Second Hand Nissan Pathfinder Airbag

The Pathfinder has had several distinct generations: the second generation (R50) ran from 1996 to 2004, the third generation (R51) ran from 2005 to 2014, and the fourth generation (R52) ran from 2014 onwards. Generation is the single most important factor for airbag fitment, as the SRS system and mounting points differ significantly between them, so always match your part to the correct generation against your registration plate.

A 2013 Pathfinder is a third-generation R51, while a 2015 is a fourth-generation R52 — these are entirely different vehicles with different interior architectures, so the airbags are not interchangeable across that boundary. You must source a part from the correct generation, and because airbag module compatibility with your specific SRS system can vary even within a generation, you should confirm the part matches your registration with the breaker before purchasing. Airbags are safety-critical and single-use after deployment, so professional fitting by a qualified technician is strongly recommended.

For the Pathfinder, trim level can matter because seating configuration and interior spec varied between grades — for example, S, SE, and LE trims in the R51 generation could differ in seat style, which affects seat-mounted side airbags in particular. If you are sourcing a steering wheel, dashboard, or seat-mounted airbag, confirm the trim level of the donor vehicle with the breaker to avoid cosmetic or mounting mismatches. As always, have any airbag fitted by a qualified professional.

Yes, side absolutely matters — nearside (NS, left) and offside (OS, right) airbags, particularly curtain and seat-mounted units, are handed and will not swap between sides. When contacting a breaker, specify clearly which side you need alongside your generation and trim details. Airbags are safety-critical components, so confirm the exact part against your registration before buying and always use a professional fitter.

Airbags are safety-critical, single-use components that form part of a wider SRS system, and incorrect fitting can result in non-deployment in a crash or accidental deployment during installation — both potentially life-threatening. Findapart strongly recommends having any airbag fitted by a qualified automotive technician who can also carry out the necessary SRS diagnostic checks. A breaker can supply the correct part, but fitting should never be a DIY job.

Yes, the third-generation Pathfinder (R51) covered the period from 2005 to 2014, so a listing quoting those years is referring to the R51 as a whole. However, compatibility with your specific SRS system — including any mid-cycle changes within that generation — can vary, so you should confirm the part against your exact registration with the breaker rather than relying solely on year range. Airbags are safety-critical and must be fitted by a qualified professional.