The passenger occupancy sensor has failed and as a result the passenger airbag is now permanently off, as indicated on the console. The dashboard airbag and general error lights are now constantly flashing as well. The dealer indicated the failure is the mat in the seat, OBD code B1018, and there is no repair for this failure. I see there are mutiple complaints online about this same problem on 2011-2012 LEAFs, and that NHTSA had opened an investigation. Do I have some recourse here? I am concerned to have people ride in the vehicle with no airbag.

- Portland, OR, USA

I believe my newly purchased 2012 Nissan LEAF is suffering from the same passenger-side airbag faulty sensor problem that has been documented in NHTSA case id: 11234415. I am experiencing the same flashing warning lights when I operate the vehicle. There are no signs of damage or tampering with the passenger-side seat. I will do my best to make the vehicle available for inspection upon request. I am worried that the faulty senor, if unfixed, might be shutting off the whole airbag deployment safety system. If it is doing that, Nissan MUST recall these vehicles for repair! A previous owner took the vehicle to the dealership that originally sold the car and their service center reported that the problem was a known issue. [NOTE: Date of Incident in this report refers to date of purchase of the vehicle, NOT the date that the problem began to occur. I do not have that information available to me.]

- Mililani, HI, USA

The airbag light is on, and the dealer has told us the entire front passenger seat will need to be replaced for $4,000 to fix the problem.

- Brookhaven, GA, USA

While starting the vehicle the airbag warning light illuminates (continuously flashing) and continues to flash while driving. On 11/22/2019 the Nissan dealer reported that the seat occupant classification module has failed and is reporting a trouble code B1018. The repair involves replacing the passenger seat cushion assembly at a cost of $3938. The cost to repair is a significant portion of the value of the vehicle. I understand that this is know issue with later my Nissan Leaf and is the subject of a recall.

- San Diego, CA, USA

B1018 passenger seat senosr needs replacement Nissan says is not covered under there 10 year 100,000 mile warranty. Will cost $3900 to replace the passenger seat. What is covered under the air bag warranty? this is a major safety issue for me and my family.

- Waxhaw, NC, USA

Passenger seat occupancy sensor (OCS) has failed. Only repair offered by Nissan is to replace the entire cushion seat assembly, which includes a side airbag and seat heater, for over $4000 - this is approximately the value of the car on the used market! a similar failure for later model years (2013-2016) resulted in a mandatory recall. Using parts in a critical safety system that barely survive past the car warranty should be criminal.

- Houston, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Leaf. While starting the vehicle in a parking lot, the air bag indicator illuminated and continued to flash. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and the computer system was reset. The technician also diagnosed that the side air bag sensor and cushion needed to be replaced. The failure recurred two days later. The failure was not remedied. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,470.

- Spring Hill, FL, USA

Despite an adult occupying the front passenger seat, the passenger airbag disabled indicator came on. This happened with two different full sized adults. Dealer could not recreate the problem and refused to attempt a repair.

- La Crescenta, CA, USA