How to know if your vehicle has a dangerous Takata airbag

DETROIT — Despite a long series of recalls that began more than two decades ago, about 6.2 million vehicles with potentially dangerous Takata airbag inflators remain on U.S. roads today.

On Wednesday, Nissan warned drivers of about 84,000 older Nissan and Infiniti vehicles not to drive them because the front passenger inflators could explode with too much force in a crash, spewing metal fragments that could kill or injure people.

The Nissan recall includes cars and SUVs as old as the 2002 model year that were recalled in 2020. In some cases, fragments struck more than one person in a vehicle.

In total, 67 million front inflators for drivers and passengers were included in what turned out to be the largest automotive recall in U.S. history. Around 100 million inflators have been collected worldwide.

But despite years of advertising, recall letters and phone calls from automakers, about 9 percent of recalled vehicles remain on the road without repairs.

Here’s what you need to know if you own an older vehicle that may have faulty inflators:

Which vehicles have recalled Takata inflators?

Vehicles from 34 automotive brands ended up being recalled because they had defective inflators. Models from Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Daimler Trucks, Daimler Vans, Dodge/Ram, Ferrari, Fisker, Ford, GMC, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, McLaren , Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota and Volkswagen were recalled. A full list of models can be found on the website National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Is there a way to check my vehicle?

Yes. I’m going to NHTSA website and enter your license plate number or 17-digit vehicle identification number, which can be found on most state registration cards. The VIN is also stamped on the driver’s side of the dashboard, near the windshield. You can also subscribe Upcoming recall alerts for your vehicle from NHTSA. You may have received a letter from the automaker informing you of the recall, but if you recently purchased the car, the company may not have reached you. Automakers use state registration data to track owners.

Should I continue to drive the vehicle if it has an unrepaired Takata inflator?

Some automakers have warned owners to stop driving their vehicles because their Takata inflators are so dangerous that they are likely to explode and spew shrapnel. Honda, Ford, BMW, Toyota, Stellantis and Mazda issued “do not drive” warnings. But even without warning, it’s best to make repairs as soon as possible to eliminate the risk.

Why should I care about recall repairs?

Simply put, you could die or suffer a horrible injury if you don’t. Takata used the volatile chemical ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion to quickly inflate airbags in an accident. But over the years the chemical can deteriorate, especially when exposed to high heat and humidity. It can burn very quickly and explode a metal container that was supposed to contain the explosion, sending out metal fragments. In the US, 27 people died and more than 400 were injured. At least 35 people have died in Malaysia, Australia and the USA. Under federal law, repairs are free for vehicle owners.