2013 Nissan Altima Airbag Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are airbag problems on the 2013 Nissan Altima?
514 owners have reported airbag problems on the 2013 Nissan Altima, 22% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 2,000–50,000 miles. 5 recalls cover this area.
514 complaints 22% of all 2013 complaints 16,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (331 of 514). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Airbags complaints by the year the problem happened.
Airbags complaints by Altima year
Related recalls
Occupant classification
An incorrect Occupant Classification System (OCS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have been installed in the front passenger seat. The incorrect ECU and seat combination may misclassify the front passenger seat occupant. If the front passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the air bag may deploy incorrectly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECU and update the OCS software free of charge.
Recall 16V911000 · Dec 2016Occupant classification
In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash. If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors.
Recall 16V244000 · Apr 2016Passenger airbag may be wrongly turned off
Injury riskA repair installed the wrong occupancy sensor unit, which can mistake an adult passenger for an empty seat and switch off the passenger airbag. If a crash happens, that airbag may not deploy, raising the risk of injury to the passenger.
Fix: The dealer will update the occupant classification system software at no cost to you.
Recall 15V681000 · Oct 2015Frontal, Software
In the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult. If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge.
Recall 14V138000 · Mar 2014Passenger airbag may be permanently disabled
Injury riskSensors in the passenger occupant detection system may have been made out of specification, so the system can malfunction and permanently turn off the passenger airbag. If a crash requires airbag deployment, a passenger without a working airbag faces a higher risk of injury.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the occupant detection sensors and replace them if needed, free of charge.
Recall 13V069000 · Mar 2013Get an email when your 2013 Nissan Altima gets a new recall
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Other 2013 Nissan Altima problems
Common questions
What are common 2013 Nissan Altima airbag problems?
Complaints most often name the air bag / restraint control module.
At what mileage do 2013 Nissan Altima airbag problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 2,000–50,000 miles. The middle value is about 16,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2013 Nissan Altima airbag problems?
Yes: 16V911000, 16V244000, 15V681000, 14V138000, 13V069000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Altima year has the most airbag complaints?
The 2013 Altima, with 514 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.