The 2003 Nissan Pathfinder has 3 recalls, all concerning the same serious defect: the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator can rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin and potentially causing serious injury or death.
Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue, which is why multiple recall campaigns exist for this single defect. When the passenger airbag deploys in a crash, excessive internal pressure can cause the inflator to burst apart rather than inflate the bag properly. Beyond the fragment hazard, the rupture can also damage the airbag module itself, preventing the bag from deploying at all and leaving the front passenger without restraint protection in a collision.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant breakdown after exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bags with new desiccated inflators at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The passenger-side front air bag inflator may build up excessive internal pressure and rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger airbag inflator may build up too much pressure when deploying, causing it to rupture and send fragments toward occupants. This can also damage the airbag module and prevent proper deployment in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the passenger airbag inflator and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
