Passenger seat airbag sensor has failed
2011 Nissan Maxima airbags problems
severe 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
2crashes
2injuries
What stands out
Among the 12 model years of Nissan Maxima in our records for airbags problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Airbags accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
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.
Had airbags trouble with your 2011 Nissan Maxima?
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 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?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 26,022 and 38,000 miles, with the median around 33,018. A quarter of owners report trouble before 26,022; a quarter make it past 38,000. 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/2011/Nissan/Maxima.
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.