In a recent announcement, Ford and Mazda have issued a warning to owners of over 475,000 older vehicles in the U.S. to refrain from driving them due to dangerous Takata air bag inflators that have not been replaced. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has highlighted the potential risks associated with these inflators, which can explode with excessive force during a crash, leading to the ejection of metal fragments that can cause severe injuries or fatalities. Despite previous recalls, many of these vehicles have not undergone necessary repairs, posing a significant safety hazard to drivers and passengers.
The warning specifically targets more than 374,000 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles from the 2004 through 2014 model years, as well as nearly 83,000 Mazdas from the 2003 through 2015 model years. Ford models affected by the warning include popular vehicles such as Ranger pickups, Mustangs, Ford GTs, Fusions, and Edge SUVs. Similarly, Mercury and Lincoln models like the Milan, MKZ, Zephyr, and MKX are also included in the warning. On the Mazda side, models such as B-Series pickups, Mazda 6, Speed6, RX-8, MPV, CX-7, and CX-9 are among those affected.
The severity of the issue is underscored by the fact that faulty Takata inflators have resulted in 27 deaths in the U.S. alone, with over 400 individuals sustaining injuries. The use of volatile ammonium nitrate in these inflators, combined with exposure to high temperatures and humidity, can lead to the deterioration of the chemical over time, increasing the risk of explosions during accidents. Tragically, the impact of these defective inflators has been felt globally, with at least 35 fatalities reported in countries like Malaysia, Australia, and the U.S.
To determine if their vehicles are covered by the warning, owners can visit the NHTSA website and input their vehicle identification or license plate numbers. Ford and Mazda also have dedicated recall websites for owners to check their vehicles‘ status. If a vehicle is found to have an unrepaired Takata inflator, owners are advised to cease driving the vehicle immediately and contact a dealer to schedule a repair appointment. Both Ford and Mazda are offering free towing services, mobile repairs, and loaner vehicles if needed to facilitate the repair process.
The NHTSA has emphasized the critical importance of addressing this issue promptly, stating that even minor accidents can trigger the deployment of Takata air bags, potentially resulting in fatal or life-altering injuries. Older model year vehicles are particularly vulnerable to these risks, underscoring the urgency of addressing the recall promptly. By taking proactive steps to address this safety concern, owners can help ensure the well-being of themselves and their passengers on the road.