Nissan is recalling over 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. US safety regulators must determine whether all inflators with this drying agent must be recalled.
Details of the Takata Recall
The Nissan recall covers particular 2012 to 2017 Nissan NV Cargo and Passenger vans, the 2013 to 2015 Nissan Titan pickup and Armada large SUVs, and the 2011 and 2012 Infiniti QX56 SUVs. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posted documents saying Takata packed in too much ammonium nitrate propellant while manufacturing the inflators.
Nissan will notify owners of the recall in late April, and when it starts, dealers will swap out the front driver-side airbag inflator for a different brand. Takata had until the end of last year to show evidence that the inflators with the drying agent were safe. If they could not do that, NHTSA was to order all of the airbag inflators containing the drying agent to be recalled. So far, NHTSA has not decided on that.
Injuries, Fatalities, and Liability Issues
The Takata safety recall is an as tens of millions of vehicles were recalled. At least 25 people have already passed away worldwide as a result of Takata airbag inflator shrapnel, and more than 300 have suffered injuries. 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 vehicles’ makes and models, you can go to NHTSA’s website and enter your 17-digit vehicle identification number to determine whether your car has been recalled for this specific auto defect.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to dangerous and defective autos and auto products, please get in touch with an experienced auto defect attorney 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
