In a recent announcement, Ford and Mazda have issued a warning to the owners of over 475,000 older vehicles in the U.S., urging them not to drive their cars due to dangerous Takata airbag inflators that have not been replaced. This warning, issued on Tuesday, covers a significant number of 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.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has highlighted the potential risks associated with these faulty inflators, stating that they can explode with excessive force in the event of a crash. This can lead to the metal canister rupturing and shooting out fragments that pose a severe risk of injury or even death to occupants. While these vehicles were previously recalled, many owners have not yet completed the necessary repairs.
Ford models affected by this warning include popular vehicles such as the Ranger pickups from 2004 to 2011, Mustangs from 2005 through 2014, Ford GTs from 2005 and 2006, Fusions from 2006 through 2012, and Edge SUVs from 2007 through 2010. Additionally, Mercury and Lincoln models like the Milan, MKZ, Zephyr, and MKX from 2006 through 2012 are also included in the warning.
Mazda vehicles covered by the warning include the B-Series pickup from 2004 to 2009, Mazda 6 from 2003 through 2013, Speed6 from 2006 and 2007, RX-8 from 2004 through 2011, MPV from 2004 through 2006, CX-7 from 2007 through 2012, and CX-9 from 2007 through 2015.
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. Globally, at least 35 fatalities have been linked to these inflators in countries like Malaysia, Australia, and the U.S.
The widespread impact of this safety concern has led to the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history, involving at least 67 million Takata inflators. Despite these efforts, many inflators remain unrepaired, with approximately 100 million units recalled worldwide. The repercussions of the defective airbags ultimately led Takata to declare bankruptcy.
To determine if their vehicles are affected, owners can visit the NHTSA website or the recall websites of Ford and Mazda and input their vehicle identification or license plate numbers. 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. Ford and Mazda are offering free towing, mobile repairs, and loaner vehicles as needed.
The NHTSA emphasizes the gravity of the situation, stating that even minor accidents can trigger the deployment of these faulty airbags, resulting in potentially fatal outcomes. Ford has made extensive efforts to reach out to affected owners, with over 121 million attempts to contact them through various means. The company reports that more than 95% of its U.S. customers have already had their inflators replaced.
Other automakers, including Nissan, Honda, Stellantis, BMW, and Toyota, have also issued similar „do not drive“ warnings for vehicles equipped with Takata inflators. This collective response underscores the industry’s commitment to prioritizing consumer safety in the face of this critical issue.
In conclusion, the ongoing saga of Takata airbag inflators serves as a stark reminder of the importance of timely vehicle recalls and repairs. By heeding these warnings and taking proactive steps to address safety concerns, both automakers and consumers can work together to mitigate risks and ensure the well-being of all road users.