The number of vehicles recalled because of defective Takata airbags continues to grow, this time by nearly 53,000 Nissan models in 12 U.S. states and territories.

According to a notice [PDF] posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the new recall involves 52,738 model year 2003 to 2004 Pathfinder, 2004 to 2006 Sentra, 2003 to 2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2003-2004 Infiniti I35 and the 2006 M35 and M45 vehicles.

The recall applies only to vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

Officials with Nissan say in the notice to NHTSA that airbags in the affected vehicles may rupture, sending metal fragments toward front-seat passengers in the event of a crash.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified and dealers will replace the passenger airbag inflator.

Takata-produced airbags have been the subject of nearly 16 million vehicle recalls since 2008.

The Japanese parts maker is currently under investigation by NHTSA regarding its reporting processes and its lack of action after reportedly knowing about the issue four years before the first recall was initiated.

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