Nissan Recalls 250,000 Vehicles for Defective Takata Airbag Inflators

Nissan is recalling more than 250,000 vans, trucks and SUVs worldwide to replace potentially dangerous Takata airbag inflators. According to an ABC news report, the recalled vehicles have airbags with volatile ammonium nitrate that can explode with too much force and hurl shrapnel. But they have a moisture-absorbing chemical that was supposed to make them safe. U.S. safety regulators are to determine whether all inflators with this drying agent have to be recalled.

Details of the Takata Recall

The Nissan recall covers certain 2012 to 2017 Nissan NV Cargo and Passenger vans, the 2013 to 2015 Nissan Titan pickup and Armada large SUV, and the 2011 and 2012 Infiniti QX56 SUV. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posted documents saying Takata packed in too much ammonium nitrate propellant while manufacturing the inflators.

Nissan will notify vehicle owners in late April and when the recall begins, dealers will replace the front driver-side airbag inflator with one made by a different company. Takata had until the end of last year to show evidence that the inflators with the drying agent were safe. If they were unable to do that, NHTSA was to order all of the airbag inflators containing the drying agent to be recalled. So far, NHTSA has not made a decision on that.

Injuries, Fatalities and Liability Issues

The Takata safety recall is an unprecedented one where tens of millions of vehicles were recalled. So far, at least 25 people have died worldwide after being hit by shrapnel from Takata airbag inflators, and more than 300 have been injured. The shrapnel gets expelled because the airbags deploy with too much force. Some of the injuries described are consistent with stab wounds. If you own one of these vehicle makes and models, you can go to NHTSA’s website and enter your 17-digit vehicle identification number to find out whether your vehicle has been recalled for this specific auto defect.

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of these dangerous and defective autos and auto products, please contact an experienced auto defect attorney who is currently handling Takata airbag lawsuits to obtain more information about your legal rights and options. You may be able to seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/nissan-recalls-250k-vehicles-replace-takata-air-bags-69934781