Nissan Recalling 3.5 Million Vehicles Over Passenger Airbag Sensors In Multiple Models


A Nissan recall is hitting the automotive industry over safety reasons. Passenger airbags in several recent models are apparently lacking an effective sensor which is expected to release the device in a collision and potentially save lives.

Of course, personal responsibility is also a factor in car safety, as any good driver knows that there are certain things you can do to prevent a collision. Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve consumed liquor or illegal drugs recently, keep your eyes on the road, and watch for signs of trouble such as dangerous drivers. These tips could eliminate the crash altogether, but you don’t always see it coming and can’t always avoid it.

Truck drivers know this most of all, since any accident involving them is instantly their fault. They’re driving a vehicle weighing several times what most are driving on the same roads, so they’re much more likely to walk away from an accident.

These almost inevitable collisions are the reason why Nissan is recalling 3.5 million vehicles. If the airbag doesn’t work correctly, it could result in more injury than usual, and possibly death. The driver is ultimately responsible for the safety of everyone in the car, since the passengers, the ones affected by the airbag safety concerns in the Nissan recall, have minimal control over the vehicle. They might be able to steer in an emergency, but that’s about it.

The manufacturer told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Friday that the software used in nearly 3.2 million models is defective. The said software uses sensors to determine if someone is sitting in the passenger seat and activates the airbag. The report states that the sensors failed to determine if the passenger seat is occupied by an adult or a child, or if there is even a human body on it.

Nissan stated that the problem resulted from sensors not recognizing the passenger if they entered the car from the wrong position, or sat with the wrong posture. If you crawl in through the window and sit with your feet on the dash, the car might not think you’re even there. As unsafe as it may be to do these things, the sensors are supposed to protect you regardless. Safety features aren’t supposed to be picky about how you inhabit space in the vehicle.

Of course, the Nissan recall isn’t quite as bad as what has been plaguing Tesla and their Model X. The sensors in the electronic SUVs have been known to not recognize when the door is closed, and sometimes even the brakes glitch. One Tesla Model X consumer claimed that he literally had to hold the door closed all the way to work just because it wouldn’t latch. There was already a recall over seat recliners previously.

Ford is also plagued by a recall on many late-model vehicles, due to sensors in the motor downshifting over speed. This can be problematic in transmission operation, possibly ruining the motor after time no matter how much you maintain it. Other issues involve rear suspension in late-model Explorers, causing potential steering issues and possible fractures over faulty welds.

It appears that the advancement in technology for the automotive industry is also leading to a lot of sensor issues like the one causing the Nissan recall. Many do-it-yourself mechanics prefer older models because they’re easier to work on due to more mechanical systems.

The models affected in the recall include the 2016-2017 Maxima, the 2013-2016 Altima, the NV200, LEAF, and Sentra, the 2013-2017 Pathfinder, the 2014-2016 NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60 and Q50, the 2014-2017 Rogue, the 2015-2016 Murano, the 2015-2016 Chevrolet City Express, and the 2013 Infiniti JX35.

Do you have any of the vehicles affected by faulty airbag sensors in the Nissan recall?

[Feature image via GongTo / Shutterstock.com]

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