Nissan (which owns INFINITI) and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle are urging owners of the following 2001 to 2006 Nissan/INFINITI vehicles to contact their dealership immediately for information about how to have their airbag inflators replaced free of charge, according to FOX 13. Failure to do so may result in the front passenger airbag rupturing in a crash, which could result in serious injury or even death.
Affected models include:
INFINITI
- FX35/FX45, 2003-2005
- I30, 2001
- I35, 2002-2004
- M35/M45, 2006
- QX4, 2002-2003
NISSAN
- Maxima, 2001-2003
- Pathfinder, 2002-2004
- Sentra, 2002-2006
“It is critical that Florida motorists affected by this recall take action,” said Terry L. Rhodes, executive director of the Florida DHSMV. “Florida’s hot temperatures and humid climate increase the chances that these airbag inflators will explode. Ignoring this important notice could mean the difference between life and death for you and your passengers.”
The recalled airbags contain ammonium nitrate, a highly-explosive chemical that inflates the airbag, which can explode with excessive force — even in response to minor collisions — ejecting metal shrapnel at high speed inside the cabin.
At least 16 deaths and more than 180 injuries have been reported worldwide. Nearly 50 million vehicles in the U.S. have been recalled, and most have not been repaired.
Nissan has sent notices to owners of the highest risk vehicles urging them to contact an authorized dealer for a free airbag inflator repair. These notices should not be ignored, the manufacturer warns.
To see if your vehicle is being recalled, you should check your vehicle identification number (VIN) by visiting one of the following websites:
NHTSA
Nissan
INFINITI
Source: ABC Action News