Ford Motor Co. and Mazda Motor Corp. have issued a do-not-drive advisory on certain vehicles that have not been repaired under past Takata airbag inflator safety recalls. The advisory comes as a result of the potential danger posed by the age of the vehicles, which increases the risk of the airbag inflators exploding and releasing sharp metal fragments during a crash. This poses a serious threat of injury or death to occupants of the affected vehicles.
The 2014 Ford Mustang is among the vehicles included in the do-not-drive advisory. The advisory applies to all customers who have not completed recalls of driver and passenger Takata non-desiccated airbag inflators in 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks, 2005-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles, and 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles. It also includes unrepaired passenger airbag inflators in various other Ford models such as the Fusion, Edge, and Ranger, as well as Lincoln models like the MKZ and MKX.
Ford has issued three previous recalls related to the Takata airbag inflators, with approximately 765,600 inflators in Ford and Lincoln vehicles globally. While 95% of the recalls have been completed in the United States, there are still a significant number of vehicles that have not been repaired. Ford is urging owners to contact a dealership immediately to have the necessary repairs done. In cases where the vehicle cannot be driven, Ford is offering a free interim loaner vehicle to affected customers.
This is the second do-not-drive advisory issued by Ford in connection to the Takata recalls. The purpose of the advisory is to encourage owners to take action and get their vehicles fixed to ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road. Ford will continue to notify owners monthly through various communication channels about the do-not-drive notice.
To determine if their vehicle is involved in the safety recall, Ford drivers can visit the company’s website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website for more information. Mazda Motor Corp. has also issued a warning for several of its models, including the B-Series pickup, Mazda 6, Speed6, RX-8, MPV, CX-7, and CX-9, urging owners to have their vehicles repaired to prevent any potential safety hazards.
In conclusion, it is crucial for owners of the affected vehicles to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. By heeding the do-not-drive advisory and getting the required repairs done promptly, owners can prevent any potential accidents or injuries caused by the faulty airbag inflators. It is important to prioritize safety and take action to address any outstanding recalls to avoid any potential risks while driving.