THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG DEACTIVATES WHEN AN ADULT IS SEATED PROPERLY IN THE SEAT. IT WILL WORK SOMETIMES AND NOT WORK OTHERS. THERE IS NO REASONING BETWEEN THE ABILITY FOR THE AIRBAG TO STAY ACTIVE OR NOT. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS NISSAN MODELS THAT THIS AFFECTS. *TR
2009 Nissan Maxima airbags problems
severe 38 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100
Complaints
38
Recalls
0
Crashes
4
Avg fix
$1,100
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. AIRBAGS WAS NOT WORKING ON VEHICLE ACCORDING TO AN LOCAL SERVICE DEPT. *TA THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. TWO WEEKS LATER, SHE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER REGARDING THE AIR BAG, AFTER THE FIRST DEALER, TOLD HER THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. *JB
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
It's a meaningful issue. 38 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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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