Subject: Takata Completion Objectives for Q4 Nissan is continuing to ask its dealers to urgently help increase customer participation in the Takata recalls and to help it achieve 100% customer recall participation for the following vehicles: - 2007-11 Versa Sedan - 2007-12 Versa Hatchback - 2002-06 Sentra - 2002-04 Pathfinder - 2001-03 Maxima Nissan expects to upload the next refreshed owner list to DBS by the middle of February. At the time of monthly updates, we reassign owner lists based on dealer buy/sells. We anticipate having this automated within DBS by the end of the fiscal year. This is an extremely serious safety issue and Nissan is taking significant and unprecedented steps to inc
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Nissan Versa airbags problems
severe 171 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
171
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
19crashes
2fires
12injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 171 airbags complaints filed for the 2009 Nissan Versa, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 14 model years of Nissan Versa we track for airbags problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 171.
Airbags accounts for 34% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 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.
Dealer Engagement for Takata Awareness Nissan is committed to the safety and security of its customers and their passengers. As you are likely aware, Nissan has initiated multiple field actions to execute the Takata Airbag Recall in accordance with the schedule set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Nissan has employed a variety of methods to reach affected customers to increase repair completion. However, your help is needed to raise awareness to remedy the approximately seven hundred thousand vehicles that remain unrepaired. This is a serious issue and we need everyone?s help to further increase recall awareness. Nissan is asking all dealers to provide their emp
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗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
Between 2016 and 2018, owners of 2009 Nissan Versas pursued recalls for defective Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides. Nissan issued multiple recall notices (16V-349 for passenger, 17V-449 for driver) citing risk of inflator rupture in high-humidity environments, which could eject metal fragments into occupants. Several owners reported actual deployments where metal shrapnel caused chemical burns, lacerations, and nerve damage.
The core problem was parts unavailability. Recall notices arrived with urgent safety language, yet replacement inflators from the substitute supplier were unavailable for six to nine months or longer. Owners were told to avoid the passenger seat indefinitely or not drive the vehicle, then had to repeatedly call dealers and Nissan to confirm status—getting different answers from different representatives. Dealers completed partial repairs (passenger side only) when driver-side parts ran out. Some owners documented parts sitting in dealer inventory without notification to the owner. Nissan promised loaner vehicles in recall notices, but dealers declined due to low inventory. One owner faced age-eligibility barriers for an Enterprise rental. Geographic access was another block: owners without nearby dealers were denied permission to repair elsewhere or have parts shipped to local mechanics. After repairs were eventually completed, some vehicles displayed persistent airbag warning lights caused by related clock spring or sensor faults that dealers refused to address under recall scope. The cumulative effect—months of unsafe driving, unanswered callbacks, and incomplete fixes—left owners frustrated and at ongoing risk.
Same Nissan Versa airbags reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Takata airbag inflator rupture / abnormal deployment
Front driver and passenger airbag inflators housed in Takata-supplied units prone to rupturing or deploying abnormally after prolonged exposure to high humidity. Rupture results in metal shrapnel projectiles ejected into the cabin.
When: Under high humidity exposure; at mileage ranging 26k to 299k; timing varies from routine collisions to spontaneous events
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag deploys with metal shrapnel ejection; Airbag deploys unexpectedly without collision; Metal fragments striking occupants causing lacerations, burns, nerve damage; Vehicle window frame detached from impact; Entire passenger seat torn open
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 16V-349 (PM657), NHTSA Campaign 17V-449 (PM685), NHTSA Campaign 17V-028, NHTSA Campaign 18V-044, NHTSA Campaign 22E-066
Repairs/costs cited: Recalls require replacement of driver and/or passenger airbag inflators with units from alternative supplier at no cost. However, replacement parts unavailable for extended periods (6–9+ months) in many cases. Some dealers only partially completed recalls due to part shortages, leaving one side unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan issued multiple recall notices (16V-349, 17V-449, 17V-028, 18V-044) with interim guidance not to occupy passenger seat. Remedy contingent on parts availability from non-Takata supplier. Owners instructed to wait for second recall letter when parts arrive. Loaner vehicles promised in recalls but seldom provided by dealers due to low inventory. Nissan's phone support inconsistent; information repeatedly requested across multiple calls.
Airbag warning light illumination after recall repair
Airbag warning indicator lights remain on or begin flashing after recall inflator replacement, indicating sensor or electrical fault not addressed by recall repair.
When: Post-recall repair, starting mileage unknown; one case documented at 140k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light stays illuminated on dash; Airbag light flashes intermittently; Horn may also fail to function; Related diagnostic codes indicate broken clock spring or faulty sensor
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 17V-449, Airbag sensor fault codes (specific codes not provided), Clock spring fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers diagnosed broken clock spring and faulty occupancy sensors on seat bottom requiring replacement (e.g., $660 for full seat bottom). Dealers refused to address these issues under recall scope, claiming inflator replacement fulfilled the remedy. One owner reported dealer claimed vehicle mileage (93k, 140k) made it ineligible for additional free recall repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan confirmed that clock spring and sensor failures are not part of recall scope and owner is responsible for out-of-pocket repair. No warranty extension or goodwill repair offered despite direct causal link to recall repair work.
Airbag failure to deploy in collision
Driver and/or passenger airbags do not deploy during vehicle collisions despite impact severity warranting deployment.
When: During accidents at speeds 15–65 mph; one case at 36 mph, rear-end collision, and embankment strike
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment despite collision; Occupant struck dashboard or steering wheel without cushioning; Occupant head/chest/arm injuries requiring hospitalization; Vehicle totaled; police report filed
Codes mentioned: Airbag sensor/module fault (not explicitly specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles were totaled or towed to salvage. No diagnostic repair performed in most cases. One case referenced an unknown warning light illuminated prior to collision.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified or not contacted in reported cases. No investigation or remediation documented. One owner noted vehicle was later confirmed eligible for recall but notification came approximately one year after the collision.
Delayed or unavailable recall parts (parts distribution disconnect)
Replacement airbag inflators unavailable for months after recall issuance, leaving owners unable to complete safety repairs and stranding vehicles.
When: Recalls issued May 2016–September 2017; parts unavailable until Spring 2018 or beyond (6–12+ month delays)
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notice received with urgent safety messaging; Dealer confirms parts not in stock when owner attempts appointment; Multiple follow-up calls yield same message: parts unavailable, no ETA; Owners restricted from using passenger seat (16V-349) or driving vehicle at all (implied danger); Partial recalls completed (passenger side only) when driver side parts unavailable
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 16V-349, NHTSA Campaign 17V-449, NHTSA Campaign 17V-028, NHTSA Campaign 18V-044
Repairs/costs cited: No parts available; no repair completed. Owners repeatedly told to check back in 4–6 weeks, then 2–3 months, then spring 2018. One owner documented three successive pushbacks from March to June to July to September 2017. Takata bankruptcy cited in one case as reason for delay.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan issued interim notices advising owners not to use front passenger seat (16V-349) or not to drive vehicle pending repair. Promised replacement parts and loaner vehicles in recall notices, but dealers confirmed unavailability and lack of loaner inventory due to shortage. Nissan support promised loaner arrangement via Enterprise in one case but eligibility criteria (age 21+) created barriers. No consistent escalation or alternative remedy offered.
Recall process delays and customer service failures
Extended and complex recall administration causing owners to wait months, repeat information multiple times, and receive no proactive updates.
When: Throughout 2016–2018 recall period; interim notice issued ~12 months before final repair in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Owner receives initial recall letter but no follow-up communication; Owner must proactively call Nissan/dealer repeatedly to learn status; Each call requires providing same VIN, ownership, contact information; Phone transfers circle to different departments with no continuity; Service advisors unaware of parts status despite receiving scheduled appointment; Dealer claims no responsibility for communication; service department separate from appointment line; Partial repairs completed without owner notification
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed during administrative delays. One owner set up Google alert to track Nissan recalls due to lack of direct communication from manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan Regional Specialist promised callbacks that came days late or were delegated to representatives. Nissan Consumer Affairs required extensive information re-verification on each call but could not provide solid timelines. Dealer communication breakdown evident: appointment confirmations made without parts verification; owner not notified when dealer had parts in stock (one case documented parts available since February, owner notified in March/April via dealer inquiry only).
Geographic access barriers to recall repair
Owners without direct Nissan dealership access unable to complete recall repairs due to Nissan's refusal to allow alternative repair pathways.
When: Recalls 2016–2018; no timeline to repair due to access restrictions
Symptoms owners cite: Owner lives in rural area far from nearest Nissan dealer; Nissan requires dealer-only repair despite parts available; Owner offers to purchase parts and use local certified mechanic; Nissan refuses; Nissan refuses to ship parts to local mechanic or authorize transport; Vehicle remains unsafe; owner at risk of metal shrapnel injury
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 17V-449, NHTSA Campaign 16V-349
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed. Owner willing to pay for part and labor but barred from proceeding.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan refused all alternative repair arrangements: no shipment to non-dealer, no authorization for private mechanic, no barge/transport assistance. Multiple calls to Nissan and third-party recall company went unanswered or unanswered (10+ calls with zero callbacks documented).
Synthesized from 171 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
Takata recall - both drivers side and passengers side of my vehicle have been recalled. When I called the dealership closest to me, they told me to come in to get my airbags replaced. When I went in, they told me that the driver's side airbag would not be ready and that they would get in contact with me that day to set up my rental vehicle while I waited for the airbags to be available. After…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Nissan versa. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v449000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted at: faulkner Nissan jenkintown , 900 old york rd, jenkintown, pa, 215-887-8870,…
Takata recall : air bag not functioning properly possible alarm system manulfunction
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan versa. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v349000 (air bags). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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.
My light came on blinking regarding my air bags. I took the vehicle to the Nissan dealership. They advised me that the air bags will not deploy due to a sensor that has failed in the front passenger side seat bottom. I was further advised that they cannot replace just the sensor, it will be $660 to replace the whole seat bottom.I contacted Nissan consumer affairs as I believe this is a basic…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan versa. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v349000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Nissan versa. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 17v449000 and 16v349000 (air bags). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called Nissan of sacramento at (916) 288-8775 (2820 auburn blvd, sacramento, ca 95821)…
There is a recall on my vehicle's airbag on the driver's side but parts are not available to fix the problem until spring. This makes me feel very unsafe driving my vehicle until then. What happens if I get in an accident before a free repair is made available to me?
A lady (1) fall asleep then crash on lady (2), then lady (2) crash on our car, but instead of braking the lady (2) she pushes her accelerator crashes and pushes our car to lady (3) in front of us. Our tire explodes, the airbag passenger did not blow out and my wife has a neck injury. My daughter 4 y/old is fine. We have a police report. The car declared total loss. Hospital bill for my wife and a…
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the driver’s air bag module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the contact was referred to a dealer and to the NHTSA Hotline for further…
Had airbags trouble with your 2009 Nissan Versa?
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 2009 Nissan Versa?
It's a meaningful issue. 171 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 41 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 47,985 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 88,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 47,985; a quarter make it past 120,000. 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/2009/Nissan/Versa.
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.