Nearly 1 million Nissans recalled

Nissan is recalling almost 1 million vehicles because the air bag system software might not be able to tell whether there is a person sitting in the front passenger seat, so the air bag might not inflate in a crash.

It’s the second passenger air bag recall for some of the vehicles. Last April, 82,038 2013model vehicles from the same group were recalled for a similar issue. Nissan noted in documents with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that there have been accidents, but no injuries or deaths were specified.

The recent action involves what’s called the occupant classification system, which judges whether anyone is sitting in the passenger’s seat in order to decide whether to inflate the bag if there is a crash.

Nissan documents say the system might not work if there is “high engine vibration at idle when the seat is initially empty and then becomes occupied, or unusual occupant seating postures immediately upon being seated.” Dealers will reprogram the system at no charge.

Nissan provided a detailed chronology indicating that it has been investigating reports of the problem since last spring, conducted a recall for a different problem then, but continued to see warranty claims. It began investigating anew last August, is aware of two incidents and has determined the latest issue as software requiring a recall.

NISSAN VIA WIECK 2013 Nissan Sentra.