Nissan Cube Recall 2026, Nearly 48,000 Vehicles Recalled Over Air Bag Detachment Risk

Last Updated: May 18, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only. Always follow official recall guidance from Nissan or the NHTSA for additional instructions.

Nissan has recalled 47,928 Cube vehicles due to a problem with their air bags, where the air bag inflator may come off the steering wheel while deploying, potentially striking the driver or passengers and increasing the risk of injury. The recall affects 2009 and 2010 model year Cubes. An additional nearly 5,500 Nissan Cubes are also recalled in Canada.

Recall At a Glance

• Company/Brand: Nissan North America
• Affected Vehicles: 2009–2010 Nissan Cube
• Units Affected (U.S.): 47,928
• Recall Number: R26A1 (Nissan internal)
• Date Announced: April 9, 2026 (NHTSA report date); publicly reported April 22–28, 2026
• Geographic Scope: United States nationwide; Canada (~5,500 units)
• Recommended Action: Take your vehicle to a Nissan dealer for a free inflator serial number inspection and replacement if needed
• Nissan Customer Hotline: 800-647-7261
• NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236
• Check Your VIN: nhtsa.gov/recalls or nissanusa.com/owners/recalls-vin.html

The Defect and How It Was Discovered

According to a report filed with the NHTSA, the driver’s airbag inflator in certain Nissan Cube vehicles may contain an improper body weld seal to the inflator base. Nissan and New Leaf LLC — previously known as Takata — determined that the rupture point is located at the weld between the inflator cap and inflator housing.

The part in question is a Takata PSDI-X driver’s airbag inflator, part number 98560-7991C. Affected Cubes were manufactured between October 10, 2008 and September 25, 2010. No other Nissan or Infiniti vehicles use this specific inflator.

Takata, the now-bankrupt Japanese automotive parts company, was responsible for what became the largest automotive recall in history. However, this particular Cube defect is distinct from that broader Takata scandal. The NHTSA stated the Cube’s airbag failure “appears to be inconsistent with known ruptures attributed to propellant degradation,” meaning this is a separate structural weld issue — not the explosive propellant problem that defined the larger Takata recall.

Nissan states it is not aware of any warranty claims, accidents, or injuries related to this recall. Nissan estimates that only 0.002% of the recalled Cubes are actually defective, but because the potential consequence is a loose airbag module striking occupants during a crash, Nissan and the NHTSA are treating it as a serious safety matter.

The recall investigation was triggered by a real-world incident. The NHTSA opened an investigation after a driver of a 2009 Nissan Cube was injured when struck by an airbag module that incorrectly detached from the steering wheel during a single-vehicle crash. After striking the driver and causing injuries that required medical attention, the airbag module ended up in the Cube’s back seat.

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Who Is at Risk

If you own a 2009 or 2010 Nissan Cube, your vehicle may be affected. A driver’s air bag that detaches can strike the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury. The risk is present any time the vehicle is in a collision that triggers airbag deployment. Because these vehicles are now 15–17 years old, many current owners may be second or third-hand buyers who never received the original owner notification.

Dealerships will check the serial number on the driver’s airbag inflator for a specific lot number, and if it is part of the suspect lot, the dealer will remove the inflator and replace it with a new one manufactured by a different supplier.

Steps to Take Right Now

1. Check your VIN immediately. Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls or nissanusa.com/owners/recalls-vin.html and enter your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number. You can also find your VIN on the bottom edge of your windshield on the driver’s side, or on your registration card.
   
2. Contact your Nissan dealer. Schedule a free inspection as soon as possible. The dealer will check the inflator serial number and replace it at no cost if it falls within the affected lot.
   
3. Call Nissan directly. Reach Nissan at 800-647-7261 and reference recall number R26A1. You can also call the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.
   
4. Wait for your recall letter — but don’t wait to act. Recall notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning May 27, 2026. However, since your VIN is already searchable on the NHTSA website, there is no reason to wait for the letter before scheduling your repair.
   
5. The repair is always free. Recall repairs are performed by Nissan dealers free of charge, regardless of whether your vehicle is still under warranty or whether you are the original owner.

Older Vehicles, Easy to Miss

The Nissan Cube sold no more than 22,968 units during its best year (2010), and between 2009 and 2015, a grand total of 77,440 were sold by Nissan’s U.S. dealers. That relatively small sales footprint means many affected owners may not be actively monitoring recall databases. If you purchased a used Cube, there is a real chance Nissan does not have your current address on file. Checking your VIN proactively is the most reliable way to confirm whether your vehicle needs service.

If you purchased a used Nissan Cube and are now dealing with a defective vehicle or unaddressed safety recall, it may be worth speaking with a consumer protection attorney. Our article on the Nissan Rogue rear windshield class action lawsuit illustrates how Nissan owners can pursue legal remedies when safety defects go unaddressed. For broader product liability questions, the consumer lawyer resources at AllAboutLawyer.com can help you understand your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which vehicles are affected?

 2009 and 2010 Nissan Cube vehicles manufactured between October 10, 2008 and September 25, 2010, equipped with the Takata PSDI-X driver’s airbag inflator, part number 98560-7991C.

How do I know if my specific Cube is affected?

 Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or on the Nissan website. The dealer will check the specific lot number on your inflator’s serial number to determine whether it is part of the suspect group.

What if I already used the vehicle after hearing about this recall?

Nissan is currently not aware of any injuries or accidents related to this specific recall. The risk occurs only if your airbag deploys. You may continue driving, but you should schedule your dealer inspection as soon as possible.

How do I get the repair done?

 Contact your Nissan dealer or call 800-647-7261, referencing recall number R26A1. The inspection and replacement are free of charge.

Who regulates this recall?

 The recall is overseen by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. federal agency responsible for vehicle safety. Official recall information is available at nhtsa.gov.

What are the specific risks? 

If the air bag inflator detaches from the steering wheel during deployment, it could strike the driver or passengers, increasing the risk of injury. In the one confirmed incident, the detached module required the driver to seek medical attention and the module ended up in the back seat of the vehicle.

I’m a used car buyer. Does the recall still apply to me? 

Yes. Recall repairs are available to any current vehicle owner, regardless of purchase history. You do not need to be the original buyer to receive the free repair.

Last Updated: May 18, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only. Always follow official recall guidance from Nissan or the relevant regulatory authority for additional instructions.