Investigations
Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE25005 — open, opened 2025-06-13 and involving the NISSAN NISSAN.
NHTSA investigation PE25005 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2025-06-13 and currently open. The subject of record is NISSAN NISSAN, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for NISSAN. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2025-06-13 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Preliminary Evaluation like PE25005 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) became aware of a single-vehicle crash involving a 2009 Nissan Cube resulting in an airbag deployment. When the front-driver airbag deployed the airbag module detached from the s..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related NISSAN files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) became aware of a single-vehicle crash involving a 2009 Nissan Cube resulting in an airbag deployment. When the front-driver airbag deployed the airbag module detached from the steering wheel, striking the driver, and causing injuries requiring medical attention. A police report states that the driver’s airbag module was found in the back seat of the vehicle. Further inspection of the vehicle showed the airbag cushion and inflator remained secured to the module housing. The 2009 Nissan Cube vehicles are equipped with Takata PSDI-X inflators. Nissan has confirmed the inflator involved in the subject crash is the original equipment associated with the vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). After analysis of the subject vehicle failed parts, Nissan and New Leaf LLC (formerly known as Takata) have reported that it appears the rupture occurred at a weld point between the inflator cap and inflator housing. This failure mode indicates a potential manufacturing defect involving a weld in the inflator. The PSDI-X inflator is within the scope of EA21002, in which NHTSA is investigating the potential degradation of desiccated airbag propellant in Takata inflators. However, the failure mode observed in the subject inflator appears to be inconsistent with known ruptures attributed to propellant degradation. As such, at this time, NHTSA is not aware of evidence to suggest that the rupture of the subject inflator relates to the propellant issues under investigation in EA21002. Nissan has stated their inflator-to-vehicle traceability records for this production period are limited, making the identification of any affected VINs difficult. Nissan has collected parts from the field for analysis to learn more about the potentially affected population. Currently, Nissan has decided not to conduct a safety recall. The ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation to assess the scope, root cause, and analysis of potential weld defects in 2009
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
Other NISSAN Investigations
Inner Tie Rod Failures
Side curtain air bags may deploy inadvertently
Reduced Power After Engine Stall
Loss of motive power due to broken crankshaft with no ability to restart.
Hood Latch/Bell Crank Assembly
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.