Problems · by component

2017 Nissan Sentra air bags problems

26 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2017 Nissan Sentra cite air bags, 11% of all 231 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
26
11% of all complaints
Crashes
18
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
13
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the air bags

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My car was legally parked on the street near my apartment, and was hit about a month ago that left my car totaled and my trunk completely crushed in, and the back seat caved in. My car was then hit a 2nd time two weeks ago, from the back, and both times, my car ricocheted and hit the car parked in front of mine. Both times. Police said first driver had to be going at least 80 to 90 mph, and would definitely killer someone if anyone was sitting in my back seat. 2nd car was going just as fast. Not as much damage to his front fender and minor side damage, but his air bag deployed. Why did my Nissan Sentra not deploy ANY airbags for EITHER of those accidents? Luckily I was not in or driving the car. But my safety all the other times I was driving?! Unacceptable. The air bag lights were working and on too. I no longer have the car since it has been towed away to a salvage yard. I only have pictures and videos of the damage with no airbag in sight. I bought the car in 2020 at Gardena Nissan, which is later found out and realized they gave me the wrong car fax report for my car, I think intentionally. I only have the accepted police report from 2nd accident. I’m still…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 16, 2026Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11750871
“While reverse parking into a single parking space at my apartment complex, the driver-side airbag deployed unexpectedly without any collision or impact. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was moving at a low speed and there were no warning lights, messages, or alerts prior to the airbag deployment. The airbag deployment struck me in the face and right arm, creating an immediate risk of injury. Following the deployment, the vehicle became non-drivable. The vehicle would not accelerate and would not move forward or in reverse when the accelerator pedal was pressed, indicating a possible electronic or powertrain safety system failure. There were no prior incidents, accidents, or modifications to the vehicle before this event. The vehicle was operating normally immediately prior to the airbag deployment. The failure occurred suddenly and without warning. The vehicle and deployed airbag are available for inspection upon request. At the time of this report, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer. Inspection by insurance and/or authorized service personnel is pending. This unexpected airbag deployment and subsequent loss of vehicle control…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 17, 2025Air bagsODI 11705725
“The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated, indicating that the front passenger’s side air bag was deactivated; however, the front passenger’s side seat was occupied. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V253000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken back to the place of residence. A dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer to confirm if the VIN was included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 103,200.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2024Air bagsODI 11622696
“On 12-30-2021 I was at a red light. A car had hit me from behind, which ended up as lost. I ended up with facial damage that took me half of 2020l2 to heal. Three stitches to my face. When I went to retrieve my items from the car it was unrecognizable. The trunk was in the backseat. Tire damage and no airbags deployed . I was wearing a seat belt that lead to buries on my upper arms and back area.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 30, 2023Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11529697
“The airbag sensor shows off x 2, meaning both airbags will not deploy in case of an accident. This started around June 2022. I thought it was a fluke and would eventually turn off on its own. It’s been taken to Sutherlin Nissan here in Orlando, FL for service with the light on, and no mention was ever made of it; I assumed they didn’t think it was a big deal, so I dismissed it. I then heard about airbag recalls affecting Nissans a year older then mine, but since I’m having the same issue, I felt it should be reported. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 12, 2023Air bagsODI 11511418
“part 2 of my first complaint about the 2017 Nissan Sentra. There is a bug in my car and I hired 'bug sweeper USA' to find the bug and remove it and they said there isn't a bug and to die. I am frightened and want the bug/transmitter removed, it is against the law in the united states and I want them arrested. I have to trade it up for a better car because I found out that it doesn't have front real drive. This car has terrible blind spots and rear drum breaks. I didn't notice that before it or I wouldn't have bought it. I feel unsafe also because it is terrible going up hills and accelerating. I test drove it on flat roads. I think these cars should be remove from the road and discontinued. I have never bought a car this terribly engineered. [XXX]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 6, 2022Air bags, Structure, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11492511

Showing 6 of 26 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Air bags

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 LEAF and 2014, 2016 and 2017 Sentra vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error within the air bag inflators, the passenger frontal air bag may not properly deploy in the event of a crash.

Air bagsReported Apr 13, 2017NHTSA 17V253000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

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