Nissan issues 'do not drive' warning for 84,000 older-model vehicles over Takata air bags

Nissan has issued a "do not drive" warning for about 84,000 older vehicles due to hazardous Takata airbags. Affected models include the 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra, 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4. Owners are advised to avoid driving these vehicles until the airbags are replaced. The Takata airbag recall, initiated in 2013, is the largest in automotive history, linked to 27 deaths and over 400 injuries in the U.S. alone. Takata went bankrupt in 2017 following the fallout from the recalls.

Upon receiving the "do not drive" warning, owners of the affected vehicles should take the following steps immediately:

1. Do not drive the vehicle: The warning indicates that driving the vehicle could be dangerous due to the defective Takata airbags. Instead, park the car in a safe location and do not use it until it has been repaired.

2. Contact the manufacturer: Reach out to your local dealership or the vehicle manufacturer's customer service department to inform them about the situation. They will provide guidance on the next steps and help schedule a repair appointment.

3. Schedule a repair: Make arrangements to have your vehicle towed to the nearest dealership or authorized repair facility5. The manufacturer will cover the cost of towing and the replacement of the defective airbags.

4. Use alternative transportation: While your vehicle is being repaired, make arrangements for alternative transportation such as public transit, carpooling, rental cars, or other means.

5. Stay informed: Monitor news and updates from the manufacturer, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and other relevant sources to stay informed about the recall and any developments.

6. Share the information: Inform friends, family, and colleagues about the recall, especially if they own vehicles that may be affected. Spreading awareness can help prevent accidents and ensure more people take the necessary actions to address the issue.