Ford Motor Co. and Mazda Motor of America have issued urgent warnings for more than 457,000 vehicles in the United States due to potentially deadly Takata air bags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has urged all vehicle owners to check if their vehicle has an open Takata air bag recall and to refrain from driving the vehicle until the defective air bag is replaced.
The warning was issued to prevent any further fatalities or injuries caused by the faulty Takata air bags. To date, the NHTSA has confirmed that 27 people in the U.S. have been killed by exploding Takata air bags, with at least 400 others reported to have been injured. Even minor crashes can result in these air bags exploding, causing severe harm or death to vehicle occupants. The risk is higher in older model year vehicles, as the age of the air bag is a contributing factor to the potential danger.
Ford and Mazda are offering free towing, mobile repair, and loaner vehicles for affected customers. Ford’s warning covers various model year vehicles, including Rangers, GTs, Mustangs, Fusions, Lincolns, Mercury Milans, and Edges. Mazda’s warning includes B-Series, Mazda6, MazdaSpeed6, RX-8, MPV, CX-7, and CX-9 vehicles. Owners of these vehicles are advised to contact their dealership to schedule a free repair as soon as possible.
In addition to the Takata air bag recalls, Ford is also facing class action claims related to certain model year 2016 and newer vehicles containing defective Ford 1.0-liter EcoBoost engines. Customers who are affected by these recalls are encouraged to visit the respective automaker’s recalls website for more information and to check for any recalls that may apply to their vehicle.
If you believe you may be affected by these Ford and Mazda recalls, it is important to take immediate action to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Stay informed about any updates or developments related to these recalls and follow the guidance provided by the automakers and the NHTSA to address any potential risks associated with the faulty Takata air bags.