In a recent announcement, Ford and Mazda have issued a warning to the owners of over 475,000 older vehicles in the United States, urging them not to drive their cars due to dangerous Takata airbag 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 airbag 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, many owners have not yet completed the necessary repairs, leaving them at risk.
Ford models affected by this warning include popular vehicles such as the Ranger pickups, Mustangs, Ford GTs, Fusions, and Edge SUVs from various model years. Similarly, Mercury and Lincoln models like the Milan, MKZ, Zephyr, and MKX are also included in the warning.
Mazda vehicles covered by the warning range from the B-Series pickup to the Mazda 6, Speed6, RX-8, MPV, CX-7, and CX-9 models. The potential danger posed by these Takata inflators is not limited to the United States, as similar incidents have been reported worldwide, resulting in tragic fatalities in countries like Malaysia and Australia.
The widespread nature of this issue has led to the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history, with millions of Takata inflators being identified as potentially faulty. Despite these recalls, many vehicles remain unrepaired, putting their occupants at risk of serious harm in the event of an accident. The urgency of the situation has prompted Ford and Mazda to offer free towing, mobile repairs, and loaner vehicles to affected owners to ensure their safety.
To determine 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 their 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.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by the NHTSA’s statement that even minor crashes can result in catastrophic outcomes due to exploding Takata airbags. The agency emphasizes that older model year vehicles are at a higher risk, making it crucial for owners to take immediate action to address this safety issue.
In conclusion, the collaboration between automakers, regulatory agencies, and vehicle owners is essential in addressing the ongoing threat posed by faulty Takata airbag inflators. By heeding the warnings and taking proactive steps to address this issue, we can work towards ensuring the safety of all road users and preventing further tragic incidents.