The affected models include certain Nissan Sentra, Nissan Pathfinder, and Infiniti QX4 vehicles, which are subject to open Takata air bag recalls under NHTSA recall campaigns 20V-008 and 20V-747.

Nissan urges owners of these vehicles to refrain from driving them until the necessary repair is completed and the defective air bag is replaced. The company, in collaboration with Infiniti, is offering free towing, mobile repair services, and, in select locations, loaner vehicles to affected customers.

The "Do Not Drive" warning comes in response to the danger posed by the defective Takata air bags, which have already claimed the lives of 27 individuals in the United States. Additionally, it is alleged that at least 400 people in the country have been injured by exploding Takata air bag inflators, even in minor crashes.

The risk is particularly heightened for older model year vehicles, as the age of the air bag is one of the contributing factors to its potential failure. To address this issue, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is calling upon all vehicle owners to promptly check if their vehicle has an open Takata air bag recall and contact their dealership to schedule a free repair without delay.

To facilitate this process, NHTSA provides a Recalls Lookup Tool, where owners can use their license plate number or vehicle identification number to search for any open safety recalls, including the urgent Takata recall. Alternatively, individuals can download the SaferCar app, which automatically checks for open recalls. Additionally, signing up at NHTSA.gov/Alerts ensures that owners will be notified via email if their vehicle is affected by any future recall.

For further support and information, Nissan customers can contact the automaker at 800-647-7261 or visit Nissan's recall website. Infiniti customers can reach out to the automaker at 800-662-6200 or visit their website.

It is crucial for vehicle owners to take immediate action in addressing the Takata air bag recall to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. NHTSA encourages all individuals to stay informed and promptly address any potential safety defects by contacting the agency's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or visiting NHTSA.gov/Recalls.

Nissan's "Do Not Drive" warning serves as a reminder of the grave consequences posed by the unrepaired Takata air bags, and it is essential for affected vehicle owners to prioritize their safety by scheduling the necessary repairs as soon as possible.