Nissan has recently issued a warning to owners of older vehicles equipped with Takata airbags that have been recalled but not yet repaired. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made an announcement on Wednesday regarding the potential dangers associated with driving these cars. The “Do Not Drive” alert specifically applies to 83,920 cars, including models such as the 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra, 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 vehicles.
The main concern highlighted by Nissan and the NHTSA is the increased risk of the Takata airbag inflators exploding during deployment. This could lead to the release of sharp metal fragments, posing a serious threat of injury or even death to the occupants of the vehicle. Due to the age of the vehicles involved, the likelihood of such explosions occurring is significantly higher.
According to reports from the NHTSA, there have been 27 confirmed fatalities in the United States linked to defective Takata airbags. Additionally, around 400 individuals have allegedly suffered injuries as a result of these faulty airbag inflators. This has prompted one of the largest auto safety recalls in history, with approximately 67 million Takata airbag inflators being recalled in the U.S. alone, and over 100 million recalled globally.
As a response to the potential dangers posed by the recalled Takata airbags in older Nissan vehicles, the carmaker has initiated several measures to assist affected owners. This includes offering free towing services, mobile repair options, and even loaner cars in select locations. Infiniti, a division of Nissan, is also involved in providing support to owners of affected vehicles.
The issues surrounding Takata airbag inflators led to the company filing for bankruptcy protection in both Japan and the U.S. in 2017. This followed a settlement agreement to pay $1 billion in criminal penalties relating to alleged fraudulent practices in the sale of defective airbag inflators. The legal implications and financial consequences of these incidents have been significant for Takata and other parties involved.
The warning issued by Nissan and the NHTSA concerning the use of older vehicles with recalled Takata airbags serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards in the automotive industry. Owners of affected cars are strongly advised to heed the warnings, prioritize safety, and take immediate action to address the issue to prevent any serious harm resulting from the defective airbag inflators.