Nissan warns owners of older vehicles not to drive them due to risk of exploding air bag inflators
Nissan warns owners of older vehicles not to drive them due to risk of exploding air bag inflators
Nissan Issues Urgent "Do Not Drive" Warning for Older Vehicles
Risk of Exploding Airbags
Nissan has urgently requested owners of about 84,000 older vehicles to cease driving due to potentially lethal Takata airbag inflators that could explode and project metal fragments during a crash.
Affected Models
The warning specifically targets certain models produced between 2002 and 2006, including Sentra small cars, Pathfinder SUVs, and Infiniti QX4 SUVs. Owners are advised to check their vehicle's eligibility for a free repair on Nissan's website.
Free Repair Services
Nissan is offering free replacement of dangerous inflators, along with complimentary towing to dealerships. In some areas, mobile service and loaner cars are also available to affected owners.
Historical Context and Recall Efforts
This issue is part of the largest auto recall in U.S. history, involving millions of vehicles with Takata airbags. Despite a recall initiated in 2020, approximately 84,000 vehicles remain unrepaired.
How can owners of the affected Nissan vehicles check if their car is included in the warning?
Owners of the affected Nissan vehicles can check if their car is included in the warning by visiting Nissan's website and entering their 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN). The "do not drive" warning covers certain 2002 through 2006 Sentra small cars, some 2002 through 2004 Pathfinder SUVs, and 2002 and 2003 Infiniti QX4 SUVs3.
What is the global impact of the Takata airbag inflator issue, including the number of deaths and the scale of recalls?
The Takata airbag inflator issue has had a significant global impact, resulting in at least 35 deaths worldwide, including incidents in Malaysia, Australia, and the United States4. This issue has also led to the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history, involving at least 67 million inflators in the U.S. alone. Globally, around 100 million inflators have been recalled due to the risk they pose. The inflators use volatile ammonium nitrate to inflate the airbags, which can deteriorate when exposed to high temperatures and humidity, potentially causing the inflator to explode with excessive force and send metal shrapnel into the vehicle14. This defect has caused serious injuries and fatalities, and has ultimately driven Takata into bankruptcy. Major automakers like Honda, Ford, BMW, Toyota, Stellantis, and Mazda have issued "do not drive" warnings for vehicles equipped with these inflators, highlighting the severity of the risk13.