Vehicle airbags inflate with explosive force in a crash, and, in some of these vehicles, the round Nissan logo or pieces from it can become dangerous projectiles. Nissan is aware of four injuries allegedly related to this issue, according to a letter the automaker sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The issue is thought to exist on just 0.3% of the recalled vehicles.
The logo emblem, which is on the front of the steering wheel horn button, is part of an airbag assembly produced by Nissan supplier Autoliv, which used badges from a second supplier that was not fully identified. According to a Nissan investigation reported to NHTSA, the badges were apparently produced improperly, causing them to weaken with age and sometimes develop cracks.