Nissan Versa Recall Issued Over Unexpected Airbag Deployments

A recall has been issued for than 50,000 Nissan Versa vehicles, due to a risk that the side airbags may deploy inadvertently upon the closing of the passenger door, posing an injury risk for occupants. 

The Nissan airbag recall was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on March 6, following reports that suggest the side impact sensor connectors may degrade, causing the side curtain airbags to suddenly deploy when the door is closed. To date, no injuries have been reported in relation to the recall.

According to Nissan, the vehicle’s airbag sensor connector harness was found to have been made from dissimilar metals, which may lead to fretting and oxidation on the pins of the Satellite Sensor-to-Airbag Control Unit (ACU) harness connection.

In the event this communication is lost between the systems, the airbags could deploy inadvertently upon the door being slammed shut, putting occupants in danger of being struck by the ejected airbag.

The recall includes an estimated 54,751 model year 2012 Nissan Versa vehicles manufactured by Nissan North America, Inc. from June 9, 2011 to April 2, 2012.

Nissan has not yet released a notification schedule, however, Nissan officials have stated that they will begin notifying owners of the issue and the anticipated repair remedy. Customers will be instructed by their notice from Nissan to contact their local dealer to have a new jumper harness installed, and to replace the side impact satellite sensor, free of charge.

Customers with additional questions may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261 and reference the NHTSA recall number “17V-144”. Customers may also report further adverse events to the NHTSA by contacting the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or by visiting them online at www.safecar.gov.