Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Nissan Sentra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - I was involved in a head on collision while driving approximately 30 mph and hit the side of the other vehicle straight on (not at an angle) and the air bags in my 2017 Nissan Sentra did not deploy. The car was undriveable after the accident and was towed to a tow lot. The insurance adjuster said that it was a total loss. When I went to claim my property from the car, the airbags had not yet deployed which was surprising because the fire rescue squad captain warned me to stay out of the front seat because based on the damage to the front of the car, he was shocked that they had not deployed and warned me that the could go off at any moment and cause me further injury. The car was towed to a lot and may or may not be available for inspection - it was released to my insurance company. …
My car was legally parked on the street near my apartment, and was hit about a month ago that left my car totaled and my trunk completely crushed in, and the back seat caved in. My car was then hit a 2nd time two weeks ago, from the back, and both times, my car ricocheted and hit the car parked in front of mine. Both times. Police said first driver had to be going at least 80 to 90 mph, and would definitely killer someone if anyone was sitting in my back seat. 2nd car was going just as fast. Not as much damage to his front fender and minor side damage, but his air bag deployed. Why did my Nissan Sentra not deploy ANY airbags for EITHER of those accidents? Luckily I was not in or driving the car. But my safety all the other times I was driving?! Unacceptable. The air bag lights were working and on too. I no longer have the car since it has been towed away to a salvage yard. …
part 2 of my first complaint about the 2017 Nissan Sentra. There is a bug in my car and I hired 'bug sweeper USA' to find the bug and remove it and they said there isn't a bug and to die. I am frightened and want the bug/transmitter removed, it is against the law in the united states and I want them arrested. I have to trade it up for a better car because I found out that it doesn't have front real drive. This car has terrible blind spots and rear drum breaks. I didn't notice that before it or I wouldn't have bought it. I feel unsafe also because it is terrible going up hills and accelerating. I test drove it on flat roads. I think these cars should be remove from the road and discontinued. I have never bought a car this terribly engineered. [redacted]
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated, indicating that the front passenger's side air bag was deactivated; however, the front passenger's side seat was occupied. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V253000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken back to the place of residence. A dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer to confirm if the VIN was included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 103,200.
On 12-30-2021 I was at a red light. A car had hit me from behind, which ended up as lost. I ended up with facial damage that took me half of 2020l2 to heal. Three stitches to my face. When I went to retrieve my items from the car it was unrecognizable. The trunk was in the backseat. Tire damage and no airbags deployed . I was wearing a seat belt that lead to buries on my upper arms and back area.
Over a year ago there was a recall on the airbags for the Nissan Sentra S 2017. I took my car in to the Nissan dealership to get that recall fixed. In April 2021 I was in a severe car accident and my airbags did not deploy.
While reverse parking into a single parking space at my apartment complex, the driver-side airbag deployed unexpectedly without any collision or impact. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was moving at a low speed and there were no warning lights, messages, or alerts prior to the airbag deployment. The airbag deployment struck me in the face and right arm, creating an immediate risk of injury. Following the deployment, the vehicle became non-drivable. The vehicle would not accelerate and would not move forward or in reverse when the accelerator pedal was pressed, indicating a possible electronic or powertrain safety system failure. There were no prior incidents, accidents, or modifications to the vehicle before this event. The vehicle was operating normally immediately prior to the airbag deployment. The failure occurred suddenly and without warning. …
The airbag sensor shows off x 2, meaning both airbags will not deploy in case of an accident. This started around June 2022. I thought it was a fluke and would eventually turn off on its own. It's been taken to Sutherlin Nissan here in Orlando, FL for service with the light on, and no mention was ever made of it; I assumed they didn't think it was a big deal, so I dismissed it. I then heard about airbag recalls affecting Nissans a year older then mine, but since I'm having the same issue, I felt it should be reported. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. While the contact's vehicle was at a complete stop, it was rear ended by another vehicle. The impact caused the two vehicles in front of the contact's vehicle to also become rear ended. The contact's vehicle was towed. Police report number: [redacted] was filed. The driver and passenger air bags failed to deploy. As a result, the contact's head struck the steering wheel. The contact suffered injuries to the back, neck, and head. Medical attention was received. The manufacturer and dealer were not contacted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 11,100. ('parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6).')
SUV driver hit our Sentra from behind while stationary; we were the last car in the line of the right lane of traffic and we were at a dead stop. We were hit very hard from behind and we slammed into the SUV in front of us. Driver and passenger airbags did not deploy for either driver or passenger during this collision. There was significant structural damage and the vehicle was considered totaled. My partner who was the passenger suffered a concussion due to this collision, our child was thankfully unharmed in a seat with a 5 point restraint.
Related recalls
Air bags
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Airbag complaints in other Sentra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2017 Nissan Sentra?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the air bags of the 2017 Nissan Sentra, 11% of the model year's 231 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2017 Nissan Sentra airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-253 (air bags, Apr 13, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2017 Nissan Sentra airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 18 crashes, 0 fires and 13 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.