How to Check if Your Older Vehicle Has a Recalled Takata Air Bag

Despite ongoing recalls spanning more than two decades, approximately 6.2 million vehicles equipped with potentially hazardous Takata air bag inflators remain in use on American roads today.

Nissan recently cautioned drivers of roughly 84,000 older Nissan and Infiniti vehicles against operating them due to the risk of front passenger inflators exploding with excessive force during a collision, potentially ejecting metal fragments capable of causing severe injury or death.

This recall affects cars and SUVs dating back to the 2002 model year, initially recalled in 2020. In certain instances, the ejected fragments have struck multiple occupants within the vehicle.

In total, the recall encompasses 67 million front driver and passenger inflators, marking the largest automotive recall in U.S. history, with a worldwide total of approximately 100 million inflators recalled.

Despite extensive awareness campaigns, recall notifications, and outreach efforts from automakers, about 9% of the affected vehicles have yet to undergo necessary repairs.

If you own a vehicle that may contain faulty Takata inflators, here’s what you should know:

What Vehicles Are Affected by the Takata Inflator Recall?

Affected vehicles span across 34 automotive brands, including 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. A comprehensive list of affected models is available on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.

How Can I Check if My Vehicle Is Affected?

You can visit the NHTSA website and input your license plate number or 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN), typically found on state registration cards and stamped atop the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield. Additionally, you can sign up for future recall alerts for your vehicle through NHTSA.

Should I Continue Driving My Vehicle if It Has an Unrepaired Takata Inflator?

Several automakers have issued “do not drive” warnings for vehicles equipped with the most dangerous Takata inflators. Even in the absence of such warnings, it is strongly advised to prioritize repair appointments to mitigate the risk of explosion and shrapnel ejection.

Why Should I Address the Recall Repairs?

Failure to address the recall repairs could have grave consequences, including death or severe injury. The ammonium nitrate utilized by Takata can degrade over time, particularly in environments with high heat and humidity, leading to excessive combustion and inflator rupture. The repairs are provided free of charge to vehicle owners under federal law.