Ford and Mazda have issued a warning to the owners of over 475,000 older vehicles in the United States, urging them not to drive their cars due to dangerous Takata airbag inflators that have not been replaced. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has highlighted the potential risks associated with these faulty inflators, which can explode with excessive force during a crash, leading to metal canister fragmentation and the ejection of harmful debris that can cause severe injuries or fatalities. Despite previous recalls, many of these vehicles have not undergone the necessary repairs, posing a significant safety hazard to drivers and passengers.
The warning issued by Ford and Mazda on Tuesday covers a wide range of models spanning from 2003 to 2015. Ford vehicles affected include popular models such as the Ranger pickups, Mustangs, Ford GTs, Fusions, and Edge SUVs. Additionally, Mercury and Lincoln models like the Milan, MKZ, Zephyr, and MKX are also included in the warning. On the Mazda side, vehicles such as the B-Series pickup, Mazda 6, Speed6, RX-8, MPV, CX-7, and CX-9 are among those identified as having potentially dangerous Takata inflators.
The severity of the issue is underscored by the fact that 27 people in the U.S. have lost their lives due to faulty Takata inflators, with over 400 individuals sustaining injuries as a result. This problem is not limited to the U.S., as at least 35 fatalities have been reported worldwide in countries like Malaysia and Australia. The widespread nature of the defect has prompted the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history, with millions of vehicles affected globally. The bankruptcy of Takata, the manufacturer of these defective airbags, further highlights the magnitude of the crisis.
To address this urgent safety concern, owners are advised to check if their vehicles are covered by visiting the NHTSA website or the recall websites of Ford and Mazda. If a vehicle is found to have an unrepaired Takata inflator, owners should refrain from driving it and promptly contact a dealer to schedule a repair appointment. Ford and Mazda are offering free towing, mobile repairs, and loaner vehicles to facilitate the repair process, ensuring the safety of their customers.
The NHTSA emphasizes the importance of taking immediate action, as even minor accidents can trigger the catastrophic failure of Takata airbags, resulting in devastating consequences. Ford has made extensive efforts to reach out to affected owners, with over 95% of U.S. customers having already had their inflators replaced. Other automakers like Nissan, Honda, Stellantis, BMW, Toyota, and Mazda have also issued similar warnings for vehicles equipped with Takata inflators, underscoring the industry-wide concern for public safety.
In conclusion, the recall of vehicles with defective Takata airbag inflators is a critical safety issue that requires prompt attention from owners and automakers alike. By heeding the warnings and taking proactive measures to address this issue, we can prevent further tragedies and ensure the well-being of all road users.