Airbag complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2025 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2019 | 14 | 6% | 30,000 miles |
| 2018 | 9 | 5% | 48,000 miles |
| 2017 | 26 | 11% | 48,000 miles |
| 2016 | 24 | 9% | 26,000 miles |
| 2015 | 44 | 13% | 17,000 miles |
| 2014 | 51 | 13% | 40,000 miles |
| 2013 | 96 | 15% | 16,000 miles |
| 2012 | 20 | 11% | 72,000 miles |
| 2011 | 20 | 14% | 65,000 miles |
| 2010 | 31 | 22% | 65,000 miles |
| 2009 | 15 | 27% | 79,000 miles |
| 2008 | 53 | 32% | 104,000 miles |
| 2007 | 41 | 27% | 99,000 miles |
| 2006 | 30 | 26% | 109,000 miles |
| 2005 | 21 | 12% | 139,000 miles |
| 2004 | 32 | 16% | 85,000 miles |
| 2003 | 16 | 9% | 125,000 miles |
| 2002 | 30 | 10% | 79,000 miles |
| 2001 | 11 | 5% | 100,000 miles |
| 2000 | 16 | 9% | 150,000 miles |
| 1999 | 7 | 12% | 101,000 miles |
| 1998 | 15 | 26% | 73,000 miles |
| 1997 | 33 | 31% | 121,000 miles |
| 1996 | 53 | 38% | 148,000 miles |
| 1995 | 46 | 39% | 179,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while at a complete stop, another vehicle going 40 MPH, crashed into the rear end of the vehicle, causing her vehicle to crash into the rear end of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact hit her face on the steering wheel and sustained bruises on her face. The contact did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The dealer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
The contact owns a 2019 NISSAN SENTRA. The contact stated while driving AT 25MPH and in the process of turning, another vehicle had crashed into the vehicle. None of the airbags deployed. The contact was the only one injured and sought medical treatment. The contact sustained a hand sprain, head pain, shoulder pains, neck pains, foot pains, and ankle pains. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence by a friend. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure and told the contact that the vehicle was not in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra SV. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, she depressed the brake pedal and pressed the push start button but the vehicle failed to start. The warning message "Malfunction Indicator Light" illuminated. The contact stated that as she continued to depress the brake pedal and squeezed an unknown wire under the steering wheel, she was able to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The contact also stated that the brake pedal would make abnormal loud sounds and would intermittently hesitate to respond while driving. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact stated that she continued to depress the brake pedal but it failed to respond. …
On [redacted], my 2018 Nissan Sentra was involved in a severe accident on [redacted] in Maryland. Despite the high-impact nature of the collision, none of the airbags deployed. The driver's seat collapsed completely, causing total loss of control, and the seatbelt system applied excessive pressure, restricting movement dangerously. Nissan North America refused to inspect the vehicle and redirected responsibility to the insurance company without addressing the obvious technical failures. Additionally, I have provided video footage and photographs documenting the extent of the damage. My son, the driver, suffered serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial loss due to post-accident disability. I respectfully request an immediate investigation into the safety defects of the 2018 Nissan Sentra regarding airbags, seat structure, and seatbelt system.
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. …
I filed a complaint a couple months ago, about my car driving erratic and slipping of gears , jolting, cutting off in traffic etc; Now this complaint is about an accident caused by the jolting of the car which crashed my car into the back of someone else's... this car is a death trap... Nissan needs to be held responsible for these death trap cars Cvt transmission is its major problem... this season of car was recalled but my car was not.... It was a major recall on these cars I need my transmission repaired by Nissan.... My first complaint was of driving disasters jerking of transmission slipping cutting off in traffic my life's been in danger since I bought this car now I damaged my car and someone else car do to Nissan's negligence....Not holding up to repairing their malfunctioning cars....
Airbag did Not deploy when in a multi vehicle accident. Total loss, seat broke during impact, frame bent . Front end and rear end damage. Total hazard. I had maintenance done June 5 at Nissan dealer and was never notified of any open recalls.
Related recalls (10)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2002-2006 Sentra vehicles whose passenger air bags were previously inspected and may have been released without replacing the Takata air bag inflator.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been completed. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will re-inspect the vehicle and, if necessary, replace the air bag inflator, free of charge.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020.
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.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 LEAF vehicles manufactured February 24, 2016, to March 23, 2016, and Sentra vehicles manufactured February 9, 2016, to March 4, 2016. The wiring harness connector may disconnect from the dual-stage passenger air bag.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness connector for proper engagement and, if necessary, replace the passenger air bag module and main body harness, free of charge.
Show 5 more recalls
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Sentra vehicles manufactured June 4, 2012, to April 9, 2016. The front passenger seat belt bracket may become deformed if it is used to secure a Child Restraint System (CRS).
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reinforce the seat belt bracket as well as reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU), free of charge. The recall began on June 13, 2016.
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City…
Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano,…
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Air bags
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Air bags
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, Sentra, and Infiniti JX35 vehicles. Sensors within the passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) may have been manufactured out of specification. This may cause the system to malfunction and permanently suppress the passenger airbag.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ODS sensors and replace them as neccessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag…
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag…
Occupant Classification System Failure
In April 2014, Nissan North America launched Safety Recall 14V-138 to address problems with the Occupant Classification System (OCS) algorithm in the following vehicles: model year (MY) 2013-2014 Nissan Altima, Pathfinder, Sentra and LEAF; MY 2013 Infiniti JX35; MY 2014 Infiniti QX60 and Q50; and MY 2013 Nissan NV 200/Taxi vehicles.According to Nissan, the OCS may misclassify adult front passenger occupants and turn…
Occupant Classification System Failure
In May 2016, Nissan North America issued a safety recall (16V-244) to address the problem of improper classification of adult front seat passengers in approximately 3.3 million vehicles, including those in the scope of this investigation when it was opened (almost one million vehicles) and additional vehicles, as shown below.Nissan models: certain model year 2013-2016 Altima, 2013-2016 LEAF, 2016-2017 Maxima,…
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Sentra years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (96), 1996 (53), 2008 (53), 2014 (51) and 1995 (46) model years. Airbag complaints make up 15% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Nissan Sentra airbag problems?
Yes — 10 recalls, including 24V-154 (inflator module, Feb 27, 2024); 20V-747 (inflator module, Dec 1, 2020); 20V-008 (inflator module, Jan 9, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Nissan Sentra airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles; 43% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (134 mentions), followed by the frontal › sensor/control module (11).
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.