All is well when specifications are met, but these are explosive Takata-supplied devices that can and will kill you because of a manufacturing defect.
Nissan North America is now recalling 2002-2003 Nissan Maxima, Pathfinder and Infiniti I35 and QX4 models, as well as 2002-2004 Nissan Sentra and 2003 Infiniti FX vehicles because a defective Takata supplied airbag inflator can send shrapnel into the passenger compartment.
Takata apparently does not have accurate records of what were or what may be defective airbag inflators, forcing automakers to recall huge numbers of vehicles. The numerous Nissan and Infiniti models were equipped with inflators manufactured in one of Takata’s facilities between 23 September 2001 to 11 September 2002.
This latest Takata recall covers both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as service parts. “The company is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the recall,” according to Brian Brockman of Nissan.
Owners of all vehicles where a defective air bag may have been installed either as original equipment or as a replacement will eventually be notified. Dealers will inspect vehicles, and where a defective air bag inflator is identified, the inflator will be replaced, free of charge as is required by United States law.
The recall is expected to begin 11 August 2014. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA Recall No. 13V-136.
