NHTSA Urges Owners of Older Nissan Vehicles with Unrepaired Takata Air Bags to Stop Driving Immediately

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning to owners of nearly 84,000 older Nissan vehicles still equipped with recalled, unrepaired Takata air bags, advising them to stop driving their vehicles immediately due to a severe safety hazard.

NHTSA's announcement follows Nissan's warning to vehicle owners about specific models recalled in 2020 that remain unfixed. The affected models include the 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra, 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4. These vehicles are at high risk of having defective air bags that can explode and release metal shrapnel upon deployment.

"If you have one of these vehicles, do not drive it until the repair is completed and the defective air bag is replaced," NHTSA said in a statement. To facilitate the necessary repairs, Nissan dealers are providing free towing, mobile repair services, and, in some cases, loaner vehicles. This effort is aimed at ensuring the safety of vehicle owners and preventing potential injuries or fatalities.

Background on the Takata Air Bag Recall

Over the past decade, more than 100 million Takata air bag inflators have been recalled worldwide, including 7 million in the U.S., making it the largest auto safety recall in history. This massive recall was prompted by the danger of Takata air bag inflators exploding upon deployment, which can unleash metal shrapnel inside vehicles. The defective air bags have been linked to a propellant that can deteriorate after long-term exposure to high-temperature fluctuations and humidity, significantly increasing the risk of explosion.

Since 2009, over 30 deaths worldwide, including 27 in the U.S., and more than 400 injuries have been linked to these defective air bags. The NHTSA emphasized the severity of the issue by stating, "Even minor crashes can result in exploding Takata air bags that can kill or produce life-altering, gruesome injuries."

Impact on Various Automakers and Models

The Takata air bag recall affects numerous automakers beyond Nissan, including Honda, Ford, Toyota, BMW, and more. The widespread nature of the defect has led to a global effort to replace the faulty inflators.

Chrysler: Last year, Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, issued warnings to owners of 29,000 model year 2003 Dodge Ram pickups to stop driving the trucks until repairs were made, following a fatal incident involving a Takata air bag inflator.

Toyota: In January, Toyota urged owners of 50,000 older vehicles in the U.S., including the 2003-2004 Corolla, 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix, and 2004-2005 RAV4, to immediately get recall repairs to address the Takata air bag issue. Toyota emphasized the importance of these repairs, offering free replacements and additional support to ensure owner compliance.

Nissan's Comprehensive Safety Measures

Nissan is taking extensive measures to address the safety concerns related to the Takata air bags. In addition to offering free towing and mobile repair services, Nissan has launched awareness campaigns to inform vehicle owners of the urgent need for repairs. The company is also working closely with dealerships to expedite the replacement process and minimize inconvenience for customers.

The Importance of Compliance

The ongoing Takata air bag recall underscores the critical importance of vehicle safety recalls and the need for owners to promptly address such repairs to prevent potentially deadly consequences. Vehicle owners are strongly encouraged to check if their vehicle is part of the recall by visiting the NHTSA website or contacting their local dealership.

Key Steps for Vehicle Owners:

1. Check Recall Status: Visit the NHTSA website and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if your vehicle is affected by the recall.

2. Schedule Repairs: If your vehicle is part of the recall, contact your local dealership to schedule the necessary repairs. Take advantage of free towing, mobile repair services, and loaner vehicles if offered.

3. Spread Awareness: Inform friends and family who may own affected vehicles about the recall and the importance of getting repairs done immediately.

Conclusion

The Takata air bag recall represents one of the most significant safety challenges in automotive history. The NHTSA's urgent warning and Nissan's proactive measures highlight the severe risks associated with these defective air bags. By promptly addressing the recall and taking advantage of the support provided by automakers, vehicle owners can ensure their safety and contribute to resolving this critical issue.