Recall 18V044 affects 52,614 2009-2012 Nissan Versa vehicles for passenger air bag inflators that can explode. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
Nissan is recalling 52,614 2009-2012 Versa hatchbacks and sedans in specific U.S. zones because the passenger frontal air bag inflator can explode after long-term humidity and temperature cycling. An exploding inflator can send sharp metal fragments into occupants, causing serious injury or death; Nissan dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The affected part is the passenger frontal air bag inflator in the 2009-2012 Nissan Versa. The inflator is the metal device inside the passenger air bag module that creates gas in a crash, so the air bag fills in front of the passenger instead of staying folded in the dash.
These Versa vehicles use a non-desiccated Takata ammonium nitrate inflator. Non-desiccated means the inflator does not contain a drying agent to control moisture. After long exposure to high humidity, high heat, and repeated temperature changes, the propellant inside the inflator degrades. If the passenger air bag deploys during a crash, that degraded propellant can burn too aggressively and rupture the inflator instead of letting it inflate the air bag normally.
There is no warning sign before failure. The air bag system can appear normal until a crash triggers passenger air bag deployment.
Who's affected?
Covers four model years of Versa cars under the same passenger-side front air bag inflator module issue.
| 2009 Nissan Versa | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2010 Nissan Versa | front air bag |
| 2011 Nissan Versa | front air bag |
| 2012 Nissan Versa | front air bag |
| Units affected | 52,614 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments can strike the driver or other occupants and cause serious injury or death. Because the recall involves the passenger frontal air bag inflator, confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2012 Nissan Versa is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nissan dealer to schedule the free passenger frontal air bag inflator replacement.
- Bring the recall notice if Nissan sent one. If not, reference recall number 18V044 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether your Versa's registration history in Zone A, Zone B, or Zone C affects parts timing.
- Avoid using the front passenger seat until the passenger air bag inflator replacement is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nissan technician replaces the passenger frontal air bag inflator covered by recall 18V044. The replacement part and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for this passenger air bag inflator repair before the recall notice, Nissan's reimbursement program covers eligible documented costs and certain related costs. Keep your repair paperwork and contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261 to start the reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 10, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 11, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| January 11, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 9, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 9, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V044?
Recall 18V044 covers 52,614 2009-2012 Nissan Versa vehicles ever registered in specific states and territories. The passenger frontal air bag inflator can explode during a crash deployment after long exposure to humidity and temperature cycling. Nissan dealers replace the passenger inflator for free.
What should I do if my 2009-2012 Nissan Versa is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Versa is included in recall 18V044. If it is, contact a franchised Nissan dealer to schedule the passenger frontal air bag inflator replacement. Reference recall number 18V044 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Nissan dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator free of charge. Nissan customer service is also listed for this recall at 1-800-647-7261.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V044?
The risk is sharp metal fragments from the passenger air bag inflator during a crash deployment. Nissan's filing says an inflator explosion can strike the driver or other occupants and result in serious injury or death. The dealer fix is a free inflator replacement.
What if I bought my Nissan Versa used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner's purchase history. Check your VIN to see whether your specific Versa is included, especially if it was ever registered in one of the listed states or territories.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V044000 |
|---|---|
| Nissan customer service | 1-800-647-7261 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V044 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V044000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →