A LARGE PIECE OF THE FRONT COIL SPRING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BROKE AND FELL OFF ON THE ROAD, AS I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND TURNED INTO THE STREET. I HEARD A CLUNK IN THE FRONT AND SOMETHING FALLING ON THE ROAD. THE REMAINING SPRING ON THE CAR WAS STILL IN PLACE. I HAD MY REPAIR SHOP REPLACE THE SPRINGS.
2009 Nissan Versa
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Versa years
Owner complaints for the 2009 Nissan Versa are substantially higher than the model-year median of 95.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Versa years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
348 reports with mileage · 155 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.
- Suspension. Review the 182 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 179 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
182 reportsTHE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE IN MY MODEL YEAR 2009 NISSAN VERSA RUSTED/CORRODED AND BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH. THE NOISE WAS APPARENT AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY BEGAN PULLING SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT. I PULLED OVER TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT FIND ANY SPECIFIC REASON …
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THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE IN MY MODEL YEAR 2009 NISSAN VERSA RUSTED/CORRODED AND BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH. THE NOISE WAS APPARENT AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY BEGAN PULLING SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT. I PULLED OVER TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT FIND ANY SPECIFIC REASON FOR THE NOISE AND CONTINUED HOME. I TOOK THE CAR INTO MCCARTHY NISSAN AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING HAD RUSTED/CORRODED AND CRACKED AND THAT DRIVING THE CAR IN THAT CONDITION WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND REQUIRED IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT COILS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN VERSA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT AND REAR COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN VERSA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT AND REAR COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V573000 (SUSPENSION) AND WAS CONCERNED THAT THE RECALL REMEDY WOULD FAIL TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,985. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 02/05/16*LJ *CN
ON 10/15/2015 WENT TO NISSAN DEALER FOR ROUTINE OIL CHANGE(MILEAGE 50938)DURING INSPECTION MECHANIC FOUND BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS O SUSPENSION BAD AND WAS REPLACED AT THE COST OF $895.24 ALSO 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS WAS DONE AT THE COST OF $109.95.WHEN BACK HOME I LOOK FOR RECALLS ON SUSPENSION SYSTEM ON NISSAN VERSA AND FIND OU…
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ON 10/15/2015 WENT TO NISSAN DEALER FOR ROUTINE OIL CHANGE(MILEAGE 50938)DURING INSPECTION MECHANIC FOUND BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS O SUSPENSION BAD AND WAS REPLACED AT THE COST OF $895.24 ALSO 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS WAS DONE AT THE COST OF $109.95.WHEN BACK HOME I LOOK FOR RECALLS ON SUSPENSION SYSTEM ON NISSAN VERSA AND FIND OUT THAT THERE IS RECALL ON COIL SPRINGS EFFECTIVE AS OF 09/14/2015.AT THE TIME OF SERVICE I WAS NOT INFORMED BY THE DEALER ABOUT THIS RECALL AND WHEN I CONTACTED THEM AND ASK WHEN COILS WILL BE REPLACED I WAS TOLD THAT THEY DON'T HAVE PARTS AND I HAVE TO WAIT TILL NOV/DEC 2015 FOR THE COILS TO BE REPLACED.DO SOME RESEARCH RE:LOWER CONTROL ARMS FAILURE ON NISSAN VERSA AND FIND THAT IT MAY BE RELATED TO COILS FAILURE AS IT IS PART OF THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM INTERCONNECTED TO SPRING COILS.CORROSION OF COILS CAN CAUSE THE TENSION ON THE SPRINGS TO FAIL AND CAUSE THE OTHER PARTS OF THE SUSPENSION TO GO BAD LIKE IN MY CASE.I MY BE LUCKY THAT COILS ON MY CAR NOT BROKE OFF YET BUT FOR SURE THEY ALL READY COST ME A LOT OF MONEY AND MAY COST ME MORE BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS NOT FIX YET.GET IN TOUCH WITH NISSAN BUT WAS TOLD THAT EVEN THE ARMS ARE THE PART OF SUSPENSION SYSTEM INTERCONNECTED TO COILS-THE COILS ARE NOT CAUSE OF ARMS FAILURE.I DO NOT AGREE WITH NISSAN OPINION ON THIS AND I TOLD THEM THAT I WILL FILE COMPLAINT TO NHTSA. BECAUSE OF NISSAN REFUSAL TO ACCEPT THEY FAULT AND SOLVE THE ISSUE I DO NOT HAVE OTHER OPTION LEFT BUT FILE COMPLAINT AND MAKE OTHER NISSAN VERSA OWNERS AWARE ABOUT THE PROBLEM THEY MAY HAVE WITH THEIR CARS AS I DID.
SOMEONE TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY CAR FOR THE SUSPENSION
2009 NISSAN VERSA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE COIL SPRINGS FRACTURE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, SHE HIT A SMALL POTHOLE AND HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE CONSUMER AND HER HUSBAND THOUGHT IT WAS A FLAT TIRE, BUT AFTER PULLING OVER, THEY DID NOT SEE ANYTHING. THEY CONTINUED TO DRIVE, BUT THEN THEY HEARD …
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2009 NISSAN VERSA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE COIL SPRINGS FRACTURE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, SHE HIT A SMALL POTHOLE AND HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE CONSUMER AND HER HUSBAND THOUGHT IT WAS A FLAT TIRE, BUT AFTER PULLING OVER, THEY DID NOT SEE ANYTHING. THEY CONTINUED TO DRIVE, BUT THEN THEY HEARD ANOTHER STRANGE NOISE AND SMELLED BURNING RUBBER. BY THE TIME THE CONSUMER PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE TIRE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WAS BURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BOTH FRONT SPRINGS WERE BROKEN ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE CONSUMER STATED A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, THE LEFT REAR SPRING WAS REPLACED. ALSO, THE MUFFLER WAS REPLACED TWICE. *JB
MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SPRING BROKE AND SPEARED MY TIRE, LUCKILY WHILE I WAS PARKING. WHEN I GOT IT TOWED TO THE MECHANIC, THEY SHOWED ME THAT THE LEFT SPRING WAS CRACKED AND READY TO BREAK AS WELL. I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE BOTH REPLACED. MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE. I'M VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS MIGHT HAPPEN AGA…
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MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SPRING BROKE AND SPEARED MY TIRE, LUCKILY WHILE I WAS PARKING. WHEN I GOT IT TOWED TO THE MECHANIC, THEY SHOWED ME THAT THE LEFT SPRING WAS CRACKED AND READY TO BREAK AS WELL. I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE BOTH REPLACED. MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE. I'M VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN WHILE I'M DRIVING WITH MY 8 YEAR OLD IN THE CAR.
FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SPRING BROKE WHILE CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. FOUND LOWER PART OF THE COIL SPRING ON THE GROUND.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN VERSA. WHILE AT A COMPLETED STOP, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL POPPING NOISE UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT GOT OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRING FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN VERSA. WHILE AT A COMPLETED STOP, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL POPPING NOISE UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT GOT OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRING FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN VERSA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING FRACTURED AND FLATTENED THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Official recalls
720V008000 · 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.
18V044000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 10, 2018
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Versa Hatchback, and 2009-2011 Versa Sedan vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Nissan is recalling certain 2009-2010 Versa Hatchback, and Versa Sedan vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Nissan is also recalling certain 2009 Versa Hatchback and Versa Sedan vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and 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 passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
17V449000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jul 17, 2017
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and 2007-2012 Versa Hatchback vehicles. The affected vehicles have a driver frontal air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to moderate absolute humidity, temperatures, and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the subject inflator with a new one manufactured by a different supplier, free of charge. The recall began on March 9, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
17V028000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 10, 2017
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012 Nissan Versa hatchbacks originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A". Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Nissan is recalling certain 2009-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45 and 2009 Nissan Versa sedans and hatchbacks originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B". Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Nissan is recalling certain 2005-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2008 Nissan Versa vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on June 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
16V349000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
May 24, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2011 Nissan Versa vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Nissan is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2006-2008 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2008 Nissan Versa vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Nissan is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Infiniti I35 vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2017. All owners should receive a second notice by May 15, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
15V573000 · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
Sep 14, 2015
Nissan (Nissan North America, Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Nissan Versa vehicles manufactured May 8, 2006, to November 12, 2012, that were sold or ever registered in the District of Columbia, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front coil springs, free of charge. The recall began on February 2, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
10V401000 · Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System)
Sep 10, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR 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
2EA21002 · 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.
PE15019 · Front Coil Spring Fracture
Opened May 13, 2015 · Closed Oct 2, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
In a letter dated September 10,2015, Nissan North America,Inc. (Nissan) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety defect that may result in coil spring fracture in approximately 218,019 model year (MY) 2007 through 2012 Nissan Versa vehiclesproduced from May 8, 2006 through November12, 2012 and originally sold or ever registered in the following 22 states and the District of Columbia: Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin (NHTSA Recall 15V-573).Nissan indicated that the recalled vehicles may contain front coil springs that received inadequate phosphorous coating, have low residual stress, or a combination of both.Surface imperfections resulting from coil-to-coil contact when the spring is compressed may lead to crack initiation.Exposure of the surface imperfections to road salts, in regions with heavy use of road salts for snow and ice control, may promote crack propagation in the spring that could result in spring fracture.If the coil spring fractures it may puncture the front tire and possibly the brake line while driving, which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.ODI's analysis of complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and Nissan complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for PE15-019 identified a total of 468 non-duplicative reports alleging coil spring fractures in the subject vehicles, including 142 VOQ's and 367 Nissan complaints (41 of the incidents reported to ODI were also reported to Nissan).While the recall region accounts for approximately 43 percent of vehicle sales, the analysis found that 94 percent of the complaints involved vehicles sold or operated in those states.Approximately 27 percent of the VOQ's reporting coil spring failures in the recalled states indicated that the failure resulted in a punctured tire.ODI also identified one complaint that alleged brake line damage from a failed spring.Nissan's recall will replace both coil springs free of charge.Based on Nissan's safety recall, this investigation is closed.The 142 VOQ's referenced in this resume are: 10236143, 10405369, 10443746, 10452956, 10491553, 10497737, 10503060, 10504557, 10512390, 10512975, 10514582, 10516024, 10516085, 10521216, 10522261, 10526334, 10533856, 10537404, 10537407, 10548678, 10552124, 10559853, 10562485, 10565283, 10572591, 10578519, 10583059, 10583154, 10583496, 10583673, 10584979, 10585327, 10585377, 10585751, 10586397, 10586444, 10587798, 10588347, 10588427, 10592366, 10592498, 10592780, 10593373, 10593621, 10595215, 10596802, 10598404, 10598877, 10606859, 10606998, 10610082, 10618059, 10640845, 10644269, 10645075, 10649515, 10653189, 10659632, 10662158, 10663102, 10667071, 10667845, 10669949, 10670829, 10671894, 10676522, 10680544, 10680740, 10682397, 10691419, 10692629, 10693347, 10694156, 10694420, 10701250, 10702765, 10703126, 10704658, 10705882, 10706351, 10711805, 10712045, 10712922, 10714243, 10715041, 10715175, 10716106, 10717254, 10717320, 10717403, 10717412, 10717489, 10717563, 10720958, 10721782, 10721824, 10722113, 10722459, 10722915, 10723873, 10723972, 10723973, 10724158, 10724899, 10725002, 10725328, 10725377, 10725542, 10726251, 10726736, 10726741, 10730138, 10730154, 10730342, 10731050, 10731692, 10731799, 10731901, 10732054, 10732062, 10733059, 10733144, 10733309, 10733349, 10733607, 10733781, 10733854, 10735347, 10735353, 10735606, 10736199, 10736227, 10743474, 10743634, 10743790, 10744
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