Problems · by component

2009 Nissan Maxima air bags problems

43 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2009 Nissan Maxima cite air bags, 13% of all 339 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
43
13% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the air bags

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The airbag light is on and blinking. I did call the local Nissan dealer and they told me there was not a recall for this problem on the 2009 Nissan maxima. This seems very unfair because several recalls have been made on the airbags. Also I was told over 5 years ago that the struts on my car were defective when I had my brakes repaired. I did call the Nissan company and they told me my year was not included in the recall. My car was driving so badly I was having problems controlling it and I had to go ahead and get the front struts replaced and shocks replaced on the back and they had to put a stabilizer bar (sway Bar Link) on it also. I recently had this done. This airbag light had come on 4 years ago but I was thinking it was my seat belt light. When I would remove my purse to the floor it would go off. My brother took my manual out and told me it was the airbag and not the seat belt light. It blinks all the time now. I firmly believe the Nissan company know this 2009 Maxima has defects but they refuse to acknowledge it. Appears they could care less about our safety.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 19, 2023Air bags, Unknown or otherODI 11527809
“The contact owned 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while at a complete stop, another vehicle driving approximately 70 MPH, crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained hips and back pain. The contact was seen by emergency services and sought medical assistance later that day. The contact underwent physical therapy and hip replacement surgery. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 257,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 9, 2023Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11506422
“Passenger front air bag defect. Since reading many post in this forum in relation to the same issue, manufacture should be held responsible to replace sensor. Vehicle have not been in a wreck as far as I know. The sensor light came on around June this year and haven’t went off. I received a quote for approximately $2500 depending on available parts. If this issue is not rectified by the dealer, will make sure not to purchase another Nissan Maxima again. Just imagine if I have a family member in the front seat and a accident occur! Cannot even imagine the outcome.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 30, 2022Air bagsODI 11476710
“The airbag warning light on the dash started blinking. The local dealer investigated and advised that the front passenger airbag occupancy sensor was defective. Repair would require complete replacement of the front passenger seat cushion at an estimated cost of about $2,000. The mechanic told me he has seen the exact same issue numerous times for the Maxima of multiple model years. This appears to be a persistent problem with these sensors as reflected in multiple Nissan user forum entries. This is a safety issue that has been detected on multiple Maxima model years over the past several years. It needs to be fully investigated and a safety recall needs issued to hold the manufacturer accountable. The customers should not have to bear the expensive repair.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 4, 2022Air bagsODI 11446224
“PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSORS KEEPS ON RESETTING AS NO ONE IS SITTING ON THE SEAT. I HAVE TO TELL THE PASSENGER TO JUMP ON THE SEAT FOR THE "AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT TO RESET. THE CVT TRANSMISSION PUTTER AT LOW SPEED WITH A WITH LOTS OF NOISE, I HAVE TO GIVE IT MORE GAS FOR THE NOISE TO STOP. THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR LOCK AND DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK DOES NOT UNLOCK. FOG LIGHT ON THE CAR IS NOT WORKING, I WAS TOLD MY A MECHANIC THAT THE RELAY SWITCH THAT IS BUILT INTO THE STEERING COLUMN IS NO GOOD AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 27, 2019Power train, Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11291611
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,925.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 4, 2019Air bagsODI 11253216

Showing 6 of 43 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.