Date: 2019-10-09

Nissan North America, Inc.

NHTSA Action Number: PE19015

Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Subject:

Front Occupant Classification System Mat

Opened From: 2019-10-09 - 2020-06-01

NHTSA Recall Number:

Summary

Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-015 was opened as a result of Defect Petition (DP) 19-002 which alleged that model year (MY) 2011 and 2012 Nissan Leaf were affected by the same defect addressed in an earlier recall, NHTSA Safety Recall 16V-244, but were not included in the scope of that recall.NHTSA 16V-244 involved a defect in the Occupant Classification System, a system intended to suppress deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag under certain specific conditions. Although the DP19-002 analysis determined the allegation that earlier MY Leaf vehicles should have been included in 16V-244 was not founded, the Office of Defects Investigation nonetheless granted the petition and commenced this investigation into the 2011 and 2012 Leaf since OCS failures were reportedly occurring in these vehicles. Further details on DP19-002 can be found at NHTSA.gov.On October 25, 2019, ODI sent an information request letter to Nissan North America (Nissan) requesting pertinent information on the subject 2011 and 2012 Leaf. Nissan provided its response on December 13, 2019. ODI has reviewed the information Nissan provided as well as new reports submitted to NHTSA's Vehicle Owner Questionnaire database. Based on review of all available information, and at this time, ODI has identified evidence supporting that a total of 76 subject vehicles likely experienced a failure of the subject passenger seat OCS mat. The count represents an incidence rate of about 0.4% on subject vehicles that average 8 to 9 years in service.Consistent with Nissan's explanation of how the subject OCS was intended to function, ODI's review of the reports indicates that when an OCS mat failure occurs, two different warning indicators appear on the instrument panel. The warnings provide clear and unambiguous notice to occupants that an OCS problem has been detected, and the owner's manual provides further information regarding the meaning and consequences of the detected failure, as well as advice to seek service. Additionally the OCS will store a diagnostic trouble code to aid service technician diagnosis, and the occupant warnings remain present until the underlying failure has been corrected.In its responses to ODI, Nissan also provided its assessment of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles, stating that it does not believe that an unreasonable risk to safety exists. Nissan states that its assessment of failed OCS mats recently collected from the field showed that external factors (e.g., damage from foreign objects) were responsible for the failures, rather than a design or manufacturing defect. Nissan also cited clear visual warnings and low incidence rates occurring in comparatively older vehicles as factors in its determination that a recall was not warranted. Lastly Nissan noted that most of the complaints received for this issue involved a high customer expense for the cost of repair for the OCS system, which is consistent with ODI's observations. Nissan is apparently considering a reduction in repair part cost as a means to address the customer satisfaction aspect of these complaints.Based on the analysis conducted, this investigation will be closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. NHTSA reserves the right take additional actions if warranted by future circumstances.The 20 ODI numbers cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following identification (ODI) numbers:11176324, 11193091, 11286687, 11290303, 11152569, 11207486, 11180021(duplicate of 11103556), 11103556, 11196006, 11287002, 11101830, 11193208, 11256669, 11172159, 11282156, 11102456, 11123812,

Investigation Documents

For Latest Documents related to this Investigation, visit the NHTSA Website.

Click the (+) Plus Sign

Then click Associated Document(s).

Bestseller No. 1

10 Pieces Universal Car SRS Airbag Simulator Tester Shielding Resistor, Copper Needle Air Bag Repair Tool for Fault Light Reset and Diagnostic, Suitable for Most Cars, SUV, and Trucks

• Universal Compatibility: Designed to work with a wide range...
• Comprehensive Functionality: This tool serves as an...
• High-Quality Construction: Made from copper material, this...
• Essential Safety Kit: Comes in a pack of 10, providing ample...

$9.99

Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping

Bestseller No. 2

CTEAKOP 5Pcs Car SRS Airbag Simulator Tester Bypass Resistor, Airbag Fault Light Reset Tool with Gold-Plated Brass Pins, Universal 12V 2‑Pin Airbag Diagnostic Connector for Car SUV Truck - White

• Practical Function: The airbag simulator tester provides a...
• Wide Application: Airbag diagnostic connector fits common...
• Easy to Use: The airbag fault light reset tool enables quick...
• Premium Quality: SRS bypass resistor is made of solid...
• What You Get: You will receive 5pcs airbag simulator tester...

$6.39

Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping

Last update on 2026-06-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

---

 

Search NHTSA Database for Recalls

Recalls List

Search NHTSA Database for (TSB's) Technical Service Bulletins

Technical Service Bulletins TSB's List

Search NHTSA Database for Vehicle Complaints

Complaints List