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

What owners actually said

304 reports

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2006

Unknown Or Other

DIP STICK OF A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA GXE HAS SNAPPED OFF AT THE PLASTIC HANDLE AND IS NOW LODGED IN MY OIL TANK. FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED, THIS IS A PRETTY COMMON OCCURRENCE, RESULTING IN HIGH DEALERSHIP CHARGES AND SEVERE ENGINE PROBLEMS, INCLUDING ENGINE FAILURE. GREAT WORK NISSAN! *JB

NHTSA ODI #10160363

60,000 miles · Apr 25, 2006

Electrical System

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02/2003 CAR STALLED AND DID NOT RESTART,CALLED NISSAN THEY ADMITTED THERE WAS RECALL ON CRANK SENSOR. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER AND ALSO RECALL ON ECM COVER,FOAM RIPPED OUT AS "QUICK" FIX. NOW THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE IS THUMPING THE COMPUTER IS BUMPING WHEN ACCELERATING AND STOPPING; NOISE IS AUDIBLE INSIDE CAR. WENT TO DEALER TO HAVE PART FIXED DEALER WILL NOT FIX. CALLED NISSAN (NMAC) THEY CONSIDER THE RECALLED PART FIXED. THIS IS CAUSING DAMAGE TO COMPUTER UNIT AND IS DANGEROUS BEING THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE IS LOCATED THERE. CAR HAS SURGING IDLE. NISSAN WILL NOT FIX WHAT THEY DAMAGED, ENGINE CONTROL MODULE IS NOW COMPROMISED. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10156055

Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2006

Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

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WENT TO GET AN OIL CHANGE TODAY AND THE MECHANIC PULLED THE DIPSTICK AND DISCOVERED THAT THE HALF OF THE PLASTIC HANDLE THAT THE DIPSTICK WAS ATTACHED TO HAD BROKEN OFF. WE LUCKILY WERE ABLE TO REMOVE THE DIPSTICK FROM HOME WITH A PENCIL AND TAPE, HOWEVER THIS SIGNIFIES A MORE COMMON PROBLEM THAT THIS VEHICLE IS MADE OF SHOTTY PARTS. I HAD TO GET A TUNE-UP AT 25,000 MILES, MY BATTERY HAS CORROSION PROBLEMS THAT HAVE BEEN COMMUNICATED MULTIPLE TIMES TO THE DEALER WITH NO FIX, AND MY COMPUTER DIED AT 40,000 MILES AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I WILL NOW HAVE TO PURCHASE A DIPSTICK SINCE THEY USED A SHOTTY PLASTIC PART THAT CORRODED AND BROKE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. IT MAY NOT BE A SAFETY HAZARD, HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURE NEEDS TO BE HELD LIABLE. HERE IS A LINK TO MANY OTHER NISSAN CONSUMERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM: HTTP://WWW.BROOMEMAN.COM/MT/ARCHIVES/001156.HTML. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10155246

55,000 miles · Apr 3, 2006

Visibility

BOTH FRONT POWER WINDOW REGULATORS FAILED AT THE EXACT SAME TIME ON THE EXACT SAME DAY. THE CAR IS A 2002 NISSAN SENTRA WITH ONLY 55000 MILES. I AM THE THIRD PERSON IN MY FAMILY TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN WITH THEIR 2002 NISSAN. I CONTACTED NISSAN AND NOTHING WAS DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULDNT HELP MY SITUATIO…

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NHTSA ODI #10154414

36,000 miles · Feb 22, 2006

Engine And Engine Cooling

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WHEN MY 2002 SENTRA WAS BROUGHT INTO HABBERSTAD NISSAN FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE OIL DIP STICK WAS BROKEN AND THE BOTTOM WAS STUCK IN THE BOTTOM. I WAS TOLD BY NISSAN THAT THE OIL PAN HAD TO BE REMOVED TO GET IT OUT AND THAT IT WOULD COST $290.00. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE SERVICE PERSON ALSO MENTIONED THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS PROBLEM ON SEVERAL 2002 SENTRAS, HOWEVER NISSAN HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. I HAVE SINCE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 MODEL. IF ANYTHING, THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER NISSAN'S WARRANTY AND SHOULD PROBABLY BE INCLUDED AS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. NISSAN SHOULD RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER SINCE THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH THE PLASTIC DIPSTICK BREAKING APART.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10150964

40,000 miles · Feb 10, 2006

Fuel System, Gasoline

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. ALTHOUGH THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM, THE CONTACT BELIEVES IT TO BE THE FUEL PUMP. UPDATED 03/03/06. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10149942

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2006

Structure

THE DRIVER DOOR ON 2002 NISSAN SENTRA GXE WILL NOT OPEN UNLESS I LET DOWN THE WINDOW AND OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. IT MUST BE IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10149862

77,000 miles · Feb 3, 2006

Engine And Engine Cooling

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BUTTERFLY VALVE ON THE 2002 NISSAN SENTRA THE CAR STARTED TO IDLE VERY ROUGH WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & THE ENGINE VIBRATION BECAME WORSE. THE CAR STALLED & I WAS ALMOST KILLED TRYING TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR & DRIVE A FEW MORE MILES TO WORK. THE CAR WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY FOUND SPARK PLUG #1 SMASHED BECAUSE A SCREW WAS FOUND IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE DEALER SAID THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER REPLACED SEVERAL PARTS WITHIN INTAKE MANIFOLD. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS IN THE 2002 AND 2003 MODELS AS I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO WORK WITH THEM IN A REASONABLE MANNER. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY FATAL ISSUE AS NOTED IN DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH ENGINES CATCHING ON FIRE OR CAR STALLING AND LOCKING UP IN TRAFFIC. INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10149350

36,654 miles · Jan 30, 2006

Fuel System, Other

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MY 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R STALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE CONTROL UNIT. THEY REPLACED THE UNIT TWICE BECAUSE THE FIRST ONE WAS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE SINCE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO NISSAN 4 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS NOT BEING FIXED PROPERLY. THEY ALSO REPLACED THE COMPUTER AND CHARGED ME $1200 FOR WHAT WAS BASICALLY AN OIL CHANGE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT JUST CAME ON AGAIN TODAY AND I WILL TAKE IT BACK TO NISSAN TOMORROW. THERE IS SOMETHING DEFINITELY WRONG WITH THIS CAR AND IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AS IT STALLS OUT WHILE I AM DRIVING. I AM NOT GOING TO RISH MINE OR MY CHILDRENS LIFE BECAUSE NISSAN CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM! THEY KEEP BLAMING IT ON OTHER THINGS LIKE THE BRAND OF GAS I USE! IT'S DISGRACEFUL HOW DEALERSHIPS DO THIS.

NHTSA ODI #10149077

26,000 miles · Jan 13, 2006

Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringVisibility

DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND JUMPED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY DETERMINED THE RACK AND PINION AND POWER ASSIST SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB THE HEAD GAKET WAS LEAKING, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS I NOPERATIVE, THE OIL STICK WAS BROKEN. UPDATED 02/24…

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NHTSA ODI #10147684

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