How common are airbag complaints on the 2011 Nissan Leaf?

NHTSA lists 35 airbag complaints for the 2011 Leaf, which is 37% of all 95 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2011 Nissan Leaf airbag issue?

NHTSA shows no related recall listed for the 2011 Leaf's airbag problems, even though several owners state that later model years received one for a similar occupant sensor issue.

What mileage does the airbag problem usually show up at?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 59,100 miles.

Have airbag complaints caused any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to these airbag complaints for the 2011 Leaf.

Which year of the Nissan Leaf has the most airbag complaints?

Among Leaf model years, 2011 has the highest count with 35 airbag complaints and the highest share at 37%, compared to lower counts in surrounding years like 2012 (11) and 2013 (17).

2011 Nissan Leaf Airbags Problems

NHTSA lists 35 airbag complaints for the 2011 Nissan Leaf, 37% of all complaints filed for that year, with no related recall on record. Most owners report the passenger occupant sensor failing and disabling the passenger airbag, with a median mileage at failure of 59,100.

Airbags complaints: 35; 37% of 95
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 59,100 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

The passenger seat occupant sensor fails and disables the passenger airbag, often triggering a flashing dashboard warning light.
Owners report diagnostic code B1018 or B1013 for an occupant sensor unit failure that requires seat-related repairs.
Some drivers say the airbag warning light can be temporarily reset by turning the car off and on, but it returns within a short distance of driving.
Several owners note that later Leaf model years (2012–2014) received a recall for the same occupant sensor issue while the 2011 model did not.
A few complaints describe the sensor failing on vehicles with very low mileage, suggesting the issue is not tied to heavy use.
Owners report being told replacement parts for the occupant sensor or seat are discontinued or on backorder.

When 2011 Nissan Leaf airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 20, 2015, latest Apr 17, 2025.

35 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2015 to Apr 2025; peak Jun 2018 (3).

Airbags recalls for the 2011 Nissan Leaf

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Airbags complaints by Leaf model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20100 (0%)
201135 (37%)
201211 (19%)
201317 (21%)
20144 (12%)
20158 (7%)
20163 (8%)
20174 (24%)
20185 (8%)
20191 (0%)
20201 (1%)
20212 (4%)
20221 (1%)
20230 (0%)
20240 (0%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are airbag complaints on the 2011 Nissan Leaf?: NHTSA lists 35 airbag complaints for the 2011 Leaf, which is 37% of all 95 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Nissan Leaf airbag issue?: NHTSA shows no related recall listed for the 2011 Leaf's airbag problems, even though several owners state that later model years received one for a similar occupant sensor issue.
What mileage does the airbag problem usually show up at?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 59,100 miles.
Have airbag complaints caused any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to these airbag complaints for the 2011 Leaf.
Which year of the Nissan Leaf has the most airbag complaints?: Among Leaf model years, 2011 has the highest count with 35 airbag complaints and the highest share at 37%, compared to lower counts in surrounding years like 2012 (11) and 2013 (17).