In a recent announcement, Ford and Mazda have issued a warning to owners of over 475,000 older vehicles in the U.S. to not drive them due to dangerous Takata air bag inflators that have not been replaced. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has highlighted the potential risks associated with these inflators, which can explode with excessive force in a crash, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Despite being previously recalled, many of these vehicles have not undergone the necessary repairs, putting drivers and passengers at risk.
The warning covers a wide range of Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles from the 2004 through 2014 model years, as well as Mazda vehicles from the 2003 through 2015 model years. Ford models affected include popular vehicles such as Ranger pickups, Mustangs, Fusions, and Edge SUVs, while Mercury and Lincoln models like the Milan, MKZ, Zephyr, and MKX are also included in the warning. Mazda vehicles impacted by the recall include B-Series pickups, Mazda 6, Speed6, RX-8, MPV, CX-7, and CX-9 models.
The Takata air bag inflators have been linked to 27 deaths in the U.S. and at least 35 deaths worldwide, with over 400 injuries reported in the U.S. alone. The use of volatile ammonium nitrate in these inflators can lead to malfunctions over time, especially in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. This has resulted in the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history, with millions of vehicles affected globally.
To check if their vehicles are covered by the recall, 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 stop 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 to affected customers to ensure their safety.
The NHTSA emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue promptly, as even minor crashes can trigger the faulty Takata air bags, resulting in life-threatening injuries. 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, including Nissan, Honda, Stellantis, BMW, and Toyota, have also issued similar warnings for vehicles equipped with Takata inflators.
In conclusion, the Takata air bag inflator recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vehicle safety and the potential risks associated with defective automotive components. Owners of affected vehicles are urged to take immediate action to address this issue and ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road.