Nissan has recalled more than 400,000 vehicles because their steering-wheel-mounted emblems can detach and become projectiles in an accident.
The recall affects some, but not all, copies of the:
- 2008-2011 Nissan Titan
- 2008-2011 Nissan Frontier
- 2008-2011 Nissan Xterra
- 2008-2011 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2008-2011 Nissan Armada
- 2008-2009 Nissan Quest
Not every copy is affected because, Nissan says, the problem has only been documented in cars with airbag assemblies provided by one of several manufacturers Nissan used in those years.
The resin posts that attach the steering wheel emblem can degrade and crack over time, leaving it loosely attached. When the airbag deploys, it could then fly off rather than remain attached to the steering wheel cover as it falls to make space for the airbag.
It’s not an unprecedented problem. Chevrolet recalled a small number of Camaros over the same issue in 2021.
Nissan is aware of four injuries that may have been caused by the flying emblems.
The company has not announced how it will fix the problem, telling federal safety regulators, “The repair is under study at this time.” When the fix comes, it will be free. Recall repairs are always free. In the meantime, if you’re driving an older Nissan, we wouldn’t blame you for removing the steering wheel emblem yourself to ensure it doesn’t become dangerous in an accident.
Many cars are subject to at least one recall. Automakers try to reach every owner, but they don’t always succeed. Check whether your vehicle has ever been recalled at our recall center.
