Ford Motor Co. and Mazda North American Operations have issued a “do not drive” warning for more than 457,000 vehicles equipped with recalled Takata air bags, according to a recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) press release. This warning comes as part of a larger effort to address the widespread issue of defective air bags that have been linked to serious injuries and fatalities.
Approximately 67 million air bags used by 19 different OEMs have been recalled due to the potential for these air bags to explode when deployed. The inflators in these air bags use phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate as a propellant, which has been known to cause violent explosions and send metal shrapnel into the faces of vehicle occupants. This poses a significant risk to the safety of drivers and passengers in affected vehicles.
The warning issued by Ford and Mazda covers all unrepaired recalled vehicles equipped with the defective air bags. Mazda’s warning applies to model years 2003-2015 and includes 83,893 vehicles, while Ford’s warning covers model years between 2004-2014 and includes 375,290 vehicles. These warnings are crucial in ensuring the safety of individuals who may be driving these vehicles unknowingly putting themselves at risk.
NHTSA has confirmed that 27 people have been killed and 400 injured in the U.S. as a result of the defective Takata air bags. Even minor crashes can trigger the air bags to explode, leading to potentially fatal consequences. Older model year vehicles are particularly at risk, as the aging of the components increases the likelihood of an air bag rupturing in a crash.
To address this urgent safety concern, Ford and Mazda are offering free towing, mobile repair, and loaner vehicles to affected vehicle owners. It is essential for owners of these vehicles to check if their vehicle is subject to an open Takata air bag recall and to contact their dealership to schedule a free repair as soon as possible. Following the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions is crucial in ensuring the safety of all occupants.
In addition to Ford and Mazda, other automakers have also issued recalls for vehicles equipped with Takata air bags. General Motors (GM) recently recalled more than 900 vehicles, including certain model year 2013 Buick Veranos, Chevrolet Volts, Sonics, and Camaros. These recalls highlight the widespread nature of the issue and the importance of addressing it promptly to prevent further injuries or fatalities.
Collision repairers can assist in checking a customer’s vehicle for recalls using tools such as NHTSA’s Recalls Lookup Tool. By entering the vehicle’s license plate number, VIN, or Year Make and Model, repairers can determine if a vehicle needs to be repaired as part of a recall. Staying informed about recalls and signing up for NHTSA’s alerts email can help repairers and vehicle owners stay up-to-date on safety issues.
In conclusion, the „do not drive“ warning issued by Ford and Mazda for vehicles equipped with recalled Takata air bags underscores the importance of addressing safety recalls promptly. By heeding these warnings, contacting dealerships for free repairs, and staying informed about recalls, vehicle owners can ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers on the road. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including automakers, repairers, and regulators, to work together to address safety concerns and prevent further tragedies related to defective air bags.