Nissan has recently issued a crucial warning, urging owners of 83,920 vehicles from model years 2002-2006 to refrain from driving them due to potentially deadly faulty Takata airbags. The affected vehicles include certain model year 2002-2006 Nissan Sentras, 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinders, and 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4s.

These vehicles were already subject to open Takata airbag recalls in 2020. The airbag inflators in question may explode during deployment, resulting in the release of sharp metal fragments that can cause severe injuries or even death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has stated that this propensity for explosion is attributed to "propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling," as mentioned in the recall notices.

To mitigate the risks associated with these defective airbags, Nissan is strongly urging vehicle owners to check if their cars have an open Takata airbag recall. If so, they should immediately schedule a free repair at their authorized dealerships and adhere to all warnings and instructions provided by the manufacturer.

In response to the situation, Nissan and Infiniti have taken measures to assist affected owners. They are offering free towing, mobile repair services, and, in some regions, loaner vehicles to ensure that customers can have their vehicles repaired conveniently.

The NHTSA has also underscored the seriousness of the issue, highlighting that even minor accidents can trigger the explosive nature of these faulty airbags, thereby resulting in life-threatening or life-altering injuries. The age of the vehicles further escalates the risks associated with the defective inflators.

It is estimated that around 67 million Takata airbags, spanning various automakers, have been recalled due to the potential danger they pose. Heat and humidity exposure over time can cause metal parts within the airbag to be forcefully ejected upon deployment, endangering the driver and passengers. The NHTSA's records indicate that 27 individuals have lost their lives, with over 400 people sustaining injuries due to these defective airbags.

The Independent Monitor of Takata and the Coordinated Remedy Program have characterized these recalls as "the largest and most complex vehicle recalls in U.S. history." As of 2021, approximately 50 million defective Takata airbag inflators have been replaced, with priority given to replacing the most dangerous airbags first. This ongoing effort aims to rectify the potential threat posed by these faulty airbags.

Takata faced legal consequences for their faulty products, having pleaded guilty to wire fraud in 2017. The company agreed to pay $1 billion in criminal penalties as a result. Subsequently, Takata filed for bankruptcy later that year.

In light of these alarming developments, it is imperative for owners of the affected Nissan, Infiniti, and other Takata-recalled vehicles from model years 2002-2006 to take immediate action and ensure their vehicles are repaired to prevent any potential harm caused by the defective airbags.