Nissan Cube Airbag Woes

Cube’s Airbag Concerns

The Nissan Cube, known for its unconventional design, has caught the attention of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) due to a recent troubling incident. After an airbag unexpectedly detached during a crash, safety investigators are looking into the issue, especially concerning 2009 models fitted with Takata’s notorious airbag inflators.

What’s Happening

The NHTSA has launched an investigation following a single-vehicle crash involving a 2009 Nissan Cube. Instead of the airbag deploying correctly, the entire module detached from the steering wheel and ended up striking the driver and landing in the back seat. Such a malfunction raises significant safety concerns.

Technical Investigation

Initial examinations show that the airbag cushion and inflator remained connected, but the overall module’s detachment was alarming. The Cube models in question use Takata’s PSDI-X inflators, a component already notorious for its degradation over time, leading to ruptures. However, in this case, the incident might not be entirely due to the inflator’s degradation.

It’s speculated that the problem stems from a failed weld point between the inflator cap and the housing. This weld failure could indicate a manufacturing defect, prompting a need for deeper scrutiny. Nissan has not yet issued a recall but is actively collecting components from affected vehicles to better understand the failure.

The Driving Experience

Despite its recent troubles, the Nissan Cube has always offered a unique driving experience. It’s a car that doesn’t blend in, featuring a boxy design that turns heads. On the road, the Cube feels steady and straightforward, though it’s more about comfort than speed. It’s comparable to driving a compact SUV, though with quirks only the Cube offers, like its asymmetrical rear design.

With a modest 122 horsepower, it’s no speedster but is well-suited for urban commuting. It doesn’t have the zesty performance of small sedans like the Honda Civic, nor the rugged build of SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, but it carves its niche with distinctive style and space efficiency.

Next Steps

As investigations continue, Nissan is tasked with sorting out traceability issues to identify which vehicles might be affected. With ongoing evaluations by the ODI, it’s important for owners to stay informed and cautious. If the investigation reveals further systemic problems, a formal recall could follow. For now, anyone driving a 2009 Cube should stay tuned for updates and ensure all safety features are in check.