Do-not-drive warnings issued for older Nissan cars with Takata airbag inflators

DETROIT, Mich. — Nissan has warned the drivers of 84,000 older vehicles containing Takata airbag inflators to stop driving them. The company said the airbag inflator in older vehicles can develop an increased risk of exploding during a crash.

The Associated Press reported that explosions can cause the airbags to launch metal fragments, posing an injury risk to drivers and passengers. 

“Due to the urgency of this airbag safety recall, it remains important your affected vehicle is repaired as soon as possible,” read Nissan’s U.S. website about the recall. 

According to AP, Nissan’s warning comes after an airbag inflator killed one person. Since 2015, the Takata airbag inflators have injured up to 58 people. 

Impacted Nissan models

In an online statement, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinders and 2002-2006 Sentras are under the warning. Infiniti QX4s with model years 2002-2003 were also listed in the NHTSA statement. 

Infiniti is the luxury car division of Nissan Motor Company, per the brand’s website.

It should be noted that Nissan’s website lists additional models with Takata airbag issues. 

To check if your car is impacted, Nissan has a recall lookup tool on its website. Owners of impacted cars should contact a dealership immediately to get the part replaced. 

According to the NHTSA statement, Nissan and Infiniti dealerships will replace the faulty Takata airbag inflators for free. The statement said that Nissan will also offer free towing and mobile repair options. Select dealerships will also offer loaner cars. 

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