Nissan recalls more than 460,000 vehicles globally over airbag cover emblems that may detach

WASHINGTON — Nissan North America is recalling more than 460,000 vehicles globally because the driver's side airbag cover emblem might detach during deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

The recall covers certain 2008-11 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder and Armada vehicles as well as 2008-09 Quest vehicles. It affects an estimated 463,472 vehicles globally, including 404,690 in the U.S.; 17,214 in Canada; and 6,471 in Mexico, according to Nissan spokesman Stephen O'Neil.

The resin emblem on the driver's side airbag covers in the affected vehicles may have "reduced durability due to potential Tier 2 supplier production process variation" and may develop cracks over time, according to a recall report submitted Monday to NHTSA.

Nissan said it was aware of four incidents alleging injury related to the issue.

A repair is still under development.

"Owners with a loose, cracked or missing emblem should contact their local authorized Nissan dealer for diagnosis. If inspection deems remedy is needed, a limited number of parts or alternative transportation may be available," O'Neil said in a statement to Automotive News.

Swedish supplier Autoliv — one of the world's top airbag and seat belt makers — produces the driver's side airbag assembly, according to the report.

A message seeking comment was left Tuesday at Autoliv's North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich.

Dealers were notified of the recall Friday. Letters notifying owners of the safety risk were expected to be mailed by April 10. A second letter will be sent once a repair is available.