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 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 during a crash, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Despite previous recalls, many of these vehicles have not undergone the necessary repairs, posing a significant safety hazard to drivers and passengers.
The warning issued by Ford and Mazda on Tuesday covers a wide range of models from the 2003 through 2015 model years. Ford vehicles affected include popular models such as the Ranger pickups, Mustangs, Ford GTs, Fusions, and Edge SUVs. Additionally, Mercury and Lincoln models like the Milan, MKZ, Zephyr, and MKX are also included in the warning. Mazda models impacted by the recall range from B-Series pickups to Mazda 6, Speed6, RX-8, MPV, CX-7, and CX-9.
The severity of the issue is underscored by the fact that faulty Takata inflators have resulted in 27 deaths in the U.S. alone, with over 400 injuries reported. The chemical used in these inflators, ammonium nitrate, can degrade over time when exposed to high temperatures and humidity, increasing the risk of malfunction. This has led to the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history, with millions of vehicles affected globally.
To address the issue, owners are advised to check if their vehicles are covered by visiting the NHTSA website or the recall websites of Ford and Mazda. If a vehicle is found to have an unrepaired Takata inflator, owners should immediately stop driving the car 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 explosive deployment of Takata air bags, resulting in fatal consequences. Ford has made extensive efforts to reach out to owners worldwide, 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, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.
In conclusion, the safety of drivers and passengers should always be a top priority, and addressing the Takata air bag inflator issue is crucial to prevent further accidents and injuries. Owners of affected vehicles are urged to take immediate action to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. By heeding the warnings and getting the necessary repairs done, we can help prevent tragic outcomes and make our roads safer for everyone.