Passenger seat airbag sensor has failed
2011 nissan Maxima airbags problems
severe 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$1,100
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG (OFF) LIGHT STAYS LIT ON THE PASSENGER DASH, EVEN WHEN THERE IS AN ADULT IN THE SEAT, AND A SEPARATE ONE IS ON THE DRIVER'S DASH PANEL. WAS TOLD IT PROBABLY WAS A SENSOR IN THE SEAT AND WOULD COST ABOUT $1600. IT STAYS LIKE THAT AND NEVER CHANGES. NISSAN WANTS MONEY JUST TO TAKE A LOOK.
MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIST HAS BEEN ON FOR A YEAR NOW. I AM WORRIED THAT IF I HAVE A PASSENGER SIDE THEY MAY GET HURT BECAUSE THE AIRBAG MAY NOT WORK!! IT IS HIGHLIGHTED THE ENTIRE TIME THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2011 nissan Maxima?
It's a meaningful issue. 22 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.
Some links on this page are affiliate links.