Today, we’re diving into an urgent and critical issue impacting the safety of thousands of drivers across the country.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a stark warning for owners of nearly 84,000 older Nissan vehicles still equipped with unrepaired Takata airbags. These vehicles pose a serious safety hazard, and owners are advised to stop driving them immediately.
The announcement follows Nissan’s urgent plea to vehicle owners to address recalls from 2020. Specifically, the affected models include the 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra, 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder, and the 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4.
If you own one of these vehicles, do not drive it until the defective airbag is replaced. Nissan dealers are offering free towing, mobile repairs, and even loaner vehicles in some areas to expedite this process.
This recall is part of a much larger issue that has plagued the automotive industry for over a decade. Over 100 million Takata airbag inflators have been recalled worldwide, including 7 million in the U.S., making it the largest auto safety recall in history.
The defective airbags have been linked to over 30 deaths globally, 27 of which occurred in the U.S., and more than 400 injuries. These incidents are the result of airbag inflators that can explode upon deployment, sending metal shrapnel into the vehicle’s cabin.
The root cause of these dangerous explosions lies in the air bag’s propellant. The propellant can degrade after prolonged exposure to high-temperature fluctuations and humidity, leading to a catastrophic failure during airbag deployment. Even minor accidents can result in deadly or life-altering injuries if the Takata airbag inflator explodes.
In light of these dangers, NHTSA’s warning is crystal clear: “Even minor crashes can result in exploding Takata airbags that can kill or produce life-altering, gruesome injuries.” The urgency of this message cannot be overstated. If you own one of these vehicles, take immediate action to have the airbag repaired.
This isn’t just a Nissan issue; several other automakers have also issued similar warnings. Last year, Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, advised owners of 29,000 model-year 2003 Dodge Ram pickups to stop driving their vehicles after a fatality caused by a Takata airbag inflator explosion.
Earlier this year, Toyota warned owners of 50,000 older vehicles, including the 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix and the 2004-2005 RAV4, to get their airbags repaired immediately.
If you or someone you know owns an older Nissan, Dodge, or Toyota vehicle, check if it’s affected by these recalls. Your safety and the safety of those around you depend on it. Let’s stay informed and proactive to prevent any further tragedies.