Key Takeaways
- Although a recall was issued in 2020, many older Nissan vehicles still have defective Takata airbags.
- NHTSA and Nissan are urging owners of older models to stop driving until the recall work is completed.
- Some 84,000 vehicles were a part of that original recall.
One day we will stop reporting on Takata airbag recalls, but today is not that day thanks to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)and Nissan again pleading with drivers of older Nissans to stop driving their vehicles until the recall work is completed. Roughly 84,000 vehicles are a part of the recall, and the NHTSA is amplifying a warning that has already been released by Nissan. All of these vehicles were previously recalled in 2020, but the company recently went through its database to discover many still haven’t taken them in to get the recall fixed yet.
Nissan
Nissan originated from the merger of DAT Motorcar Co. and Jitsuyo Jidosha Co. in 1933. Over the years, Nissan has been marked by innovation, producing iconic models like the Datsun 240Z and the Nissan Sunny. Strategic alliances, such as the partnership with Renault in 1999, have facilitated global expansion and technology sharing.
The vehicles affected include the 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, and the 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4. “If you have one of these vehicles, do not drive it until the repair is completed and the defective airbag is replaced,” the NHTSA has said. It says drivers of these vehicles should contact a dealership to complete the free repair as soon as possible, with Nissan offering free towing, mobile repair, and even loaner vehicles in certain areas.
The Takata Recall Is No Joke
It’s hard to remember a time when the Takata recall wasn’t happening, as it’s affected over 100 million vehicles over the past decade and a half, including 7 million in the US alone. Practically every major automaker from Ford to VW has affected vehicles like the Honda Accord and GMC Acadia, costing automakers hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs, and leading to 27 deaths in the US and over 400 injuries as a result of exploding Takata airbag inflators.
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The NHTSA notes that no matter the accident, the airbags are dangerous, as any incident that sets off the airbags can lead to a life-threatening series of events. Older vehicles are often the ones still heard about today because the age of the airbag is one of the factors that can make them more dangerous.
Steps To Take If Your Vehicle Does Have A Recall
Many drivers of older vehicles may never have thought about the fact they could be driving around a vehicle with more than one unfixed recall, because they never take them to the dealership. This can lead to life-threatening situations for you and others either in an accident or not, so it’s best to stay on top of the situation as much as possible.
Related
10 Biggest Recalls In Automotive History
When it comes to recalls, most are usually small. However, there have been several notable ones throughout automotive history.
Fortunately, the NHTSA has a few ways for you to ensure the safety of your vehicle:
- Use NHTSA’s Recalls Lookup Tool to use your license plate number or vehicle identification number to search for any open safety recalls, including the urgent Takata recall.
- Download our SaferCar app and let it check automatically for you.
- Sign up at NHTSA.gov/Alerts to be notified by email if your vehicle is affected by a future recall.
If you do find a recall, it’s best to contact your local dealer for a free repair as soon as possible, because leaving it up to fate can have dire consequences.
