Nissan North America, Inc. recall 21V139

Related investigation

NHTSA opened an investigation that led to this recall.

• EQ21001EQEscalated to RecallOpened Apr 7, 2021
  Joyson Passenger Side Air Bag Cushion

Affected vehicles (2)

Component / system

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2003 INFINITI FX35, 2006-2008 FX35 and FX45 vehicles that previously received a replacement front passenger air bag assembly under recall number 20V-008. The air bag cushion was folded incorrectly, which could increase internal pressure and tear the air bag cushion during deployment.

Risk / consequence

A tear in the air bag may decrease air bag performance, and increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

INFINITI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on April 19, 2021. Owners may contact INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's number for this recall is R20C2.

Chronology of events

1. Dec 2, 2020

   December 2, 2020 – The Tier 1 supplier (JSS) notified Nissan of an issue with the front passenger-side air bag module that was discovered during a high temperature environment test. Nissan began an investigation into the issue.

2. December 2020

   December 2020 through January 2021 – During the investigation, Nissan worked with the supplier to study affected parts. It was determined that the front passenger-side air bag cushion folding width was reduced during a supplier process change. Subsequently, the inflator gas flow path was limited as a result of the narrower cushion width; resulting in an internal pressure increase that caused the cushion to tear during deployment in testing.

3. February 2021

   February 2021 - Nissan confirmed the production range of vehicles affected by the supplier issue and determined that the issue only affected FX35/FX45 vehicles that received a campaign repair part as a remedy for Takata air bag Recall Number 20V-008. Nissan also studied whether replacement service parts were affected and instructed all dealers to purge any remaining service parts from inventory and return any remaining or recovered parts to Nissan.

4. Feb 25, 2021

   February 25, 2021 – Nissan decided to conduct a Safety Recall Campaign to repair the subject vehicles that received an affected module. Nissan is not aware of any incidents or injuries related to the subject condition.

5. Dec 17, 2021

   December 17, 2021 – Nissan discovered two (2) MY2003 INFINITI FX35 VINs had received airbag replacements prior to the subject service parts being purged from dealer inventory. Nissan added these two VINs to the affected vehicle population of certain FX35/FX45 vehicles that previously received a subject front passenger air bag assembly as a recall replacement under Recall Number 20V-008.

Notification schedule

Dealer notification

MAR 05, 2021 - NR

Owner notification

APR 18, 2021 - NR