SERVICE INFORMATION Changes or modifications to the front seat assembly trim materials may affect the proper operation of the Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags and Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor and could result in serious personal injury or death. Nissan STRONGLY RECOMMENDS AGAINST making any change to seat trim materials from the factory equipped condition. This specifically applies to replacing the seat trim with non-factory materials; adding leather/cloth seat covers, seat pads, or seat storage pouches, etc. around or over the seat back and the passenger seat cushion. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Nissan 350Z airbags problems
severe 29 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
6crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 29 airbags complaints filed for the 2005 Nissan 350Z, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Nissan 350Z we track for airbags problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 29.
Airbags accounts for 35% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
NISSAN: SRS PRECAUTIONS DURING SERVICE;IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, INCLUDING INCORRECT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE SRS, CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAUSED BY UNINTENTIONAL ACTIVATION OF THE SRS ON ALL NISSAN MODELS WITH THE SRS SYSTEMS. UPDATED 2/21/14.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle. IMPORTANT: Turn the ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery terminals, and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service on the SRS. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005 Nissan 350Z has a chronic airbag system problem. Owners consistently describe airbag warning lights coming on and flashing repeatedly—sometimes within weeks of purchase—with no mechanical fault found or a permanent fix available. Dealers reset the light for $85–$100+, but it returns after 25 miles or a few weeks. Diagnostic codes B1129 and B1134 point to right- and left-hand side airbag module failures, respectively. Nissan's prescribed fix is module or seat replacement at $600–$3,000+ per side, yet owners report the light returns even after replacement. At least three owners documented real-world accidents where airbags failed to deploy—including one head-on collision with tree impact and one where only the passenger bag deployed, leaving the driver injured. A 2007 model 350Z recall exists (NHTSA Campaign 08V521000) for the same module issue, but Nissan has not extended the recall to the 2005 model. Extended warranties typically do not cover the repair. Owners who cannot afford the high replacement cost are effectively forced to drive without functional airbags or avoid carrying passengers.
Same Nissan 350Z airbags reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Airbag warning light illumination and recurrence
The airbag warning light (also called SRS light or airbag indicator) comes on continuously or flashes repeatedly on the dashboard. It often returns after the dealer resets it, sometimes within 25 miles or a few weeks, requiring repeated resets and diagnostics.
When: Typically between 25,000 and 78,000 miles; one owner reported the light on after just 35 days of ownership; another after only 11 years at 52,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light flashing or staying on continuously; Light returns after dealership reset within days or weeks; Light comes on randomly, usually when starting the vehicle; Light may flash red
Codes mentioned: B1129 (Right-hand side airbag module failure), B1134 (Left-hand side airbag module failure), Generic error codes without specific module identification in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnostics cost $85–$100+ per visit; repeated visits reported; no lasting fix from resets; some owners attempted online reset procedures with temporary success
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan customer affairs investigated some complaints; in one case, a technician found 'everything in working order' despite flashing light; warranty does not cover sensor or module replacement ($600–$3,000 estimated); no recall for 2005 model despite recall on 2007 model (NHTSA Campaign 08V521000)
Airbag non-deployment in accidents
Multiple owners reported that airbags failed to deploy during actual collisions. One owner hydroplaned and hit a guard rail head-on, then a tree, with no deployment. Another was struck while parked and bags did not deploy. One owner was in a frontal collision where only the passenger airbag deployed, not the driver's, resulting in injury.
When: At time of accident; airbag light was often illuminated before or after the crash; mileage ranged from 40,000 to 62,451 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment during frontal impact or side collisions; Airbag light illuminated before or immediately after the crash; Vehicle flipped over with no deployment reported; Asymmetric deployment (passenger bag deployed, driver's did not)
Codes mentioned: B1129, B1134, Unspecified codes detected post-crash
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle examined post-crash but not diagnosed or repaired; dealership requested out-of-pocket payment for inspection; no parts replaced in cases where owners declined due to cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan claimed 'everything in working order' despite flashing light and failure to deploy; in one case, manufacturer stated failure was 'related to the seat belt' but provided no other assistance
Airbag module failure requiring replacement
Dealers diagnosed failed airbag modules (right-hand or left-hand side) as the root cause. Replacement of the entire module or seat assembly is recommended, with high costs and no guarantee of permanent fix. Some owners reported the problem recurred even after module replacement.
When: Failures diagnosed between 25,000 and 78,000 miles; one module replaced, then a different side failed 7 months later
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light triggered by module diagnostic code; Module test failure on dealer diagnostic scan
Codes mentioned: B1129 (RH side module), B1134 (LH side module)
Repairs/costs cited: Module replacement part numbers cited: YHEHM-CD000 (RH), YHEHA-CD000 (LH), 28556CD00 (2007 recall module); estimated cost $600–$3,000+ to replace module or entire seat assembly; one owner reported module cost $750; one case cited $3,000 for driver-side seat replacement; some owners avoided repair due to cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2007 model 350Z issued recall (NHTSA Campaign 08V521000) for similar module issue, but 2005 model not included in that recall; extended warranty did not cover replacement; no recall issued for 2005 model
Airbag sensor or seat-belt sensor intermittency
Some owners reported that the airbag light came on after swerving or minor vehicle maneuvers (e.g., swerving to avoid a deer), suggesting sensor sensitivity or seat-belt sensor issues. One dealer attributed the problem to the seat belt rather than the airbag itself.
When: Triggered by sudden steering input (swerving); one case at 25,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag light illuminates after swerving or evasive maneuver; Light persists after maneuver is complete
Codes mentioned: Unspecified in swerve cases
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer recommended full passenger seat replacement ($1,500–$2,000); in another case, Nissan stated failure was 'related to the seat belt' but offered no repair assistance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer attributed problem to seat belt; no recall or service bulletin cited for this failure mode
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 11 most recent
Airbag light comes on every 4-8 weeks flashing red until the light is reset. As others have stated, this is an obvious defect in the car and needs to be addressed. This is a safety concern and I feel the airbags will not deploy if an accident occurs. The Nissan dealer wants 100 plus dollars to check the light each time and do a reset. Each time they tell me I need to replace airbag sensors or the…
Takata recall I own a 2005 Nissan 350 z. The airbag light has been on for a few years now. The dealership told me that it would cost 1000 to fix it. I've in florida (very humid). Why has my car's airbags not been recalled?
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Nissan 350z. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to warner Nissan (1070 bright rd, findlay, oh 45840 (419) 423-7162) where it was diagnosed that both frontal air bags needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed him that the…
Air bag lights have been flashing for 3 years whether parked or in motion, dealership says $1500 to diagnose but believes bags are not functioning and advises to "drive safely" if I decide not to repair. Not on recall list which is unreal this is a safety issues as bags will not go off if in a collision according to dealership.
2005 Nissan 350z passenger air bag warning light flashing,dealer preformed diagnostic test and reset.warning light returns after 25 miles.returned to dealership estimated cost of $350.00 to repair with no guarantee of cost to repair,purchased a actron code reader and preformed diagnostics test and reset .warning light reappears preformed code reader test and reset numerous times with same…
I am the original owner of a 2007 350z. I just found out today that there has been a recall on the passenger air bag sensor since november 2008. I first began to notice the passenger air bag light being off over three (3) years ago. I had my 100,000 mile service around six (6) months ago. The sensor was listed as problematic, but not identified as a potential recall. Today, I called the Nissan…
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Nissan 350z. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The failure recurred twice. The dealer stated that the air bags needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. Updated 12/9/14 *cn updated 8/31/2017*cn
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Nissan 350z. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, another vehicle crashed into the driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle was unoccupied and the air bags did not deploy however, the air bag warning indicator illuminated after the crash. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to Nissan gettel, located on 3530 bee ridge rd, sarasota, fl 34239,…
Prior to the accident the airbag light stayed on took it to the dealership and they said it was a error code. On june 4th I had a car accident and the airbag didn't deploy just the airbag light indicator just stayed on. Even until today it is still on cause I can not afford 3 grand to replace the driver side seat which I was told the problem was. *tr
I wan't told it was a takata recall. My air bag light went on 9 times and I only have 41k on the car. Every time the dealer told me it came from the seats.
Had airbags trouble with your 2005 Nissan 350Z?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2005 Nissan 350Z?
It's a meaningful issue. 29 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 39,685 and 63,200 miles, with the median around 52,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 39,685; a quarter make it past 63,200. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Nissan/350Z.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.