Component
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:DRIVER
3 NHTSA complaints about air bags:sensor:occupant classification:driver issues across 3 makes and 3 models.
The air bags:sensor:occupant classification:driver is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 3 filings from 3 manufacturers and 3 distinct vehicle models, a footprint large enough that defect engineers can isolate part-family patterns across different platforms that share the same supplier or the same federal motor vehicle safety standard.
Among filings citing this component, owners have reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the TESLA MODEL 3 with 1 filings, followed by NISSAN ALTIMA and GMC TERRAIN. These severity counters are what separates a nuisance complaint trend from a pattern NHTSA is likely to escalate into a Preliminary Evaluation.
Component-level analysis is how the Office of Defects Investigation spots cross-manufacturer supplier issues — the same airbag inflator, the same takata-style ignition switch, the same brake hose material — before they become industry-wide recalls. When you see a single component accumulating large complaint volume across several unrelated nameplates, that is usually a signature of a shared supplier or a shared federal standard being stressed by real-world conditions. Use the affected-vehicles table below to see whether the pattern is concentrated on a handful of models or distributed evenly, and cross-reference each model's full recall and investigation history before drawing conclusions about any one nameplate.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | TESLA MODEL 3 | 1 |
| 2 | NISSAN ALTIMA | 1 |
| 3 | GMC TERRAIN | 1 |
Recent Complaints
The driver seat occupancy weight sensor has to be replaced twice now. The car does not recognize someone is in the driver seat. It is unclear whether the airbags would deploy if I was in an accident a
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the passengerâs side air bag warning light illuminated, and an audible sound was heard. The contact stated th
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving with a passenger seated in the front passengerâs seat, the air bag warning light illuminated with the âAir Bag Offâ messag
Related Vehicle Components
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Related Safety Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints involve air bags:sensor:occupant classification:driver issues? ▼
How dangerous are air bags:sensor:occupant classification:driver defects? ▼
Which vehicles have the most air bags:sensor:occupant classification:driver problems? ▼
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Data Sources
Vehicle complaint data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database. Includes consumer-reported safety issues filed with NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Severity counts cross-reference NHTSA FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) for fatal incidents where a corresponding FARS record exists.
Component categories are standardized by NHTSA. Crash-test ratings where shown are drawn from the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Complaint counts, crash reports, fire reports, and fatality data reflect consumer-submitted reports and may not represent all incidents.
Disclaimer: This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for vehicle purchase decisions. NHTSA complaint data is self-reported by consumers and has not been verified or investigated. A high complaint count does not necessarily indicate a defect. Always consult a qualified mechanic and check official NHTSA recall notices before making safety-related decisions.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.