FaultScore

Nissan Xterra airbag problems

179 of the 4,194 complaints filed about the Nissan Xterra are about the airbag system — 4% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2007.

179

Complaints

4%

Share of all complaints

63

Crashes

1

Fires

Airbags complaints by model year

2000 Xterra 15 8.4%

Median failure at 65,000 miles

2001 Xterra 8 4.5%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

2002 Xterra 19 10.6%

Median failure at 91,803 miles

2003 Xterra 10 5.6%

Median failure at 18,000 miles

2004 Xterra 4 2.2%

Median failure at 65,500 miles

2005 Xterra 20 11.2%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

2006 Xterra 20 11.2%

Median failure at 90,000 miles

2007 Xterra 27 15.1%

Median failure at 110,000 miles

2008 Xterra 23 12.8%

Median failure at 58,250 miles

2009 Xterra 6 3.4%

Median failure at 78,000 miles

2010 Xterra 11 6.1%

Median failure at 83,800 miles

2011 Xterra 9 5.0%

Median failure at 42,432 miles

2012 Xterra 4 2.2%
2014 Xterra 3 1.7%

Median failure at 79,500 miles

What owners said

2014 Nissan Xterra Durango, CO

AIR BAGS

The side curtain airbags on my 2014 Nissan Xterra deployed unexpectedly, without any collision or impact. Nissan's Dispute Resolution Programs team is currently investigating (Incident #56613207). I was currently driving and luckily was able to pull over without any further issues but it could've been much worse if there was heavier traffic on the road. The vehicle was taken to a Nissan dealership for inspection following the unexpected deployment. Nissan's Technical Specialist attempted to download the Event Data Recorder (EDR) data during that visit but encountered an error and was unable to retrieve it. es. Nissan's Incident Investigation Specialist and a Technical Specialist have been involved through Nissan's Dispute Resolution Programs (Incident #56613207). No there were never any warnings or any dash lights to give warning. It was an immediate and unexpected airbag deployment.

NHTSA complaint #11747910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2009 Nissan Xterra Long Beach, CA

AIR BAGS

I took my car to complete Recall NumberPC945, I was told that my car has an issue with the driver side air Bag - Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: REPLACE SPIRAL CABLE - C1163/B1049 and also another issue related to the driver side airbag that is under the steering wheel. I was quoted over $2000 to fix the issue. The recall is to replace the decal over the airbag and I think the issue is bigger than that, the issue is the airbag clock spring/ spiral cable that malfunctions and not only the plastic plate. A quick Google search will show you that this is a known issue that impacts thousands of Xterra owners. Nissan is fraudulently just replacing the plastic Nissan Emblem when the issue is way bigger than that and could cause bodily harm to the driver if the air bag doesn't deploy.

NHTSA complaint #11722570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Nissan Xterra Coachella, CA

AIR BAGS

I took my 2007 Nissan Xterra to the dealer on 08/04/2025 to complete the air bag safety recall. The dealer performed the recall service, but the recall status has not been updated in the system or on the NHTSA website. It still shows as “incomplete.” Because the recall remains listed as open, I am unable to pass my brake and light inspection or complete my vehicle registration with the DMV. I have contacted the dealer and Nissan customer service multiple times, but they have not corrected the recall record or provided a timeline for when it will be updated. The recall has technically been completed, but Nissan’s failure to update the record is preventing my vehicle from being legally inspected and registered. I am requesting NHTSA’s help to ensure the manufacturer updates the recall status properly.

NHTSA complaint #11691704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Nissan Xterra Lyons, CO

AIR BAGS

The airbag warning light started flashing. I took the car to Valley Nissan in Longmont, Colorado where I was told that they need to replace the AirBag Diagnosis Sensor and the RH side Airbag Module. Valley Nissan said that these parts were no longer being produced, so they could not complete this repair. The airbag system is not functioning which puts me and my passengers at risk if there is an accident that should activate the airbags.

NHTSA complaint #11684563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 Nissan Xterra Exeter, PA Crash

AIR BAGS

I have been in three accidents, of decent speed, and my airbags never deployed. I was told to report that.

NHTSA complaint #11679591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2005 Nissan Xterra Rochester, NY

AIR BAGS

The front airbag crash sensor on my 2005 Nissan Xterra failed and is currently unavailable due to an extended backorder. Firestone Auto provided a work order confirming the need for replacement. The airbag warning light has been flashing continuously for the past four months, indicating a system malfunction. My advisor contacted Nissan dealers three times, and they confirmed the part remains on backorder. This ongoing issue poses a significant safety risk, particularly with the increased driving expected during the upcoming winter season. The sensor has not been replaced or inspected by Nissan, a technician, insurance representatives, or other parties. The part failure has been confirmed by Firestone, but not inspected directly by the manufacturer. I would love to have it solve so I can take my wife to DMV road test.

NHTSA complaint #11675017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2005 Nissan Xterra at 50,000 miles Round Rock, TX

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle stalled with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle moved forward and stopped suddenly intermittently. On another occasion, the A/C became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and unknown repairs were performed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was not insured due to the several failures, and the not being able to be repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (AIR BAGS). The vehicle was not repaired for the recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA complaint #11647503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Nissan Xterra at 167,000 miles Memphis, TN

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V690000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle, the air bag warning light was blinking. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The contact refused to pay for the diagnostic test and stated that the warning light was not illuminated prior to the recall repair being performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

NHTSA complaint #11625920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Nissan Xterra Northvale, NJ Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

THE NISSAN WAS IN A SEVERE ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED. THERE WERE 4 PEOPLE IN CAR WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURED. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID DEPLOY AND THOSE TWO PEOPLE RECEVED INJURIES BUT NOT LIFE THREATING. THE DRIVERS SIDE WHERE THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSED SIGNIFICANT INJURIES THE DRIVER HAD MAJOR SPINAL SURGERY INWHICH SHE HAD TO DO REHABILITATION TO WALK AGAIN FOR 8 MONTHS. THE BACK SEAT PASSENGER HAD TO BE AIR LIFTED TO A HOSPITAL AND 18 MONTHS LATER IS STILL PARALYZED AND UNABLE TO WALK. SHE IS CURRENTLY STILL IN A REHABILITATION HOME.

NHTSA complaint #11625141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Nissan Xterra at 145,000 miles Beaumont, TX

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger's side air bag intermittently. The front passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was provided a cost for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

NHTSA complaint #11619155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Nissan Xterra West Covina, CA

AIR BAGS

After getting the air bag control module reprogrammed per the recall, I was on a dirt road and the rollover airbags deployed when they shouldn’t have. The dealership I got the recall done at is claiming the airbag system registered “rollover conditions”. When I asked what the conditions were they told me they were unable to provide them. I am concerned either their reprogramming didn’t fix the issue or that they never actually reprogrammed it. Either way my airbags deployed when I was no where near a roll over situation and luckily no one was injured in this instance

NHTSA complaint #11614259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Nissan Xterra Tucker, GA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11553070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Nissan Xterra Derry, NH

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11552800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Nissan Xterra Aberdeen, MD

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11550755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Nissan Xterra Santa Rosa, CA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11549653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Nissan Xterra Newark, NJ

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available

NHTSA complaint #11540103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2005 Nissan Xterra Heartland, TX

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. No information on parts availability was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11537250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Nissan Xterra Blauvelt, NY

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11531322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 Nissan Xterra Exeter, PA Crash

AIR BAGS

My vehicle has been in 3 accidents. Being rear-ended at 70MPH, again six months later at 60MPH, then the forward vehicle slammed their brakes, and I hit them at around 30MPH. In any of these accidents, NONE of my airbags deployed.

NHTSA complaint #11526140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Nissan Xterra Chipley, FL

AIR BAGS

Nissan consumer affairs Case #48955822 Manufacturer Recall NumberPC948 NHTSA Recall Number23E-012 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary THE RESIN EMBLEM ON THE DRIVER S AIRBAG MODULE COVER IN AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY HAVE REDUCED DURABILITY DUE TO POTENTIAL SUPPLIER PRODUCTION PROCESS VARIATION. IN THIS CONDITION, OVER TIME THE POSTS OF THE EMBLEM MAY DEVELOP CRACKS, AND THE EMBLEM AND RETAINER COMPONENTS COULD DETACH IN THE EVENT OF AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I attempted to reach a buy back agreement with Nissan consumer affairs and the request was denied with no reason given. I have requested a remedy to this recall with no response. I refuse to drive a vehicle that is deemed too unsafe to sell. I demand Nissan to buy this vehicle back.

NHTSA complaint #11524629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Nissan Xterra problems