Recall 10V115 affects 4,038 2010 Nissan Xterra and Pathfinder vehicles for loose air bag and steering fasteners. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
Under recall 10V115, Nissan is recalling 4,038 2010 Xterra and Pathfinder vehicles because fasteners for the passenger front air bag module and steering shaft positioning bracket were not tightened to specification. In a crash, that can affect passenger air bag deployment, and loose steering column bracket fasteners can increase crash risk; Nissan dealers will complete the repair free once the remedy is available.
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What's wrong?
On the 2010 Nissan Xterra and Pathfinder, the front passenger air bag module is the part that holds the passenger air bag in place so it deploys from the intended position. The steering shaft positioning bracket holds the steering shaft in its proper alignment between the steering wheel and the steering gear.
In campaign 10V115, the issue is not a broken part. The fasteners securing the air bag module and the steering shaft positioning bracket were not tightened to the proper torque, which means they were not clamped as firmly as Nissan specified. If those fasteners loosen, the air bag module or steering bracket can move from its intended position.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner is not given a light, sound, or change in steering feel that confirms these fasteners were tightened incorrectly.
Who's affected?
The same two component areas appear for both models: the front air bag and steering gear.
| 2010 Nissan Xterra | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2010 Nissan Xterra | steering gear |
| 2010 Nissan Pathfinder | front air bag |
| 2010 Nissan Pathfinder | steering gear |
| Units affected | 4,038 |
A matching 2010 Nissan Xterra or Pathfinder does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loose or missing fasteners can alter how the passenger front air bag deploys in a crash. Fasteners in the steering column positioning bracket can also come out, which increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN and plan the dealer inspection. Repair will be free at any franchised Nissan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010 Nissan Xterra or Pathfinder is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nissan dealer to ask whether the free steering-column and passenger-air-bag fastener inspection is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the repair so Nissan can replace missing fasteners and tighten loose fasteners to the proper torque specification.
- Bring the recall notice if Nissan mailed one. If not, reference recall number 10V115 when you call.
- Drive carefully until Nissan confirms the fasteners are inspected and secured.
What happens at the repair
Nissan's recall remedy began on April 19, 2010. At the dealer, a Nissan technician inspects the steering column fasteners and the passenger front air bag fasteners. Missing fasteners are replaced, and loose fasteners are tightened to the proper torque specification. The repair is free under recall 10V115, with parts and labor covered. Use the campaign number when you call the service desk so the appointment is matched to the correct inspection.
Timeline
| March 24, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 19, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V115?
Recall 10V115 covers 4,038 2010 Nissan Xterra and Pathfinder vehicles with improperly torqued passenger front air bag module fasteners and steering shaft positioning bracket fasteners. In NHTSA campaign 10V115, Nissan says dealers inspect the fasteners, replace any missing fasteners, and tighten loose fasteners for free.
What should I do if my 2010 Nissan Xterra or Pathfinder is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 10V115. If it is, contact a franchised Nissan dealer to schedule the fastener inspection and repair. Reference recall number 10V115 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Nissan's remedy for recall 10V115 says dealers inspect the steering column and passenger front air bag fasteners, replace missing fasteners, and retighten loose fasteners free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is tied to air bag deployment and steering-column bracket fasteners. In a crash, the passenger front air bag deployment path can be affected. Loose steering bracket fasteners also increase crash risk, according to NHTSA campaign 10V115.
When did Nissan start the recall repair?
Nissan began the safety recall repair on April 19, 2010. If your VIN is included and the repair is still open, a franchised Nissan dealer inspects the affected fasteners and completes the covered repair at no cost.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V115000 |
|---|---|
| Nissan customer service | 1-800-647-7261 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V115 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V115000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →