As of March 27, 2014 Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling select model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra in addition to the 2013 NV200, Infiniti JX35, 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60. The selected models have been recalled after discovery of a defect in the electrical system.
The occupant classification system (OCS) software may not properly detect the existence of a passenger and thus fail to deploy airbags in the appropriate fashion, although an adult passenger is seated.
It appears the OCS software defect is limited to the detection of a passenger in the passenger seat, however if the system does fail to detect the presence of an adult in the seat it will deactivate the corresponding airbags and in the event of a collision this could pose an increased risk of injury.
Beginning mid-April Nissan is expected to contact owners and dealers will update the OCS software. Owners may also contact Nissan as 1-800-647-7261.
Since 1966 when the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act was passed, recalls have been launched targeting not only defective vehicles but parts as well. More than 390 million vehicles have been recalled in an attempt to make roads safer for consumers after discovery of either existing or potential defects within those vehicles.2