air bag light flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the battery was reset, and the warning light disappeared. A few weeks later, the warning light returned, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the failure with a defective sensor inside the passenger's side seat. Upon investigation, the contact linked that failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V521000 (Air Bags, Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified and informed that contact that there were no open recalls on the vehicle. The contact was also provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger's side air bag needed to be replaced; however, the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the passenger's side air bag part was no longer being manufactured. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The consumer stated that a replacement part was available from a salvage dealer but it wouldn't work because her vehicle would need the exact make and model that it came with. The vehicle is yet to be repaired and the passenger air bag sensor is still faulty.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger's side airbag warning light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the occupant classification control unit was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V521000 (Air Bags). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 105,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a diagnostic test was performed on the vehicle by the dealer and it was determined that a sensor in the front driver's side seat was defective, causing the failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacture was also notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall on the VIN and the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 207,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front passenger air bag failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
In reference to my 2009 Murano, I like to bring my concern/complaint into your attention that since Jan 07, 2023, my Murano's airbag light is blinking. On Jan. 16, 2023, I took my SUV to ACME Nissan dealer situated at 2050 Highway 130, South Brunswick, NJ. 08852 for checkup and repair. Dealer diagnosed airbag issue code B1018 and advised "in control unit K8820-1AL0A and 873A2-3Z53A seat sensor are bad and need to be replaced. Dealer mentioned that they cannot replace these part/sensors, because they are not available thru Nissan anymore. Dealer also tried to get these parts from the aftermarket dealer. But these parts are also not available in aftermarket. Not functioning of airbags is a big-time Safety issue. I contacted Nissan customer service support and opened the case (48254432). But some reason they are not helping me at all in resolving this safety issue. …
Nissan has a voluntary recall for faulty air bag sensors on 2009 Nissan Murano but when you take it in they say your vin is not included. This is fraud because they know that ALL Muranos from 2009 and other years have a faulty sensor in the passenger seat and the air bags will NOT deploy. They lie because the fix is a new seat cushion which is expensive. They try to charge owners $5000 to repair a safety issue that is their responsibility. There are many, many complaints for this issue and many people are driving around without airbags because of Nissan's dereliction. How many people will die??
The contact's daughter owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact's daughter called a dealer who informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle and that an extensive repair would have to be performed on the vehicle. The contact then called the manufacturer who informed him that there were no recalls or warranties on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
The icon for the passenger airbags are flashing on my vehicle dashboard about two months ago (11/2022). Back in 2013 my vehicle was in a crash with substantial front end damage...no other vehicle was involved. Also the airbags in front row seats did not deploy. I'm planning on taking in my vehicle to get it checked out and tuned. Any guidance from NHTSA is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Related recalls
Air bags
Nissan is recalling 16,365 my 2008 Infiniti ex35 and my 2009 Nissan murano vehicles. Due to incorrect software programming, the air bag control unit (acu) May cause the passenger air bag not to operate as designed if the vehicle battery becomes significantly discharged.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the acu in affected vehicles. The recall began on February 19, 2008. Owners May contact Infiniti at 1-800-662-6200 or Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Airbag complaints in other Murano years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2009 Nissan Murano?
NHTSA has 91 complaints about the air bags of the 2009 Nissan Murano, 14% of the model year's 635 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Nissan Murano airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-066 (air bags, Feb 12, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2009 Nissan Murano airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 0 fires and 19 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.