The 2003 Nissan Pathfinder has 3 recalls, all centered on the same serious defect: the front passenger airbag inflator can rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin and raising the risk of serious injury or death.
Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, which is why multiple recall campaigns exist for the same problem. When the passenger airbag fires in a crash, excessive internal pressure can cause the inflator to burst rather than deploy normally. Beyond the fragment hazard, the resulting damage to the airbag module can also prevent the bag from deploying at all, leaving the passenger without crash protection.
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.
