The product recalls for air bags in Nissan vehicles has been expanded to include nearly 53,000 American vehicles, up from 30,000 recalled in June.
The product recalls were prompted by passenger air bags that can explode with too much force, spraying metal shards at occupants of the vehicle.
In June, Nissan recalled vehicles in four U.S. states and territories where high humidity is common. The expanded product recalls vehicles in 12 states as well as U.S. territories. The connection between high humidity and the air bag problem is being investigated.
AAA spokesperson, Clay Ingram, said “It’s something to be concerned about and if you have one of these vehicles you need to get it addressed as soon as possible.”
Ingram went on to say that while the U.S. has seen a record number of vehicle recalls this year, some recalls are more significant than others and he considers this recall as one of those.
“This airbag issue has the airbag exploding a little too violently and also sends metal shrapnel into the vehicle as well, there’s been at least one death that we know of,” Ingram said.
The Nissan recalls are among nearly 8 million vehicles recalled due to the defective Takata air bags. Ten auto manufacturers have been affected. Several deaths and numerous injuries have been linked to the air bag malfunction.
“I’ve never seen this number of recalls and they keep adding to it, just every week or two. If I had to guess we’re not finished with that yet,” Ingram said.
The latest recall affects several Infiniti FX, I and M models from the early 2000’s. It also includes Nissan Pathfinders from 2003 and 2004 and Nissan Sentras from 2004 – 2006.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident that you believe was the result of a manufacturer’s defect, contact the product liability attorneys at Clark, Perdue & List.