Nissan has issued a critical “Do Not Drive” warning for 83,920 vehicles from model years 2002-2006, all equipped with recalled, unrepaired Takata air bags. This announcement comes from a recent news release by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Affected Models
The warning specifically affects certain:
- 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra
- 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4
These vehicles fall under the NHTSA recall campaigns 20V-008 and 20V-747, which address the dangerous and defective Takata air bags.
Serious Risks of Defective Takata Air Bags
To date, NHTSA has confirmed 27 fatalities in the United States due to defective Takata air bags that exploded. Additionally, at least 400 individuals have been injured by these exploding inflators, with even minor collisions potentially resulting in deadly or severe injuries. Older vehicles are particularly at risk due to the age of the air bags being a significant factor in their potential to explode.
Immediate Action Required
NHTSA strongly advises all vehicle owners to check immediately if their vehicle is under an open Takata air bag recall. If so, owners should contact their dealership to schedule a free repair without delay. Nissan and Infiniti are providing several supportive measures to facilitate these repairs, including:
- Free towing
- Mobile repair services
- Loaner vehicles in select locations
The administration emphasizes that these vehicles should not be driven until the defective air bags are replaced.
Customer Support
Nissan and Infiniti customers with questions or concerns can reach the automakers directly:
- Nissan: 800-647-7261 or Nissan’s recall website
- Infiniti: 800-662-6200 or Infiniti’s recall website
Additional Resources
For more detailed information on the Takata air bag safety recall and to see if specific vehicle manufacturers are affected, visit the NHTSA website.