Local mechanic offers different perspective on Nissan’s exploding airbag problem

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Drivers of certain Nissan cars and SUVs have been given an urgent ‘do not drive’ warning following another airbag-related death.

Now, Nissan is on the hunt for thousands of vehicles.

“I mean, you should definitely take it seriously,” said Tim London with London Motorworks on Wornall. “If you’re in an accident, it’s going to be a major problem.”

Nissan is renewing its effort to find all 84,000 older models still on the road after it was determined a person was killed by an exploding front-passenger inflator in a 2006 Nissan. Those cars have an increased risk of exploding in a crash and hurling dangerous metal fragments at you.

London said while it might be an inconvenience to take your car in for the necessary fix, it could also be viewed as a free upgrade.

“Airbags have expiration dates so they should be replaced anyway,” London said. “so whoever is qualifying for this is getting a favor.”

The latest recall from Nissan is actually part of the massive Takata airbag recall from four years ago, when the car manufacturer recalled more than 700,000 vehicles. Now, despite their reported efforts to track them down, there are still 84,000 vehicles out on the roads.

The do not drive warning covers the Nissan Sentra from 2002 to 2006, Nissan Pathfinders from 2002-04 and the Infiniti QX4 SUV from 2002-03. Yet, regardless of what car you drive, London recommends everyone pay close attention to where you sit in your car in relation to your airbag.

He said the airbag -- meant to protect you in a collision -- can cause you more harm if it hits you before it is fully deployed.

“Just sitting too close to an airbag can damage bone structure to your face,” London told KCTV on Wednesday. “My recommendation, regardless of your car, would be to get your arms out. Even if you’re short and you need the seat forward to reach the pedals, lean back a bit.”

In addition to Nissan, the US Department of Transportation warns drivers of at least seven other car manufacturers are at risk including Acura, BMW, Ford, Honda, and others.

Worldwide, at least 35 people have been killed by Takata airbag inflators. If you own a vehicle we mentioned in this story, contact a dealer for a free replacement.

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