Detroit – In spite of a lengthy series of recalls that began over twenty years ago, there are still around 6.2 million vehicles in the U.S. equipped with potentially hazardous Takata air bag inflators today. Nissan recently cautioned drivers of roughly 84,000 older Nissan and Infiniti vehicles not to use them to the risk of the front passenger inflators exploding violently during a crash, releasing metal fragments that could cause harm.
The Nissan recall encompasses cars and SUVs dating back to the 2002 model year, which were recalled in 2020. Some incidents involved the metal fragments hitting multiple people in a vehicle. The overall recall affected a staggering 67 million front driver and passenger inflators, making it the largest automotive recall in U.S. history. Additionally, around 100 million inflators were recalled globally.
Despite extensive efforts via publicity campaigns, recall notifications, and outreach from various automakers, roughly 9% of the vehicles subject to recall have yet to be repaired and are still in operation. If you own an older vehicle potentially affected by faulty Takata inflators, here is what you should be aware of:
Which vehicles are impacted by the Takata inflator recalls? Vehicles from 34 different automotive brands were eventually recalled due to these defective inflators. A comprehensive list of models affected can be accessed on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
Is there a way to check if my vehicle is affected? Yes, visit the NHTSA website and input your license plate number or the 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN), typically found on state registration cards. The VIN can also be found on the driver’s side of the dashboard, near the windshield. By signing up for future recall alerts from NHTSA, you can stay informed. If you recently purchased the car, the automaker might not have reached out to you, as they rely on state registration data to locate owners.
Should I continue driving the vehicle if it has an unrepaired Takata inflator? Some automakers have advised owners to discontinue driving their vehicles due to the high risk of explosion and shrapnel release from the Takata inflators. Brands such as Honda, Ford, BMW, Toyota, Stellantis, and Mazda have issued “do not drive” warnings. Even without a warning, it is strongly recommended to promptly get the necessary repairs done to mitigate the risks.
Why should I prioritize the recall repairs? To put it simply, failing to address the recall could result in fatal or severe injuries. Takata utilized ammonium nitrate, a volatile chemical, to enable rapid airbag deployment during a crash. However, over time, this chemical compound can deteriorate, especially when exposed to high temperatures and humidity. If it burns too rapidly, it can rupture the metal canister designed to contain the explosion, projecting metal fragments. In the U.S., 27 individuals have lost their lives and over 400 have been injured due to this issue. Moreover, at least 35 fatalities have been recorded in Malaysia, Australia, and the U.S. It’s important to note that under federal law, the repairs are free of charge for vehicle owners.
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