VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN ID #: PC945 and PC948 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2005-2013 Frontier (D40) 2005-2012 Pathfinder (R51) 2005-2013 Xterra (N50) Check Service COMM or Dealer Business Systems (DBS) National Service History to confirm campaign eligibility. INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary safety recall campaign on certain specific model year 2005-2012 Pathfinder, and 2005-2013 Frontier and Xterra vehicles to inspect and, if necessary, replace the Driver Air Bag Cover. This service will be performed at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER Nissan has assigned identification
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Nissan Frontier airbags problems
severe 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
3crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 12 airbags complaints filed for the 2013 Nissan Frontier, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Among the 8 model years of Nissan Frontier in our records for airbags problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Airbags accounts for 25% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 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.
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHING INDICATING SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC MODE IF YOU CONFIRM The air bag warning light is flashing slowly (repeating 2 seconds ON, 2 seconds OFF). NOTE: If this should occur, the Air Bag Diagnosis Sensor Unit is in Diagnostic Mode and needs to be returned to User Mode. ACTION 1. Use CONSULT-III plus to check for Air Bag DTCs and perform repairs as needed. 2. Return the Air Bag Diagnosis Sensor Unit to User Mode.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Air Bag Control Unit Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign UPDATE January 5, 2018 The announcement from October 6, 2017 has been revised: - Dealers may now use revised TSB NTB17-070 to resume repair of 2004-2006 model year vehicles. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Air Bag Control Unit Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign Temporary suspension of this campaign on all affected 2004-2006 model year vehicles. Nissan is aware of reprogramming concerns on 2004-2006 models subject to P7318 Air Bag Control Unit Reprogramming and is working diligently with the supplier to provide a solution. In the interim, Nissan recommends dealers suspend reprogramming activity on all 2004-2006 models until a software remedy is available. These models will continue to be identified in Service Comm and DBS National Service History with an open P7318 campaign. Nissan will provide an update as soon as revised software is available. Please discard previous versions of this bullet
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Air Bag Control Unit Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is committed to customer satisfaction. Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) in 2004-2014 Titan, 2005-2014 Frontier, and 2005-2014 Xterra vehicles. The current ACU rollover-sensing calibration logic could allow for unintended curtain air bag deployment in rare instances occurring under certain unique driving scenarios, usually involving unpaved roads or off-road where one side of the vehicle is higher than the other. The ACU reprogramming will improve rollover-sensing calibration to address certain unique driving scenarios, and help prevent unin
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Frontier's airbag system shows multiple failure patterns. Owners report persistent dashboard warning lights that stay on or flash during normal driving, often within the first 40,000 miles. The front crash zone sensor fails—one owner notes that prior model years received a recall for the exact same problem—and replacement parts (number 98581-9BD8A) have been on backorder for 6 to 12 months at dealer service centers. A yaw rate sensor malfunction was flagged as a safety concern for interstate travel, quoted at $800 for replacement.
Side and side curtain airbags deploy unprompted at extremely low speeds on flat surfaces. One owner reported deployment at 5 mph on a flat surface; another at 10 mph on a dirt road. Nissan attributes these to vehicle angle, but owners dispute that characterization. Nissan offers sensor reprogramming but refuses to cover the cost of reinstalling deployed airbags.
In crash scenarios, airbags have failed to provide adequate protection. One owner's son hit the windshield hard enough to create a cup-shaped dent despite airbag deployment and a seatbelt. Another reported the airbag deployed with visible burn holes and never fully inflated after a 40 mph deer strike. Nissan's response to complaints has been dismissive, with one owner told nothing could be done after insurance paid.
Same Nissan Frontier airbags reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Airbag warning light illumination
Dashboard airbag warning light stays on or flashes during vehicle operation, with or without a passenger present. Owners report the light comes on at startup and remains lit or continues flashing while driving.
When: Under 40,000 miles reported in one case; occurs during normal vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated on dashboard; Light flashes while vehicle is running; Light comes on at startup and does not turn off; Light flashes regardless of passenger seat occupancy
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted repair costs but parts unavailable on backorder for 6-12 months (part number 98581-9BD8A mentioned); one owner reports dealer had no part to fix the issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan has a reprogramming service for the airbag diagnosis sensor unit, though coverage varies
Front crash zone sensor failure
Front airbag sensor located in front of the radiator fails, preventing proper airbag system operation. One owner notes that previous model years already received a recall for this exact problem.
When: Approximately 113,000 miles in reported case
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated; Sensor malfunction detected
Repairs/costs cited: Part number 98581-9BD8A required replacement; part was on backorder 6-12 months at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Previous model years reportedly addressed via recall; unclear if 2013 Frontier included in recall
Yaw rate sensor malfunction
Yaw rate sensor malfunctions during highway driving and turning, affecting airbag system stability control. Owner was advised the vehicle was unsafe for interstate travel.
When: Vehicle 3 years old at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Yaw rate sensor malfunction while vehicle in motion on highway and turning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted $800 for sensor replacement, excluding labor
Unintended side airbag deployment
Side and side curtain airbags deploy without actual vehicle crash or impact. Owners report deployments at very low speeds on flat surfaces with minimal or no vehicle angle. Nissan attributes deployments to vehicle angle but owners dispute this characterization.
When: One deployment at 5 mph on flat surface; one at 10 mph on flat dirt road with 9,000 miles; one with no speed stated
Symptoms owners cite: Side airbags deploy without impact; Side curtain airbags deploy without impact; Deployments occur at very low speeds (5-10 mph); Deployments occur on flat surfaces
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported $4,500 in repair costs not covered under bumper-to-bumper warranty; Nissan offers reprogramming of the airbag diagnosis sensor unit but will not cover reinstallation of deployed side curtain airbags
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan claims false sensor readings cause deployments and offers sensor reprogramming; refuses to cover reinstallation costs under warranty; one case denied under bumper-to-bumper warranty despite 9,000 miles
Airbag non-deployment during front impact
Front airbag fails to fully inflate during a crash impact, or deploys but does not provide adequate restraint. One owner reports airbag deployed but sustained serious head injury despite seatbelt and airbag; another reports airbag had visible burn holes and failed to inflate after deployment.
When: Impacts at 40 mph and 65 mph reported
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag deployed but failed to fully inflate; Inadequate restraint during impact; Visible burn holes in airbag material; Smoke odor after deployment
Repairs/costs cited: One case involved burn holes in airbag material; damage sustained despite airbag deployment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan dismissed one owner complaint after insurance paid
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The passenger air bag if faulty, and sets off a light which indicates no protection for any passengers in the front seat.
On a dark road going 40MPH I hit a large deer on Oct 7. The front end of my truck was damaged. Air bag went off but never inflated, and I smelled smoke briefly. I was able to drive home and in the morning I noted there were two quarter size burn holes in the air bag, which probably explains why the bag did not deploy. There was absolutely no evidence of fire under the hood, in the cab, etc.…
The side airbags deploy too easily in frontier trucks, all without need of a crash Nissan won't cover the damages under warranty and refuses to reimburse owners who must pay out-of-pocket for repairs. Nissan does have a program to reprogram the air bag diagnosis sensor unit but will not cover the reinstall of the side curtain aid bags. The air bags are going off because of a false reading from…
The vehicle was in motion on the highway and also turning.yaw rate sensor malfunctioning. I took to the dealer and was quoted 800.00 for sensor excluding labor. Im in m.s...I live in t.n. I was advised it wasnt safer on interstate travel. This vehicle is only 3 yrs old. At this point it is considered my safety. I think Nissan should stand behind there product.
Had airbags trouble with your 2013 Nissan Frontier?
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 2013 Nissan Frontier?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 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 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 15,000 and 72,876 miles, with the median around 38,258. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 72,876. 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/2013/Nissan/Frontier.
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.