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2011 Nissan Versa

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Versa years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Nissan Versa are substantially higher than the model-year median of 95.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

146 reports with mileage · 123 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.

  • Air Bags. Review the 152 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 21 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 reports15 injury reports

What owners actually said

269 reports
41,000 miles · Oct 23, 2012
Engine

THE MOST RECENT DATE HAS BEEN 10/21/12. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED IN JUNE AND APRIL. WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR WILL COMPLETELY TURN OFF. ONCE PULLED OVER, I AM ABLE TO RE-START IT. THE DEALERSHIP CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10481997

12,000 miles · Sep 27, 2012
Tires

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN VERSA WITH CONTINENTAL C0NTI PRO, SIZE P185/65R15, DOT#P5FP3RN TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRE TREADS WERE WEARING DOWN PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES, WHO STATED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION THEY DECIDED TO ROTATE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN VERSA WITH CONTINENTAL C0NTI PRO, SIZE P185/65R15, DOT#P5FP3RN TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRE TREADS WERE WEARING DOWN PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES, WHO STATED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION THEY DECIDED TO ROTATE THEM. THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED A PARTIAL REBATE TOWARDS THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,804.

NHTSA ODI #10477261

35,000 miles · Sep 17, 2012
Engine

BROUGHT THE CAR IN AUGUST 2011. AT EVERY SERVICE I WOULD REPORT OF KNOCKING NOISE AS IF THE CAR WAS IN NEED OF OIL. I WAS REPEATEDLY TOLD THAT THERE IS/WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. AGAIN IN AUGUST 2012; I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE NOISE ONE OF THE NEW TECH'S LOOKED AT THE CAR AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT MY ENGINE WAS GONE AND THEY …

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BROUGHT THE CAR IN AUGUST 2011. AT EVERY SERVICE I WOULD REPORT OF KNOCKING NOISE AS IF THE CAR WAS IN NEED OF OIL. I WAS REPEATEDLY TOLD THAT THERE IS/WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. AGAIN IN AUGUST 2012; I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE NOISE ONE OF THE NEW TECH'S LOOKED AT THE CAR AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT MY ENGINE WAS GONE AND THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE IT WHICH THEY DID DO. THE ONLY THING I HAVE TO ASK SHOULD THE WARRANTY START OVER? *TR *JS

NHTSA ODI #10475658

10,000 miles · Aug 15, 2012
Seats

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN VERSA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT WOULD RECLINE INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO OFFERED TO REPLACE THE SEAT. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS N…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN VERSA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT WOULD RECLINE INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO OFFERED TO REPLACE THE SEAT. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,000.

NHTSA ODI #10470827

12,000 miles · Oct 11, 2011
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT (WITH A HERTZ RENTAL CAR IN KAUAI HAWAII) AND SWITCHING BETWEEN HIGH BEAM AND LOW BEAM AND TRAVELING AT 40 MPH ALL THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF. THE STALK MOUNTED SWITCH CONTROLS BOTH HEADLIGHT ON/OFF (ROTARY MOTION) AND HIGH BEAM-LOW BEAM WITH BACK AND FORTH STALK MOTION. AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR A…

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WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT (WITH A HERTZ RENTAL CAR IN KAUAI HAWAII) AND SWITCHING BETWEEN HIGH BEAM AND LOW BEAM AND TRAVELING AT 40 MPH ALL THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF. THE STALK MOUNTED SWITCH CONTROLS BOTH HEADLIGHT ON/OFF (ROTARY MOTION) AND HIGH BEAM-LOW BEAM WITH BACK AND FORTH STALK MOTION. AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND SUCCESSFULLY USING THE HIGH-BEAM LOW BEAM SELECTOR OFTEN, ON THE NEXT CHANGE BETWEEN HIGH AND LOW BEAM THE ROTARY MOTION OF THE KNOB ALSO ENGAGED AND TURNED THE HEADLIGHTS OFF. I HAVE SIMILAR CONTROLS ON MY CAR AT HOME AND THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED. THE ROTARY MOTION OF THE ON / OFF KNOB REQUIRES JUST A VERY LIGHT TWIST AND THE IN-OUT MOTION NEEDED TO CHANGE BETWEEN HIGH AND LOW BEAM ALSO TWISTED THE OFF SWITCH. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE CAR TO A HALT WITH THE BRAKES AND STAY ON THE ROAD. IT WAS VERY SCARY AND VERY FRIGHTENING TO BRAKE FROM 40 MPH IN THE PITCH DARK NOT KNOWING IF THE NEXT INSTANT WAS TO BRING A CRASH. MY WIFE WAS ALSO VERY SHOOK UP. AFTER I STOPPED I FIGURED OUT WHAT HAPPENED. IT WAS PITCH BLACK OUTSIDE WITH NO STREET LIGHTS. THIS CAN KILL SOMEONE!! THE FLUTED SURFACE OF THE ON/OFF KNOB EXACERBATES THE PROBLEM AND MAKES IT EASIER FOR A LIGHT BRUSH WITH A FINGER TIP TO TURN THE KNOB AND HEADLIGHTS OFF. THE VIN I COPIED FROM THE LIHUE AIRPORT HERTZ RECEIPT FOR THE RENTAL. LICENSE NUMBER WAS [XXX], HAWAII .IT WAS A RED COLOR CAR WITH AUTOMATIC SHIFT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10429877

3,800 miles · Aug 26, 2011
Seats

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN VERSA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT WOULD SPORADICALLY RECLINE WITH FORCE AND WITHOUT ACTIVATION. THE CONTACT HAD RECENT BACK SURGERY AND WAS UNABLE TO DRIVER, THEREFORE HE HAD TO RISE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND WHENEVER THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR, IT WOULD CAUSE HORRENDOUS PAIN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN VERSA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT WOULD SPORADICALLY RECLINE WITH FORCE AND WITHOUT ACTIVATION. THE CONTACT HAD RECENT BACK SURGERY AND WAS UNABLE TO DRIVER, THEREFORE HE HAD TO RISE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND WHENEVER THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR, IT WOULD CAUSE HORRENDOUS PAIN TO THE CONTACT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PASSENGER SEAT HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUOUSLY RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND AUTHORIZED THE FIRST SEAT REPAIR BUT WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH ANY FURTHER REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,800.

NHTSA ODI #10421624

Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2011
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

NISSAN VERSA 1.6 BASE SEDAN, SPEEDOMETER PROBLEM. SHOWING A SPEED HIGHER THEN THE ACTUAL SO I AM GETTING MORE MILES THEN ACTUAL AND MIGHT RESULT IN THE EARLIER EXPIRATION OF WARRANTY. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10413519

22,000 miles · Apr 27, 2011
Steering

I HAVE A MAJOR STEERING ISSUE WITH MY 2009 NISSAN VERSA SL. THE DEALERSHIP, SOUTHERN STATES NISSAN IN RALEIGH NC, HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE VEHICLE 4 TIMES, BUT HAS FAILED. WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS I EXPERIENCE CLUNKING, POPPING, AND VIBRATIONS AT LOW SPEEDS. THE SERVICE HAS NOT BEEN SATISFACTORY BECAUSE I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN T…

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I HAVE A MAJOR STEERING ISSUE WITH MY 2009 NISSAN VERSA SL. THE DEALERSHIP, SOUTHERN STATES NISSAN IN RALEIGH NC, HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE VEHICLE 4 TIMES, BUT HAS FAILED. WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS I EXPERIENCE CLUNKING, POPPING, AND VIBRATIONS AT LOW SPEEDS. THE SERVICE HAS NOT BEEN SATISFACTORY BECAUSE I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN THE CAR BACK ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS, AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH MY VERSA FOR MORE THAN A YEAR, AND I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VERSA MAKES A SLIGHT "THUNK" NOISE WHEN MAKING SLOW RIGHT HAND TURNS, AND I CAN ALSO FEEL IT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT SEEMS MORE PREVALENT WHEN LEAVING A PARKING LOT OR DRIVEWAY, WHEN I TURN RIGHT (OR MOVE THE WHEEL BACK RIGHT AFTER A LEFT HAND TURN, TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE CAR). ALL THESE ISSUES ARE ACTING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVING SLOWLY AND MAKING RIGHT TURNS, AND MORE SO WHEN GOING UP OR DOWN ELEVATIONS, IT HAPPENS VERY LOUDLY AFTER THE STEERING WHEEL HAS BEEN ROTATED FROM THE FULL CLOCKWISE (RIGHT HAND TURN) AND IS BEING RETURNED TO THE STRAIGHT AHEAD POSITION. THE CLUNK IS ALWAYS THERE AT 1 TO 1 1/4 TURN FROM THE FULL CLOCKWISE STOP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10398004

4,386 miles · Dec 7, 2010
SteeringTires

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2011 NISSAN VERSA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE ROD FRACTURED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEEL BELT WAS VISIBLE ON BOTH FRONT TIRES. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BUT IT WAS RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE RENTAL COMPANY. THE VIN WAS NOT AVA…

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TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2011 NISSAN VERSA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE ROD FRACTURED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEEL BELT WAS VISIBLE ON BOTH FRONT TIRES. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BUT IT WAS RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE RENTAL COMPANY. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,386.

NHTSA ODI #10369443

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.

18V401000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jun 15, 2018

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2011 Nissan Versa sedan vehicles and 2011-2012 Nissan Versa hatchback vehicles ever registered in the states of 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. Nissan is also recalling 2010-2011 Nissan Versa sedan vehicles and 2010-2012 Nissan Versa hatchback vehicles ever registered in the states of 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. 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 front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

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.

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.

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

2

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.

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