An urgent “Do Not Drive” warning has been issued by Nissan and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for certain Nissan and Infiniti vehicles equipped with defective Takata air bags. This serious safety alert comes as a response to ongoing concerns about the risks posed by these air bags, which have been linked to several injuries and fatalities.
NHTSA and Nissan are taking this matter seriously to ensure the safety of vehicle owners. Owners of the affected models are strongly advised to take immediate action to address this critical issue.
Background Information
The Takata air bag recall is one of the largest and most complex recalls in automotive history. Takata, a major supplier of air bags, produced millions of defective units that were installed in vehicles across various manufacturers, including Nissan and Infiniti. These air bags contain inflators that can explode with excessive force during a crash, sending metal shrapnel into the vehicle’s cabin. This defect has resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities worldwide.
Specifically, the affected models in this warning are the 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra, 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4. Owners of these vehicles are urged to address the issue immediately to avoid serious injury or death.
Current Warning Details
The “Do Not Drive” warning issued by Nissan and the NHTSA affects 83,920 vehicles. The specific models and years include:
- 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra
- 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4
This urgent warning emphasizes the critical nature of the air bag defect, which can cause the inflators to explode, leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Owners of these vehicles are strongly advised to stop driving them immediately and take the necessary steps to address this issue.
Risks and Safety Concerns
The defective Takata air bags pose severe safety risks due to their potential to explode upon deployment, which can send metal fragments into the vehicle’s interior. This defect has been linked to multiple injuries and fatalities. The explosive force can cause significant harm, making these vehicles extremely dangerous to drive.
In the United States alone, the defective Takata air bags have been responsible for at least 24 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, and vehicle owners are urged to act immediately.
Actions for Vehicle Owners
Owners of the affected Nissan and Infiniti vehicles need to take immediate action to ensure their safety. Here are the steps to follow:
- Check for Recalls: Visit the NHTSA website or use Nissan and Infiniti’s recall lookup tools by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Contact Your Dealer: Reach out to your nearest Nissan or Infiniti dealer to schedule a free repair. The repair process involves replacing the defective air bag inflators.
- Utilize Available Services: Nissan and Infiniti offer free towing to the dealership, mobile repair services, and loaner vehicles to minimize inconvenience during the repair process.
NHTSA Recommendations
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) strongly urges owners of the affected Nissan and Infiniti vehicles to act without delay. Immediate action is necessary to prevent potential injuries or fatalities. The NHTSA recommends:
- Schedule Repairs Immediately: Contact your local Nissan or Infiniti dealership to arrange for the replacement of the defective air bag inflators.
- Use NHTSA Resources: Visit the NHTSA website to check for recalls and gather more information on the defect and available repair services.
The safety of drivers and passengers is the top priority.
Conclusion
In summary, the “Do Not Drive” warning issued for certain Nissan and Infiniti vehicles with defective Takata air bags is a critical safety alert. Owners of the affected 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra, 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 models should immediately stop driving their vehicles and contact their local dealers to arrange for free repairs. With the support of NHTSA, Nissan and Infiniti are offering comprehensive services to ensure the swift and safe replacement of the faulty air bags. The urgency of this recall underscores the importance of vehicle safety and the need for prompt action to protect drivers and passengers.
Contact Information
For further assistance, vehicle owners can contact:
- Nissan Customer Service: 1-800-867-7669
- Infiniti Customer Service: 1-800-662-6200
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236
- NHTSA Recall Website: NHTSA Recalls
Stay informed and stay safe.
Rocky Horton
Author
Rocky Horton is a health and safety expert from Chapel Hill, NC. He is the founder of AccidentAdvisor and has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, and other publications. Learn more.
