DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR UNIT) is stored, AND OCS zero point reset cannot be performed, (continued on the next page)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Nissan Altima airbags problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Nissan Altima have filed 69 NHTSA complaints about the airbags, typically surfacing around 65,000 miles at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
69
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Altima | 433 |
| 2014 Altima | 188 |
| 2015 Altima | 154 |
| 2016 Altima | 61 |
| 2017 Altima (this page) | 69 |
| 2018 Altima | 30 |
| 2019 Altima | 9 |
| 2020 Altima | 7 |
9crashes
10injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 69 airbags complaints filed for the 2017 Nissan Altima, 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
Owners have filed 69 airbags complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
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.
DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DTC B00A0-00 STORED IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR UNIT) is stored And OCS zero point reset cannot be performed (continued on the next page) And The following screen displays: ACTION 1. Check the Occupant Classification System (OCS) control unit using the ODS Analysis tool software. ï· Refer to SERVICE PROCEDURE on page 5. HINT: âOCSâ may also be referred to as âODSâ. 2. Perform â75-zero RESETâ.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe persistent airbag warning lights that appear with no accident history, often between 28,000 and 88,000 miles. Dealerships diagnose faulty occupant sensors, side-airbag modules, or seat-back assemblies and quote $1,000–$3,500 to replace the entire seat. The light frequently returns after dealership resets, and owners express genuine fear their airbags will not deploy when needed. Multiple owners note the 2013–2016 Altima and 2017 Maxima were recalled for identical occupant-classification sensor defects, yet Nissan has excluded the 2017 Altima despite widespread complaints.
Two critical cases stand out: one vehicle was rear-ended and struck a concrete median barrier, yet no airbags deployed; another was hit by an 18-wheeler and the airbag system did not activate. One owner also reported unexpected airbag deployment during normal driving at slow speed, causing injury and creating hazard for other drivers.
Owners also report occupant sensors that fail under passenger seats, either disconnecting or requiring replacement of the entire seat. Extended warranties typically exclude airbag repairs or cap coverage at $100 deductible toward a $2,000+ repair bill. Nissan corporate denies warranty coverage, directing owners to dealers, and parts are sometimes back-ordered from Japan with indefinite delivery dates.
Same Nissan Altima airbags reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Illuminated airbag warning light with sensor/module failure
Airbag warning light comes on (solid or intermittent), often with no collision or accident history. Dealers diagnose occupant classification sensors, side/driver-seat airbag modules, or electrical connections as faulty. Many owners report the light returns after dealership resets. Owners express concern the airbag may not deploy in a real crash.
When: Typically between 28,000–88,000 miles; some as early as first year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated on dashboard (solid or intermittent); Warning light persists or returns after dealership reset; No prior accident or collision; No deployment of airbag; Dealer states airbag may not deploy in accident
Codes mentioned: B0020, B0020-13
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships quote $1,000–$3,500 to replace entire seat assembly (includes airbag module, occupant sensor, side-airbag assembly, seat back frame). Some dealers report parts back-ordered from Japan. Extended warranties may cover up to $100 deductible; stock warranty does not cover airbags.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan offers no recall for 2017 models; 2013–2016 Altimas and 2017 Maximas recalled for occupant classification sensor defect (NHTSA Campaign 16V-244). Nissan corporate denies warranty coverage and directs owners to dealerships. Some dealers reset light free of charge initially, then demand full replacement on recurrence.
Airbag non-deployment during accident
Vehicle struck or involved in collision, airbags do not deploy. Owners report no warning lights prior to crash. In severe collisions (rear-ended, head-on impact), absence of airbag deployment increases injury risk.
When: At time of collision; one case at 30,000 miles, another at 33,100 miles, another at 40,000 miles, another at 65,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Collision or impact occurs; Airbags do not deploy (frontal, side, or rear); No warning light present before crash; Increased injury to occupants; Vehicle may be destroyed or severely damaged
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles destroyed, impounded, or declared total loss. No repair attempted in most cases. One case: occupant sustained concussion and emergency room visit after head strike on steering wheel.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance documented; vehicles destroyed or deemed total loss before Nissan inspection.
Unexpected airbag deployment without collision
Airbags deploy while vehicle is in motion at normal speeds without any impact or accident. Owners report loud noise, confusion, and risk to driver and surrounding traffic. One case: driver swerved, slowed abruptly, nearly caused multi-vehicle accident.
When: During normal driving; one case mid-driving after slow acceleration, rural road setting
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags deploy suddenly during normal driving; No collision or impact; Loud noise from deployment; Driver disoriented, fear of accident; Abrupt deceleration or swerving to avoid other vehicles; Physical injury (bruising, cuts from glass/fragments); No warning signs before deployment
Repairs/costs cited: Owner taken to emergency room for evaluation of injuries; no repair documented. Insurance refused to cover.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan inspection found no malfunction. Police report filed; investigation appeared inconclusive.
Occupant sensor malfunction—passenger airbag suppressed
Passenger-side occupant classification sensor fails, preventing passenger airbag from deploying. Light remains illuminated. Recalibration attempts unsuccessful. Owners with children or elderly passengers in vehicle express safety concern.
When: Varies; illuminated continuously for months in at least one case
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag warning light illuminated (solid); Occupant sensor fails to detect passenger presence; Airbag may be suppressed or non-functional; Recalibration or reset unsuccessful; No prior accident or damage
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic confirmed fault; recalibration attempted without success. Nissan dealership not yet consulted in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific remedy offered; owners advised to replace entire seat at own cost ($2,000–$3,000).
Loose or disconnected airbag sensor under passenger seat
Airbag sensor plug becomes disconnected under passenger seat, often due to items shifting under seat. Dealership temporarily reconnects; light returns within weeks or months.
When: First occurrence October–November 2023; recurrence May 2024 (8 months later)
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light comes on (intermittent then constant); Dealership reports sensor plug disconnected; Light goes off after reconnection; Light returns after weeks or months
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reconnection (sometimes free); recurrence requires replacement of airbag sending unit/seat (~$2,800). Dealer states replacement necessary because Nissan does not sell individual airbag units.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledges this is a common issue but offers no permanent fix or recall; quotes full seat replacement cost.
Synthesized from 69 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Airbag light came on with no previous conditions that should have caused that. Dealership in Dothan, AL originally said a bad connection under the passenger seat caused it. They supposedly cleaned the connection and reset the light. The airbag light came on again days later. The same dealership now says the entire passenger seat and airbags sensors/connections will have to be replaced at $2500+…
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Driver search airbag warning light illuminated Took vehicle to authorized Central Houston Nissan whi SCANNED VEHICLE AND FOUND DTC B0020-13 STORED IN AIRBAG SYSTEM. PRINTED AND FOLLOWED THE ESM DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE AND PER ESM WILL NEED TO START REPLACING THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE WICH IS PART OF THE SEAT ASSY This is of no fault of my own and not the result of normal wear and tear. My car…
UNKNOWN; Someone rear-ended me Monday, Nov. 27, 2023 and damaged my driver side taillight/corner of bumper. It was an impact of about 20mph, and believed to be a result of black ice/the other driver following too closely. Today, Saturday, December 2, 2023 the airbag warning light appeared. It didn't come on with Monday's impact, so I am concerned that it could suddenly deploy while I am driving.
The driver side airbag warning light appeared on dashboard approx 2 months ago. I took it to Piazza Nissan for service, where a 27 point vehicle inspection was performed. I was told the airbag needed to be replaced, as well as the LF seat back assembly. The parts would cost just over $2000.00, and with labor would be just over $3000.00. I was also told there is a national backorder for the…
Had airbags trouble with your 2017 Nissan Altima?
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 2017 Nissan Altima?
It's a meaningful issue. 69 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 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 30,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. 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/2017/Nissan/Altima.
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.