Nissan is recalling over 41,797 vehicles—specifically certain 2025 Sentra models—due to a defect that leaves air bubbles in the windshields. While seemingly minor, these bubbles can obstruct a driver’s vision, violating federal safety standards for windshield glazing.
The Defect and Its Cause
The problem stems from a supplier production issue involving Vitro, a glass manufacturer, where misaligned molds during windshield assembly trapped air between the glass layers. The misalignment creates uneven pressure, preventing proper air evacuation during the lamination process. Federal regulations prohibit bubbles or defects larger than 0.5 inches from the windshield’s edge.
Nissan discovered the issue in August during an audit at its Aguas II plant in Mexico. Internal investigation confirmed that approximately 2.2% of recalled vehicles are affected, though the automaker reports no related accidents or warranty claims to date.
What Owners Should Do
Owners will be notified in mid-January, but can inspect their windshields for visible bubbles now. Dealers will inspect and replace affected windshields, a process that could take up to 2.5 hours.
This recall highlights the critical role of manufacturing precision in automotive safety. Even seemingly small defects can compromise visibility, underscoring why strict quality control is non-negotiable in vehicle production.
The issue raises questions about supplier oversight and how defects slip through initial inspections. Though the defect rate is low, the potential safety risk justifies the comprehensive recall to prevent accidents.
