B0020 on Nissan Altima
Left Side Airbag Deployment Control
Methodology: Reviewed against the SAE J2012 generic DTC definition and NHTSA owner-complaint patterns, then scoped to Nissan Altima context without treating complaints as confirmed diagnoses.
Sources: SAE/OBD-II definitions, manufacturer service information, and public reliability reports (including NHTSA where applicable).
- SAE J2012 Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions — Generic diagnostic trouble code definition reference for B0020.
- NHTSA recalls, complaints, and manufacturer communications — Used to check public owner complaint context, recall status, and safety-related manufacturer communications by VIN or vehicle.
Limits: Guidance is informational and may not match every model-year or revision. Confirm with the official manual and diagnostics before replacing parts. For safety-critical or electrical work, use a qualified technician.
What B0020 Means on Your Nissan Altima
B0020 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Left Side Airbag Deployment Control. This code relates to the body electrical system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.
Real Nissan Altima Owner Reports
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
"Supplemental Airbag Warning Light solid red, does not go off. Occurred after oil change done at dealership 1/13/2025. Dealer found code B0020, recommended part 87650-3TD6G, seat back replacement, parts and labor for repairs $2,950."
"The air bag system light comes on, the code is B0020 - Side A/B module LH, and I am able to reset the system with a code scanner. The light goes out and operates normally for a few days or weeks, then without warning the A/B illuminates again for no apparent reason."
"Airbag light came on and the error code was b0020, which is the drivers side, they reset at the dealer. it came back on a week later and i took it back. they told me they checked the wires and it all looked fine."
"My air bag light stays on in my dash. went to my local dealer to find out an old code b0020-13 was detected. they found everything to be fine, so they reset the code. the air bag light came back on two days later, and the same code came on again."
"Airbag light came on in September 2021.Took to dealership on October 5, 2021. They ran a diagnostic test and charged me $160 to tell me that code B0020 Aide Airbag Module Left Side is open. I purchased extended warranty when car was purchased new. Platinum plan $2098."
All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year
Common Causes on Nissan Altima
Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.
What To Do Next
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1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
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2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
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3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.