Ford and Mazda have issued a warning to owners of certain vehicles, advising them not to drive their cars due to potentially dangerous airbags still being installed. The affected vehicles, totaling approximately 457,300 in the U.S., have Takata non-desiccated airbag inflators that require urgent repairs under past recalls. Of these vehicles, around 83,000 are Mazda models, while the remaining 374,300 fall under the Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury brands.
Mazda North American Operations stated in a press release that the „do not drive“ advisory impacts all customers who have not completed recalls 1317F, 1417G, 1817L, 1917L, 2118A, and 2618F. This includes driver and passenger airbag inflators in various models and model years, such as the Mazda6, Mazdaspeed6, RX8, CX-7, and CX-9. Ford, on the other hand, identified specific models like the Ford Ranger, Mustang, Fusion, Edge, and Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr as unsafe to drive until the airbags are fixed.
The issue of recalled Takata airbags has affected numerous auto companies in the U.S., with a total of around 67 million recalled airbags, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Tragically, there have been twenty-seven fatalities and at least 400 injuries in America linked to the defective inflators. The NHTSA emphasized the increased risk of airbag ruptures in older vehicles, stating that explosions can cause severe injuries or fatalities to vehicle occupants.
Both Ford and Mazda have confirmed that the necessary parts for repairs are currently available. Owners can have the repairs done at their local dealership, with options for mobile service, towing, and loaner vehicles provided by both automakers. The service will be free of charge, as mandated by the NHTSA.
Ford mentioned on its website that dealers can provide an estimated time for the recall repair process for vehicles with defective Takata airbags. Mazda estimated that the installation of a new airbag inflator would take approximately an hour. Both companies are actively reaching out to customers with affected vehicles through various communication channels on a monthly basis.
In conclusion, it is crucial for owners of Ford and Mazda vehicles affected by the Takata airbag recalls to heed the „do not drive“ advisories and promptly schedule repairs to ensure their safety on the road. The availability of parts and the provision of free repair services by the automakers aim to mitigate the risks associated with the defective airbags and protect vehicle occupants from potential harm.