Airbag inflators play a crucial role in automotive safety by cushioning occupants during crashes. However, Takata’s inflators have been compromised by propellant degradation, posing significant safety risks.
Exposure to prolonged high temperatures and humidity accelerates this degradation, leading to potentially disastrous inflator ruptures. Approximately 67 million vehicles worldwide are equipped with Takata inflators, which have been linked to numerous injuries and fatalities, prompting urgent recalls. Despite the serious risks, many vehicle owners remain unaware that airbag replacements are available for free.
In response, Nissan and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a “do not drive” warning for certain Nissan and Infiniti models, including the Sentra, Pathfinder, and QX4, under recalls 20V-008 and 20V-747. Affected inflators will be replaced with desiccated units to ensure safety.
Owners can check their recall status using VIN lookup tools provided by Nissan and Infiniti or by visiting the NHTSA’s online database. The Nissan Sentra and Pathfinder are still on the market, while the Infiniti QX4 holds historical significance as Infiniti’s first SUV.
Additionally, Nissan’s Sylphy, known as the Sentra in the US, features innovative e-POWER technology with a range-extending engine, offering a unique blend of performance and efficiency.
Amid these safety concerns, collaborative efforts between automakers and regulatory authorities aim to prioritize consumer safety, emphasizing the importance of proactive recall campaigns to maintain automotive integrity and passenger safety.