Ford and Mazda have issued do-not-drive advisories for certain vehicles that have not yet been repaired under multiple past safety recalls for Takata airbags. This advisory affects more than 457,000 vehicles in the U.S., with 374,000 Ford Motor Co. vehicles and 83,000 Mazdas built between 2003 and 2015 still equipped with Takata non-desiccated airbag inflators. These inflators need to be replaced to protect drivers and passengers from potentially fatal injuries caused by airbags that could explode and expel sharp metal fragments during a crash.
Ford has been actively working to contact customers about these recalls since the first announcement in 2015. Efforts include letters, emails, phone calls, text messages, and over 1 million canvassing visits to customer homes. As a result, 95% of U.S. customers have completed Takata recalls. The affected Ford vehicles include the 2004-2006 Ford Ranger, 2005-2014 Ford Mustang, and 2005-2006 Ford GT, with recalls affecting both driver and passenger airbag inflators in some models.
Mazda vehicles affected by the recall include the 2004-2009 B-Series, 2003-2013 Mazda6, 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6, 2004-2011 RX-8, 2004-2006 MPV, 2007-2012 CX-7, and 2007-2015 CX-9. Parts for the repairs are now available, and customers can request mobile service or have their vehicles towed directly to the dealership for repair. Dealerships will also provide a free interim loaner vehicle if necessary.
Ford will continue to notify known owners every month through various communication channels with the updated do-not-drive advisory message. Customers can check if their vehicle requires repair on the Ford website, while Mazda customers can do the same on the Mazda recall information website. Additionally, all vehicle owners can check for open recalls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
Recent NHTSA data has shown that 27 people in the U.S. have been killed by these airbags, with at least 400 injuries reported. Over 67 million airbags in more than 40 million vehicles have been recalled across 19 automakers. Despite a decade of recalls by automakers and the NHTSA, CARFAX data in June revealed that more than 6.4 million vehicles in the U.S. still have unrepaired Takata airbags.
A significant portion of these unfixed vehicles, roughly 40%, are located in states classified as Zone A by the NHTSA due to high heat and humidity levels. These states include Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. With this latest recall, Ford and Mazda join several other automakers that have issued recalls or do-not-drive advisories this year, including Nissan, Toyota, and BMW.
In conclusion, it is crucial for vehicle owners to stay informed about recalls and take action promptly to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. By checking for open recalls and following the necessary steps for repairs, drivers can help prevent potential accidents and injuries caused by faulty airbags.