From CNBC: 2024-05-29 12:02:34

Nissan has issued a warning to owners of older vehicles with unrepaired Takata airbags to stop driving them, following the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announcement. The alert applies to certain model year 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra, 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 vehicles, affecting 83,920 cars.

The stock of Nissan was down nearly 3% after the warning. NHTSA urges vehicle owners to check for open Takata airbag recalls and refrain from driving until repairs are complete. Nissan and Infiniti will provide free towing, mobile repair, and loaner cars for affected owners.

Nissan spokesperson stated there is increased risk of Takata airbag inflators exploding during deployment, causing serious injury or death. NHTSA reports 27 deaths and 400 injuries in the US from defective Takata airbags. Over 67 million inflators have been recalled in the country and over 100 million worldwide, making it one of the largest auto safety callbacks.

In 2017, Takata filed for bankruptcy in Japan and the US after agreeing to pay $1 billion in criminal penalties for fraudulent conduct related to the sale of defective airbag inflators. The company’s faulty products have resulted in numerous injuries and deaths, prompting a massive recall effort.

Read more: Nissan issues ‘do not drive’ alert for 84,000 older models