In a significant development for car safety, Nissan has issued an urgent warning to owners of certain older vehicle models due to a potentially hazardous fault with airbag inflators. The manufacturer has strongly advised owners not to drive these vehicles until they have been fixed, underscoring the gravity of the safety risks involved.

The problem lies with airbag inflators that could explode when deployed, hurling metal shrapnel at drivers and passengers. Such malfunctions are not only dangerous but also potentially fatal, posing serious risks to occupants. The exploding inflator issue is part of a broad and long-running global recall crisis surrounding airbags manufactured by Takata, a supplier that filed for bankruptcy in 2017 following the revelation of the deadly defects.

Nissan’s call for immediate action revolves around certain models that were produced between 2001 and 2003. These include popular models such as the Maxima, Pathfinder, Sentra, and other vehicles sold under Nissan’s Infiniti luxury brand.

Car owners affected by this recall will receive notifications directly from Nissan urging them to arrange for a free repair at their local dealerships. The automaker is taking an aggressive stance on remedying this situation swiftly and securely, realizing that time is of the essence in preventing potential injuries.

For customers uncertain whether their vehicle is included in this high-priority recall, Nissan has made available VIN-check tools online and customer service hotlines to provide assistance.

This latest development is a stark reminder that automobile recalls need prompt attention from both manufacturers and consumers. Vehicle safety is paramount, and such proactive measures are essential in maintaining trust between carmakers like Nissan and their customers while ensuring the safety of millions of drivers on roads worldwide.