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 ↗2012 Nissan Murano airbags problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Nissan Murano have filed 24 NHTSA complaints about the airbags, typically surfacing around 69,772 miles at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Murano | 76 |
| 2010 Murano | 13 |
| 2011 Murano | 11 |
| 2012 Murano (this page) | 24 |
| 2013 Murano | 3 |
| 2014 Murano | 11 |
| 2015 Murano | 32 |
| 2016 Murano | 11 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 24 airbags complaints filed for the 2012 Nissan Murano, 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
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
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 ↗SERVICE INFORMATION: If the BCM in an Applied Vehicle is replaced for any reason and not configured correctly, the following issue may occur - When the driver door is opened, the convertible top opens. When replacing a BCM, make sure to - Follow information in the appropriate Service Manual - Use CONSULT-III plus to perform configuration - Select the correct vehicle in CONSULT-III plus - Confirm the VIN is correct (matches the vehicle) in CONSULT-III plus - Select/install the correct configuration
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Murano's passenger-side occupancy sensor fails at varying mileages, from 28,600 to 119,000 miles, disabling the passenger airbag with no clear pattern. Owners report the dashboard shows "passenger airbag off" continuously or intermittently, with warning lights flashing in patterns (one long blink followed by five rapid blinks). One owner says his 84-pound daughter triggers the off-indicator about half the time despite normal seating; a dealer told him the sensor isn't purely weight-dependent and requires sitting "just right"—a vague standard that leaves owners uncertain whether their passengers are protected.
When the occupancy sensor fails with code B1018, dealers diagnose that the entire SRS system becomes inoperable, not just the passenger bag. One owner experienced a collision on 1/1/2022 where no airbags deployed; officers at the scene were concerned about the failure. Repair involves replacing the entire passenger seat bottom and sensor assembly, quoted at $2,000 to $5,300, on top of diagnostic fees. Parts have been discontinued or are on long backorder. Nissan rejected financial support requests, stating the issue isn't in the recall campaign, though 2013 models received a recall for similar failures. No TSBs or owner-assistance programs appear in the complaints.
Same Nissan Murano airbags reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Passenger occupancy sensor failure causing airbag disabled indication
The passenger seat occupancy sensor fails to recognize a seated passenger, triggering the airbag-off indicator light on the dashboard. The system disables the passenger-side airbag when no occupant is sensed, even with an adult or heavy child present. Owners report the indicator light is intermittent in some cases, appearing roughly 50% of the time with the same passenger.
When: Across mileage ranges: 28,600 miles to 119,000 miles; onset timing varies from weeks to months after normal use
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag indicator light remains illuminated or flashes continuously; Airbag shows as 'off' on dash display despite passenger presence; Dashboard airbag warning light flashes (one long blink followed by five rapid blinks, or one long and two short blinks); Intermittent behavior where indicator light comes and goes unpredictably
Codes mentioned: B1018, B1018-00, B10818 (variation noted in complaint)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis requires replacement of entire passenger seat bottom cushion and occupancy sensor assembly. Quoted repair costs range from $1,500 to $5,700 (dealer quotes include diagnostic fees of $135–$149, with seat replacement quoted at $2,000–$5,300). One owner reported part discontinued and unavailable; another waited on backorder since November 2021. One owner paid $1,500 to replace the airbag diagnostic unit under center console, but the light returned and dealer then recommended the seat sensor replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan case 45708222 opened on 2/4/22; caller told no safety recall exists for 2012 Murano and vehicle is out of warranty scope. Nissan Consumer Affairs rejected financial support requests twice, citing the issue not being listed in recall campaigns. Nissan notes that 2013 Muranos received a recall but 2012 models did not. One dealer stated no recall exists but acknowledged similar issues across multiple vehicles. No TSBs or warranty programs mentioned in narratives.
SRS module malfunction disabling all airbags
When the passenger seat sensor fails, the SRS/airbag control module appears to disable the entire airbag system, not just the passenger-side bag. Multiple owners report that when the passenger airbag warning light is flashing, all airbags (dashboard and side airbags) will not deploy in a crash.
When: Occurs with the occupancy sensor failure; one documented case involved actual collision where airbags did not deploy (January 1, 2022)
Symptoms owners cite: SRS warning light flashing on dashboard; All airbags non-functional (confirmed in crash scenario); Uncertainty about whether any airbag will deploy during accident
Codes mentioned: B1018
Repairs/costs cited: One owner experienced a totaling collision on 1/1/2022; airbags did not deploy despite impact. Officers on scene were concerned about failure to engage. Vehicle's independent airbags worked in the other vehicle involved. No repair attempted for this scenario.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers confirm that when the occupancy sensor code is present, the entire airbag system is inoperable. No manufacturer response specific to this disabling behavior.
Intermittent passenger airbag recognition tied to seating position
The occupancy sensor is sensitive to exact seating position; proper seated posture does not consistently enable the airbag. One owner reports the indicator light is on roughly 50% of the time with the same 84-pound daughter, regardless of how she adjusts her seating position. Dealer technician told owner it is 'not entirely a weight test' and that the passenger 'has to sit just right on the seat.'
When: Intermittent, appearing and disappearing unpredictably with normal seating; one report notes issue resolved temporarily after dealer reset but returned within days
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag indicator light comes and goes without clear trigger; Indicator appears roughly 50% of the time with same passenger; Normal, proper seating does not consistently keep airbag enabled
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer technician stated occupancy recognition is not purely weight-based and involves seat position. When owner asked to be taught correct sitting position, was referred back to sales person with no resolution.
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
We recently bought an out of warranty, as is 2012 Nissan murano and the dash airbag light and passenger airbag light are both on. They never go off after the initial 7 second wait time. Vehicle in motion or standing still doesn't matter. I have scanned for codes and b1018-00 keeps coming back after attempting to erase. Normal sized people sit in these two seats and use their seat belts…
Passenger airbag light is on and will not reset. Vehicle has 116,000 miles, code b1018 code which calls for passenger seat sensor and module assembly. This part is part of the seat itself which Nissan charges $4000 for. This is a safety issue because no one is going to pay $4000 plus cost to install just to have a passenger airbag. This could result in injury or death that might otherwise be…
My 2012 Nissan murano has approx 119,000 miles on it. The passenger side air bag light stays on indicating that the airbag is off, even when there is someone in the passenger's seat, even when it's a full grown adult. In addition, I have a flashing red airbag light on my dash as well. After a couple weeks of this, I took my vehicle to the dealer as listed in the manual. They said the sensor went…
Passenger side airbag sensor in seat faulty. This has been an issue on other models and it is now an issue on mine. Indicator light "passenger airbag off" on constantly. Warning light on dash constantly flashing.
Vehicle is mostly stationary in the garage, only 46k miles for 2012. Air bag starting flashing and will not reset. Took car to dealership for diagnosis, technician stated light caused by faulty air bag sensing unit. Technician recommends replacing the diagnostic unit and passenger seat bottom. $5700 and air bag will not work if in accident.
Had airbags trouble with your 2012 Nissan Murano?
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 2012 Nissan Murano?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 46,246 and 116,000 miles, with the median around 69,772. A quarter of owners report trouble before 46,246; a quarter make it past 116,000. 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/2012/Nissan/Murano.
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.