Airbag recalls continue to be a major concern for thousands of vehicles on the road today. Ford Motor Co. and Mazda North American Operations recently issued „Do Not Drive“ advisories for owners of certain vehicles that have not yet had their cars fixed after several Takata airbag recalls. The urgency of these advisories stems from the potential danger posed by faulty airbags that could explode and expel sharp metal fragments during a crash, leading to serious injury or even death for the driver and passengers.
The recalls issued by Ford and Mazda cover a wide range of vehicles, including popular models like the Ford Ranger, Ford Mustang, Ford Fusion, and Mazda CX-9. These recalls date back to as early as 2003 and have affected millions of vehicles globally. Despite extensive outreach efforts by the automakers, including letters, emails, phone calls, and home visits, there are still a significant number of vehicles on the road with potentially dangerous airbags that have not been repaired or replaced.
The Takata airbag inflators have been linked to numerous deaths and injuries worldwide, leading to the bankruptcy of Takata of Japan. The inflators can explode with excessive force, sending shrapnel into the vehicle’s occupants. This has prompted the recall of millions of vehicles in the U.S. alone, with government regulators continuing to investigate the extent of the problem.
Both Ford and Mazda have assured customers that the airbags on affected vehicles will be repaired or replaced free of charge. Owners can easily check if their vehicle is part of the recall by entering their VIN number or license number on the respective automaker’s website or the NHTSA’s recall portal. If drivers suspect that their vehicle may have a safety defect that is not part of a current recall, they are encouraged to contact the NHTSA for further assistance.
In conclusion, the airbag recalls issued by Ford and Mazda serve as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing safety issues promptly and effectively. With the potential risks posed by faulty airbags, it is crucial for vehicle owners to take action and ensure that their cars are safe to drive. By staying informed and proactive, drivers can help prevent accidents and protect themselves and their passengers on the road.