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2002 Nissan Maxima

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Maxima years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Nissan Maxima are substantially higher than the model-year median of 99.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

128 reports with mileage · 77 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

27 crash reports0 fire reports15 injury reports

Engine complaints

19 reports
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140,000 miles · Mar 28, 2014
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THERE WAS LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THERE WAS LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 06/10/14 MA UPDATED 09/25/2017*JS

NHTSA ODI #10575383

147,000 miles · Dec 17, 2013
Engine

DRIVING HOME ON FREEWAY MY NISSAN ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING IN EXCESS OF 65MPH AND BEING THAT ITS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION IT TRIES TO START FROM ROLLING BUT JERKS REAL HARD LIKE THE BRAKES ARE LOCKED UP AND IVE ALMOST WENT OFF THE ROAD 10 TIMES. IVE TRIED CHANGING THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR BUT CANNOT LOCATE IT AND ALL AR…

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DRIVING HOME ON FREEWAY MY NISSAN ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING IN EXCESS OF 65MPH AND BEING THAT ITS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION IT TRIES TO START FROM ROLLING BUT JERKS REAL HARD LIKE THE BRAKES ARE LOCKED UP AND IVE ALMOST WENT OFF THE ROAD 10 TIMES. IVE TRIED CHANGING THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR BUT CANNOT LOCATE IT AND ALL AREA AUTOZONES DON'T KNOW WHERE IT IS EITHER. FROM WHAT IVE GOT MY CAR HAS ALREADY BEEN PART OF THE SENSOR RECALL BUT HAS BEEN FAILING FOR THE LAST 2 1/2 YEARS AND RECENTLY BLEW A COIL PACK FROM THE DAMAGED SENSOR. ALSO THE CAR WONT START ON ONE QUICK TURN IN A MILLISECOND LIKE IT USED TO, IT TAKES ABOUT 5 SECONDS OF TURNING OVER TO START EVERYTIME NOW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10556318

25,612 miles · Nov 14, 2013
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

THE CAR HAD A RECALL PERFORMED ON 08/02/2011 TO REPLACE CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS, THE CAR RAN PERFECTLY BEFORE THE SAID RECALL. THE MENTIONED RECALL ALSO INCLUDED AN EARLIER RECALL WHICH WAS INEFFECTIVE. SOME TIME AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED THE CAR WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT TRIGGERING A CODE. FINALL…

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THE CAR HAD A RECALL PERFORMED ON 08/02/2011 TO REPLACE CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS, THE CAR RAN PERFECTLY BEFORE THE SAID RECALL. THE MENTIONED RECALL ALSO INCLUDED AN EARLIER RECALL WHICH WAS INEFFECTIVE. SOME TIME AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED THE CAR WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT TRIGGERING A CODE. FINALLY THE STALLING TRIGGERED A CODE ON 01/29/13 WHICH WAS A CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CODE WAS TRIGGERED BUT DENIED THAT IT HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE STALLING PROBLEM AND RETURNED THE CAR WITH THE INTERMITTENT STALLING CONDITION WITHOUT A DIAGNOSES. EVENTUALLY THE CAR WAS DIAGNOSED AS A BAD CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND REPAIRED ON 11/08/2013 AFTER TWO MORE VISITS TO THE DEALER AND NUMEROUS CALLS TO NISSAN NORTH AMERICA. THIS WAS VERY SAME CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR INSTALLED BY THE RECALL #R3022 WHICH WAS BAD AND IN EFFECT RENDERS RECALL #R3022 (NISSAN) INEFFECTIVE, AT LEAST IN MY CASE. NISSAN REFUSED TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSES AND REPAIR OF THE FAILED RECALL. THIS FAILED RECALL COST ME $656.08 AS WELL AS ENDANGERED MANY LIVES. NOTE: THE CAR ONLY HAS 26,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10552289

Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2013
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE ROADSIDE AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY FOR A SHORT DISTANCE BEFORE THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE ENGINE FAILED TO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE ROADSIDE AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY FOR A SHORT DISTANCE BEFORE THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE ENGINE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DEFECT WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE RECENT FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10537634

123,500 miles · Aug 23, 2013
Air BagsEngine

DRIVING AT HIGHWAYS OF GREATER THAN 40 MPH AND BEGINNING TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE WILL CUT OFF. IT WILL RESTART; HOWEVER, THIS HAS STARTED TO BE A FREQUENT AND DANGEROUS OCCURRENCE. AFTER SEVERAL TIMES, I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN BULLETIN R3022 AND NHTSA #03V-455 (ENGINE SENSORS), BEI…

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DRIVING AT HIGHWAYS OF GREATER THAN 40 MPH AND BEGINNING TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE WILL CUT OFF. IT WILL RESTART; HOWEVER, THIS HAS STARTED TO BE A FREQUENT AND DANGEROUS OCCURRENCE. AFTER SEVERAL TIMES, I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN BULLETIN R3022 AND NHTSA #03V-455 (ENGINE SENSORS), BEING REPORTED ON NOV. 17, 2003. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. SAYS THAT THE RECALL CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN CLOSED OUT. NHTSA SAYS THE RECALL CAMPAIGN IS OPEN FOR 10 YRS FROM THE DATE THE RECALL WAS REPORTED, BEING NOV. 17, 2013. TODAY'S DATE IS AUG. 23, 2013. NISSAN WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL. THE COST TO REPAIR IS $625.19. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN BULLETIN R2006 (TRANSVERSE LINK REPLACEMENT) WHICH NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. CLAIMS THEY CANNOT SEE. LASTLY, THERE IS ANOTHER RECALL R1302 (FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG INFLATOR) OF AUGUST 14, 2013, THAT NISSAN CLAIMS THEY AREN'T SHOWING AS WELL. I AM UTTERLY FRUSTRATED AND FED UP WITH NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. THE DEALERS WILL NOT HONOR ANY RECALL THAT NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. DOES NOT RECOGNIZE EVEN IF YOU HAVE THE DOCUMENTATION OF THE RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10536906

175,000 miles · Aug 15, 2013
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

NHTSA ODI #10535624

135,823 miles · Jul 8, 2013
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING ON THEY HIGHWAY MY VEHICLE "JERKED" WHILE I WAS GOING ROUGHLY 70MPH. WHEN THAT HAPPENED IT KIND OF HESITATED AND THEN MY "SLIP" AND TCS LIGHT CAME ON. LATER ON THAT DAY MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED WHILE STOPPED AT A INTERSECTION. IT STARTED BACK UP BUT STARTED VERY HARD. I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION AND TURNED …

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WHILE DRIVING ON THEY HIGHWAY MY VEHICLE "JERKED" WHILE I WAS GOING ROUGHLY 70MPH. WHEN THAT HAPPENED IT KIND OF HESITATED AND THEN MY "SLIP" AND TCS LIGHT CAME ON. LATER ON THAT DAY MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED WHILE STOPPED AT A INTERSECTION. IT STARTED BACK UP BUT STARTED VERY HARD. I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION AND TURNED IT OFF FOR ROUGHLY 10 MINUTES. I TRIED TO START IT AND IT WOULD NOT START. MY VEHICLE SAT FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS AND WHEN I TRIED IT AGAIN, IT STARTED RIGHT UP. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR NISSANS FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. ALL OF THESE ISSUES I HAD SEEMED TO MATCH UP WITH THIS RECALL. PER NISSAN MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT ONE OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. I FIND THAT HARD TO BELIEVE. I HAD TO GET MY VEHICLE FIXED SO I DID THAT TODAY. THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR WAS THE CAM POSITION SENSOR AND THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. THE AUTO SERVICE PLACE CALLED NISSAN AND NISSAN STATED TO THEM "THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE" I AM NOT VERY HAPPY WITH NISSAN RIGHT NOW. I FEEL THAT MY ISSUES SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION FOR THE RECALL. EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED RELATES BACK TO THE RECALL. RECALL I AM REFERRING TO IS CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000. PLEASE REVIEW MY NOTES AND MAYBE I CAN GET SOME HELP! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10523782

137,000 miles · Jul 8, 2013
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AFTER BRAKING TO A COMPLETE STOP. SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME ILLUMINATED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AFTER BRAKING TO A COMPLETE STOP. SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME ILLUMINATED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE A CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

NHTSA ODI #10523728

123,273 miles · Dec 31, 2012
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND THE ELE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION WAS CLEANED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO STILL ILLUMINATED. THE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WAS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,273. UPDATED 01/30/13*LJ UPDATED 1/31/2013 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10490532

Official recalls

6

20V008000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2020

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. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.

15V287000 · Air Bags

May 15, 2015

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.

03V455000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Nov 17, 2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

02V146000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

May 30, 2002

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PIN AT THE END OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK (LOWER CONTROL ARM) COULD BREAK WHERE IT IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE A KNOCKING SOUND AND ABNORMAL STEERING. THIS COULD RESULT IN DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSVERSE LINKS ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES WITH NEW ONES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

02V043000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Feb 12, 2002

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM, THE STOPPER FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL PREVENT EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR. IF THE DRIVER APPLIES OVERLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PUSHING IT TO THE RIGHT, THE PEDAL CAN "OVER TRAVEL" DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE PEDAL STOPPER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP TO COME ON AND THE ENGINE SPEED TO BE SEVERELY LIMITED. IF THIS OCCURS UNEXPECTEDLY, IT COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 11, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 800-662-6200.

02V010000 · Power Train

Jan 11, 2002

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, THE ODOMETER IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES REGISTERS DISTANCE IN KILOMETERS INSTEAD OF MILES AS IS SPECIFIED IN THE DESIGN. THE ODOMETER DOES NOT HAVE A LABEL THAT INDICATES "KILOMETERS" OR "KM" AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Not supplied

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ODOMETER TO DETERMINE IF IT IS CORRECT AND, IF NOT, WILL REPLACE THE SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 12, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

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. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.