In a recent announcement, Ford and Mazda have issued a warning to owners of over 475,000 older vehicles in the U.S. to refrain from driving them due to dangerous Takata air bag 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 danger posed by these faulty inflators, which can explode with excessive force in the event of a crash. This can lead to the metal canister rupturing and shooting out fragments that can cause severe injuries or even fatalities. While these vehicles were previously recalled, the necessary repairs have not been completed, prompting the urgent warning from Ford and Mazda.
Ford models affected by this warning include popular vehicles such as the Ranger pickups, Mustangs, Ford GTs, Fusions, and Edge SUVs spanning various model years. Similarly, Mercury and Lincoln models like the Milan, MKZ, Zephyr, and MKX are also included in the warning. On the Mazda front, vehicles like the B-Series pickup, Mazda 6, Speed6, RX-8, MPV, CX-7, and CX-9 are among those affected.
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 more than 400 individuals sustaining injuries. This problem is not limited to the U.S., as at least 35 fatalities have been reported globally in countries like Malaysia and Australia. The widespread nature of the defect has led to the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history, with millions of Takata inflators needing replacement.
To address this critical safety concern, owners can visit the NHTSA website or the recall websites of Ford and Mazda to check if their vehicles are affected. If an unrepaired Takata inflator is found, owners are advised to immediately stop driving the vehicle and contact a dealer to schedule a repair appointment. Ford and Mazda are offering free towing, mobile repairs, and loaner vehicles as needed to facilitate the replacement process.
The gravity of the situation is emphasized by the NHTSA, which warns that even minor accidents can trigger the malfunction of Takata air bags, resulting in potentially fatal outcomes. 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, and Toyota have also issued similar warnings for vehicles equipped with Takata inflators.
In conclusion, the safety of vehicle occupants is paramount, and it is crucial for owners of affected Ford, Mazda, and other vehicles to take immediate action to address the Takata air bag inflator issue. By heeding the warning and arranging for necessary repairs, drivers can help prevent tragic accidents and ensure the well-being of themselves and others on the road.