autoevolution
 

Slamming The Doors On A 2012 Nissan Versa Might Lead To Airbag Inflation

The NHTSA has commenced a probe focused on the 2012 Nissan Versa that investigates reported the unintentional deployment of side curtain or thorax airbags in this vehicle if the front doors are slammed too hard.
2012 - Nissan Versa Sedan 6 photos
Photo: Nissan
2012- Nissan Versa2012- Nissan Versa2012- Nissan VersaNHTSA Investigation focused on 2012 Nissan VersaRecall notice targeting side airbag inflators for 2012 Nissan Versa
The investigation has been opened since September 28, 2016, and it had begun after four reports alleged that the side airbags on this model year of the Nissan Versa were deployed when the front door was shut.

As the NHTSA web page notes, the doors were possibly closed in an aggressive manner, but one must wonder just how hard you must slam a car door to deploy an airbag.

Apparently, the NHTSA wants to know the same thing so that it will investigate that aspect, as well as the frequency and consequence of this alleged defect.

If this turns out to require a recall for the 2012 Nissan Versa, approximately 155,000 vehicles of that model year will have to be brought to dealerships for a precautionary repair, THV11 notes quoting an Associated Press story.

Fortunately, there are no accidents or injuries caused by this problem. It is interesting to note that an airbag deployment is a violent event, since a pyrotechnic capsule is detonated to fill the said airbags in just the right time to prevent injury in an impact.

If the occupant is not secured, or if something is in the way of the airbag, serious injury might occur to the passengers of the vehicle.

In the meantime, if you drive a 2012 Nissan Versa, it is wise to ask your passengers not to slam the doors of your car. The problem only affects the front doors of the vehicle, but it would be wise not to slam the doors of any car, ever, for that matter.

Curiously, the NHTSA website revealed that the 2012 Nissan Versa was recalled for the replacement of its side curtain airbag inflators, which reportedly had an incorrect propellant specification.

The recall affected Versa and Altima models manufactured between November 21, 2011, and December 21, 2011. That issue was resolved through the recall number 12V-055. We do not believe that the two problems are linked.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories