Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 127 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports6 fire reports13 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

54 reports

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87,269 miles · Apr 22, 2005

Electrical System

WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON; 10 MILES LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED. THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE ECM FAILED. THE DEALERSHIP CHARGE THE CONSUMER TO PERFORM THE ECM MATERIAL RECALL 03V477000 BECAUSE THE ECM FAILURE WAS NOT CAUSED BY THE CONTAMINATION OF THE INNER LINING MATERIAL , IT JUST SHORTED OUT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10119045

34,000 miles · Sep 19, 2004

Electrical SystemFire

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I WAS DRIVING ON THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE AT ABOUT 65 MPH IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE. I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL, BUT ATTRIBUTED IT TO A FACTORY I DROVE BY. MY FOOT WAS ON THE GAS PEDAL, AND ALL AT ONCE MY CAR WAS POWERING DOWN, AND THE SPEDOMETER WAS DROPPING AT A RAPID SPEED, DESPITE MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. THEN, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, THE ENGINE LIGHT, AND I CRUISED MY CAR OVER TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. THANKFULLY, NO CARS WERE BEHIND ME TO REAR-END MY VEHICLE. THERE WAS A LOT OF SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PUT MY HAZARDS ON, BUT EVERYTHING POWERED OFF. I TURNED THE CAR OFF, AND RAN FAR AWAY FROM THE CAR, NOT KNOWING WHAT IT WOULD DO. I CALLED 911, AND PATRONS STOPPED TO ASSIST ME BEFORE THE POLICE AND FIREMEN ARRIVED. BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED, THERE WERE FLAMES BOTH UNDER THE HOOD AND UNDER THE CAR, AND LOTS OF BLACK SMOKE, WHICH WAS MAKING ITS WAY OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY, HARBORING OTHER DRIVERS' VIEWS. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT AFTER MUCH FORCE, AND I WAS ABLE TO RETRIEVE ITEMS OUT OF THE TRUNK AND BACK SEAT ONCE THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT. MY CAR WAS TOWED AWAY TO AN AUTOMOTIVE COMPANY.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10091286

1,345 miles · Sep 14, 2004

Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

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INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND SHIFTING ANY GEAR THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE 10 TIMES ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK THERE WERE NUMEROUS PROBLES WITH ENGINE STALLING, THE MAF HAD TO BE REPLACE NUMEROUS TIMES, THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE REVERSE LIGHT DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. (THE WIRING HARNESS ALSO REPEATED INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS) THE ENGINE WOULD STALL WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS DEPRESSED AND WHEN IN NEUTRAL IDLING AND WHEN SHIFTING THE GEARS. THE FRONT SPEAKER/TWEETERS MADE CRACKING NOISES. THE COOLING FAN WOULD COME ON WHEN NOT ACTIVATED. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10087709

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2004

Electrical System

RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED FOR THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE ENGINE WOULD STOP RUNNING ON 2002 NISSAN SENTRA.*MR THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THERE WAS A WAITING LIST FOR THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT SHE WOULD BE CONTACTED AS TO WHEN TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS. BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IT STAL…

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NHTSA ODI #10075610

Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2004

Electrical System

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I AM CONTACTING YOU WITH REGARDS TO NHSTA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V4777000 FOR THE 2002 NISSAN SENTRA. THE REPAIR PROPOSED BY NISSAN IS NOT APPROPRIATE SINCE THE COMPONENTS IN QUESTION MAY ALREADY BE PARTIALLY AFFECTED AND REMOVING THE FOAM WILL NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM FOR THE LONG TERM. ALSO IT IS VERY BAD PRACTICE TO OPEN AN ELECTRONIC MODULE AT A DEALER SINCE A LATENT DEFECT MAY BE INTRODUCED IN THE SENSITIVE ELECTRONICS BY THE SERVICING IN AN INAPPROPRIATE ENVIRONMENT. THE ELECTRONIC MODULES CAN ONLY BE PROPERLY REMANUFACTURED AT A PROPER ELECTRONIC FACILITY AND THEN RETESTED FOR FUNCTION AND QUALITY. THE MODULES SHOULD ONLY BE REPLACED AT THE DEALER FACILITY. I AM A RETIRED DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING FOR FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMS AND I KNOW THE PROPOSED PROCEDURE BY NISSAN IS UNPROFESSIONAL AND CAN LEAD TO MANY FUTURE VEHICLE PROBLEMS WITH SERIOUS CRASH AND INJURY IMPLICATIONS. PLEASE GIVE THIS PROBLEM YOUR URGENT ATTENTION BEFORE A SERIOUS INCIDENT OCCURS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10064231

35,023 miles · Feb 26, 2004

Electrical SystemFire

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED DRIVER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER STOPPED THE VEHICLE, GOT OUT, AND SMELLED PLASTIC BURNING. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. *AK *SC

NHTSA ODI #10054083

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2004

Electrical System

RECALL LETTER REGARDING THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WHILE BEING DRIVEN DUE TO CONTAMINATION OF THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) BY THE INNER LINING MATERIAL (RECALL# 03V-455, 03V-477). *PH

NHTSA ODI #10059217

31,976 miles · Jan 6, 2004

Electrical System

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HAD JUST EXITED OFF HWY - WAS DRIVING AB 45 MPH - AS I SLOWED DOWN TO APPROACH A STOP LIGHT - CAR CUT OFF/SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY - CAR WOULD NOT RESTART UNTIL APPROX 45 MINUTES LATER. CAR TOWED TO VICTORY NISSAN DEALER - CRANK POSITION SENSOR FAILED - WAS REPLACED. (CRANK POSITION SENSOR - RECALL FOR PREVIOUS YEAR MODELS.) EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE WAS ADJUSTED - CHARGE TO CUSTOMER $39.80. HAD PREMIUM MAINTENANCE AND STATE INSPECTION AT PENCE NISSAN OCT 29, 2003 - AT WHICH TIME NEITHER PROBLEM WAS RECOGNIZED. BROUGHT TO PENCE'S ATTENTION THAT GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR LIGHT WAS OUT. WAS TOLD THAT BULB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT CUSTOMER EXPENSE. PENCE NISSAN (APPROX 5 MILES TO RESIDENCE) - POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE - SERVICE MANAGER HAS NOT RETURNED MY PHONE CALL (LEFT VM MESSAGE). REPAIR INVOICES NEED TO BE MORE DETAILED/COMPLETE. VICTORY NISSAN (APPROX 25 MILES) - VERY ACCOMMODATING. VICTORY NISSAN ORDERED AND WILL REPLACE BULB UNDER "GOODWILL BY NISSAN." * FOR PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS: ODI NUMBER 10052456 AND ODI NUMBER 10052460, BOTH COMPLAINTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN MARKED "OEM." PURCHASE DATE SHOULD BE REVISED TO OCT 27, 2003. CURRENT MILEAGE WAS AN APPROXIMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10052465

47,000 miles · Nov 26, 2003

Electrical System

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I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON I-270 DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, WITH MY TWO YEAR OLD SON IN THE CAR, WHEN MY 2002 NISSAN 5 SPEED JUST SHUT OFF. I WAS IN THE CENTER LANE AND HAD TO VEER RIGHT TO GET MY CAR OFF ONTO THE BERM. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS, AND $310 LATER I FOUND OUT THAT I HAD A BAD WIRING HARNESS. THIS IS WHAT MADE MY CAR SHUT OFF. TO ME THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, MY SON AND I COULD HAVE LOST OUR LIVES, NOT TO MENTION THE PEOPLE I CUT IN FRONT OF TO TRY TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS OF THIS MECHANICAL FAILURE, THE CAR LITERALLY JUST SHUT OFF. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10047623

41,000 miles · Nov 7, 2003

Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic

WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. ALSO, THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL/ ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND BRAKES FAILED. THIS FORCED THE CONSUMER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, AND WAITED AN HOUR TO RESTART. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10046547

Official recalls

20V747000 · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Dec 1, 2020

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. In the event of a crash, Takata frontal passenger air bag 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: 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. The recall began January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PM964.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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

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. The recall began January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PM964.

Air Bags

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

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.

07V527000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Nov 14, 2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IS SO BRIEF THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. CERTAIN MY 2006 ALTIMAS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 06V223 (NISSAN R0606) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL SINCE THE REPROGRAMMING FOR 06V223 ALSO INCLUDED THIS REPROGRAMMING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

03V511000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Dec 10, 2003

ON CERTAIN ELECTRIC VEHICLES, THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK'S BALL JOINT BRACKET MAY BREAK FROM STRESS CONCENTRATION AT A NOTCH CREATED BY SURFACE ROUGHNESS AND THE SHAPE OF THE MATERIAL CUT-LINE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Not supplied

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRACKET ON THESE VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

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.

03V477000 · Electrical System:ignition:module

Nov 14, 2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE QG18DE ENGINE OR QR25DE ENGINES, THE FOAM MATERIAL USED FOR THE INTERIOR LINING OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) BOX EMITS SULFUR AS IT CURES.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF ONE OF THE RESISTORS INSIDE THE ECM HAS A CRACK ON THE SURFACE COATING, THE GAS MAY CAUSE CORROSION OF THE RESISTOR. THIS COULD CAUSE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO COME ON, POOR DRIVABILITY (IDLE INSTABILITY, POOR ACCELERATOR), OR THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE INSIDE LINING MATERIAL FROM THE ECM BOX. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

03V084000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Mar 11, 2003

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE, THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD THAT COULD BE IGNITED BY CONTACT WITH THE MAIN CATALYST. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: EITHER OF THESE TWO CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN. IN ADDITION TO THE CORRECTIVE ACTION, IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE IN THE EVENT OF POOR OR IMPROPER MAINTENANCE THAT COULD RESULT IN OIL SPILLAGE, HEAT SHIELD(S) WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE PRE-CATALYST AND EXHAUST TUBE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2003. 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. NISSAN RECALL NOS. R3007, R3014, R3015, R3016, R3017. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE. IF SUBSTRATE PARTICLES ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER, THEY COULD SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS, RESULTING IN INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION. IF THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL IS NOT CHECKED ON A PERIODIC BASIS AND DROPS BELOW THE LOW LEVEL, AND THE DRIVER CONTINUES TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE IGNORING NOTICEABLE ENGINE NOISE, ENGINE DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE PRE-CATALYST WILL BE TESTED TO ENSURE IT IS WORKING PROPERLY AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. IF DAMAGE IS FOUND INSIDE THE PRE-CATALYST, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE ENGINE.

02V056000 · Unknown Or Other

Feb 15, 2002

ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NISSAN-APPROVED ACCESSORY FLOOR MAT THAT WAS INSTALLED EITHER AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT OR BY THE DEALER, DUE TO THE LENGTH OF THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT, A SMALL AMOUNT OF MAT MOVEMENT COULD CAUSE THE MAT TO INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND NOT ALLOW THE PEDAL TO RELEASE AFTER IT IS DEPRESSED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS UNEXPECTEDLY, IT COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT AND IF IT IS A NISSAN FLOOR MAT SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR MATS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 18, 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.

01V376000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Dec 12, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE VEHICLES WERE MISSING TAMPERPROOF CAPS THAT PREVENT HORIZONTAL HEADLAMP ADJUSTMENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THESE CAPS ARE INSTALLED TO PREVENT MISADJUSTMENT OF THE HEADLAMPS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A TAMPERPROOF CAP OVER THE HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT SCREW FOR BOTH HEADLAMPS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 14, 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.

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

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

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module