Published by Nissan North America has announced urgent safety recalls affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles. These defects pose serious risks, ranging from life-threatening airbag malfunctions to hazardous rollaway incidents. Key issues include:
- Rollaway Risk: 2020-2023 models may move unintentionally, endangering drivers and pedestrians.
- Carbon Monoxide Leaks: Older models (2006-2019) are linked to harmful emissions that could jeopardize health.
- Exploding Airbags: Faulty airbags could deploy with deadly force, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
If you own a Nissan, it’s crucial to check if your vehicle is affected and take immediate action to protect yourself and others.
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Nissan Vehicle Recalls: Important Safety Updates
Nissan has issued multiple recalls for its vehicles over critical safety concerns. These recalls highlight potential risks that could lead to serious injuries or even fatalities if left unaddressed. Below are detailed updates on the affected models, the nature of the defects, and what owners need to know.
Nissan Truck Rollaway Recall
Nissan is recalling over 200,000 pickup trucks over concerns that the vehicles could roll away while in the park. Affected pickups include Nissan Frontiers and Titans from model years 2020 through 2023, according to the NHTSA.
The transmission parking pawl, which prevents vehicles from moving after being placed in park, may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway, NHTSA said. Of the 203,223 vehicles affected by the recall, the agency estimates approximately 1% could have the defect.
In the interim, owners are advised to use their parking brakes when they park. Notification letters are expected to be mailed on Nov. 1, 2022, NHTSA reported.
Related Article: Malfunctioned Airbags Recall Lawsuit Update
Nissan Airbag Recall
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this recall affects the following vehicles:
- 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima
- 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra
- 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2007-2011 Nissan Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback
- 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35
- 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4
- 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35
- 2003-2008 Infiniti FX45
- 2006-2010 Infiniti M35
- 2006-2010 Infiniti M45
The recalled Nissan and Infiniti vehicles may be equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger airbag inflators that contain phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN), a propellant that was used as an interim remedy part for previous Takata airbag recalls, NHTSA said.
Affected inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after exposure to high humidity, high temperatures, and high-temperature cycling.
An airbag inflator explosion may cause sharp metal fragments to strike the driver and/or passengers, resulting in severe injury or death, according to the NHTSA.
Nissan is notifying owners and dealers will fix the airbag problem, free of charge. This recall began on Feb. 12, 2020.
Other recalls from Nissan:
Nissan Carbon Monoxide Leak Recall
Nissan is recalling the following vehicles for a potential carbon monoxide leak which poses a risk of severe injuries or death to the driver and passengers:
- 2006–2019 Nissan Altima
- 2007–2013 Nissan Altima Coupe
- 2017–2019 Nissan Armada
- 2016–2019 Nissan Kicks
- 2008–2019 Nissan Maxima
- 2008–2019 Nissan Murano
- 2013–2019 Nissan 370Z
- 2013–2019 Nissan Versa
- 2013–2019 Infiniti Q50
- 2013–2019 Infiniti Q70
- 2013–2019 Infiniti QX30
- 2013–2019 Infiniti QX50
- 2013–2019 Infiniti QX60
- 2008–2017 Infiniti QX70
- 2010–2019 Infiniti QX80
- Other models with similar exhaust systems
Recognizing Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Being able to identify the signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is critical for taking swift action. Symptoms can be grouped into early indicators and more severe warning signs.
Early Warning Signs (Mild Exposure)
- Dull Headache: Commonly the first symptom, often mistaken for a tension headache.
- Shortness of Breath with Mild Activity: Difficulty breathing during everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs.
- Unexplained Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling faint or unsteady, especially when standing up.
Risk Levels by Vehicle Model
Certain vehicles may pose higher risks due to design or age:
- Older Models: Vehicles produced before 2008 may have less effective emissions control systems.
- High-Risk Models: Vehicles with exhaust system defects identified in recalls are more likely to present a CO hazard.
Symptoms of Continued Exposure (Moderate to Severe)
- Nausea or Vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach or experiencing actual vomiting.
- Blurred Vision: Visual disturbances, such as difficulty focusing.
- Difficulty Thinking Clearly: Challenges in concentration or decision-making.
- Chest Pain: Particularly dangerous for individuals with heart conditions.
- Loss of Consciousness: Severe exposure can result in fainting or coma.
- Seizures: High levels of CO can trigger neurological symptoms, including seizures.
What to Do If You Suspect Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Request blood tests to check carboxyhemoglobin levels.
- Document Symptoms and Treatment: Keep detailed records of symptoms and medical care for potential legal or insurance purposes.
Steps to Protect Yourself
- Install CO Detectors: Place detectors near sleeping areas to monitor for dangerous CO levels.
- Schedule Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Inspect the exhaust system routinely to ensure it’s functioning properly.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Use fuel-burning appliances in well-ventilated spaces only.
- Educate Family Members: Teach everyone in your household about the risks and symptoms of CO exposure.
By recognizing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, understanding vehicle-specific risks, and following protective measures, you can minimize the dangers of CO exposure. If you or anyone around you shows signs of poisoning, act immediately and seek medical attention to prevent serious health outcomes.
Compensation Details for Nissan Recall Lawsuit
If you or a loved one has been impacted by the Nissan recall involving potential carbon monoxide leaks, understanding your compensation options is critical.
Below is a breakdown of the types of compensation you may qualify for, required documentation, claim timelines, past settlements, and additional damages you could pursue.
Types of Compensation
- Economic Damages
- Medical Costs: Reimbursement for hospital bills, therapy, and future medical treatments stemming from carbon monoxide exposure.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to illness or inability to work caused by the exposure.
- Property Damage: Coverage for repairs if the vehicle caused damage to your home or property (e.g., garage).
- Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress endured.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for a reduced quality of life caused by long-term effects of exposure.
- Punitive Damages
- Awarded in cases where Nissan’s negligence or misconduct was severe, serving as a deterrent for similar future behavior.
Documentation Required
To strengthen your claim, gather the following:
- Medical Records: Diagnosis and treatment documents for carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Receipts and Bills: Proof of expenses related to medical care, repairs, or other damages.
- Employment Records: Evidence of lost wages or diminished earning capacity.
- Witness Statements: Testimonies from family or friends detailing the impact on your daily life.
Claim Timeline
- Consultation: Contact an attorney immediately after discovering the issue; many offer free consultations.
- Filing a Claim: File within the statute of limitations for your state, typically 2-4 years.
- Investigation: Evidence collection and review may take several months.
- Settlement Negotiation: Discussions with Nissan or its insurers can last weeks to months.
- Trial (if required): If no settlement is reached, the case may proceed to court, extending the process further.
Past Settlements
- Class-action lawsuits related to Nissan keyless ignition defects have resulted in settlements ranging from $5 million to $20 million, depending on the scope and severity of claims.
- Individual cases have awarded compensations between $10,000 and $100,000, depending on the documented harm.
Additional Damages
- Future Medical Costs: Compensation for ongoing treatment due to chronic effects of exposure.
- Emotional Distress: Damages for psychological harm such as anxiety or PTSD linked to the incident.
- Loss of Consortium: Spousal claims for loss of companionship due to injuries sustained.
If you have been affected by Nissan’s recall for carbon monoxide exposure risks, it is important to act promptly. Collect necessary documentation, understand your state’s legal framework, and consult with an experienced attorney in automotive defect cases.
With the right preparation, you can seek fair compensation for your losses and hold negligent parties accountable.
FAQs
What evidence is needed to support a Nissan recall lawsuit?
To support a Nissan recall lawsuit, evidence may include recall notices, repair records, documentation of any remaining issues, and communication with Nissan or dealerships. Expert testimony on the severity of the defects and their impact on vehicle safety or value can also strengthen the case.
Can I join a class-action lawsuit if multiple people have experienced issues with their Nissan vehicles?
Yes, if multiple Nissan vehicle owners have experienced similar issues related to a recall, they may be able to join a class-action lawsuit. This allows plaintiffs to combine their claims and pursue compensation collectively, increasing the overall strength of the case against Nissan.
How does the statute of limitations affect a Nissan recall lawsuit?
The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a Nissan recall lawsuit, which varies by state. It’s important to consult with a lawyer promptly to ensure your lawsuit is filed within the required timeframe, as missing this deadline could prevent you from seeking compensation.
See all product liability litigations our attorneys have taken on.
Do I Have a Nissan Recall Lawsuit?
The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Nissan Recall Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new personal injury cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a recalled Nissan, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: