The Takata airbag recall is the largest in the history of the automotive industry, affecting more than 37 million vehicles and counting. Depending on the manufacturer, between 25 percent and 50 percent of the affected airbags have not been replaced, meaning millions of American motorists are driving around in vehicles with defective, potentially deadly airbags. As of December 2018, Nissan has recalled 1.37 million airbags installed in various Nissan and Infiniti (owned by Nissan) vehicles.
Below you can find information about the models of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles affected by the recall and what you should do if you own a model on the list.
Nissan Airbag Recall Quick Facts:
- Nissan has recalled 1.37 million airbags.
- 714,000 airbags (52 percent) still need to be replaced.
- Five Nissan models and five Infiniti models from 2001 to 2014 are included in Takata airbag recalls.
- The recalls primarily affect passenger-side frontal airbags.
- Almost 2,000 model year 2013-2014 Infiniti QX56 and QX80 are under separate recall for Takata driver airbags that have an incorrectly sized component, which creates pressure buildup that can lead to a rupture.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Nissan
Updated: December 5, 2018
Nissan Models Under Recall for Defective Takata Airbags
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Takata recall affects several Nissan and Infiniti models spanning 13 years. The vehicles affected so far are:
- 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima
- 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra
- 2007-2011 Nissan Versa Sedan
- 2007-2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback
- 2003-2008 Infiniti FX
- 2001 Infiniti I30
- 2002-2004 Infinity I35
- 2006-2010 Infiniti M
- 2002-2003 Infinity QX4
- 2013 Infinity QX56
- 2014 Infiniti QX80
Keep in mind that automakers periodically add vehicles to the recall list based on recall phases established by NHTSA. This list is current as of December 2018, but additional recalls are expected in January 2019. It is important to check periodically to make certain your car has not been included in an open recall.
If you drive a Nissan or Infiniti, you can use our Takata Recall Search Tool to check for open recalls using your vehicle identification number (VIN). You can find your VIN number by standing outside and looking at the bottom right corner of your windshield or on a placard inside the door frame.
The Dangerous Problem with Defective Takata Airbags
The recalled airbags contain the chemical compound ammonium nitrate, which is used as a propellant that is housed in a metal canister in the steering wheel or behind the passenger dash. In a crash, the propellant is ignited to rapidly generate gas which inflates the airbag cushion. But ammonium nitrate, used by Takata as cheap alternative to other more stable airbag chemicals, is volatile even under the best conditions, and highly sensitive to moisture and heat which degrades the propellant causing it to generate too much pressure too quickly. The excessive pressure can rupture the canister, spewing metal fragments into the vehicle and occupants. Takata also had many manufacturing and quality control problems at its plants, making some inflators susceptible to rupture regardless of climate.
According to the NHTSA, over 250 people have been injured and 15 people have died nationwide as a direct result of defective Takata airbags.
If you have received a recall notice, call your local dealer immediately to schedule an appointment for a replacement. The dealer will perform the replacement for free. If the wait for the replacement or an appointment is too long, consider looking into another nearby dealer or requesting a rental car while you wait.
Nissan USA reports that replacement airbags for all affected makes and models should be available.
If you or your loved one were injured by a defective Takata airbag, you could be eligible for compensation from Nissan.
The defective airbag attorneys at Newsome Melton offer a free consultation and case evaluation. We will review your claim, answer your questions, and let you know what your options are.
Call today to schedule your free consultation with our product liability attorneys: 888-270-0717.