By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. auto safety regulators said on Monday they have opened an investigation into nearly 75,000 Nissan (OTC:) vehicles – the 2015 model year Rogue Select – following reports of inadvertent deployment of side air bags in some of them.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation was launched following reports of accidental deployment after the car door was closed or slammed shut. The agency said such deployments could result in vehicle occupants being injured or loss of air bag protection.
Nissan said it is “working closely with NHTSA in response to this preliminary review. Nissan values its relationship with NHTSA and will continue to engage in a transparent and collaborative dialogue on all product safety issues.”
Nissan and NHTSA last week told owners of nearly 84,000 older vehicles in the United States equipped with recalled, unrepaired Takata airbags to stop using them immediately because of a safety risk.
Nissan told owners not to drive certain vehicles — the 2002-2006 model year Nissan Sentra, 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder and 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 — that were recalled in 2020 but have not yet been repaired.
Globally, there have been more than 30 deaths since 2009 – including 27 in the United States – and more than 400 injuries in vehicles sold by several automakers as a result of Takata’s airbag inflators that can explode, sending metal shrapnel into cars and trucks are released.
