Owners of certain Ford and Mazda cars are being urged to immediately stop driving their vehicles due to potentially deadly air bags, federal regulators announced on Tuesday. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued an urgent „Do Not Drive“ warning for more than 457,000 vehicles that are equipped with unrecalled and unrepaired Takata air bags.
The Takata air bags have been the subject of a massive recall, with over 67 million units being recalled due to the risk of explosion and shrapnel deployment upon deployment. This defect can pose a serious threat to vehicle occupants, potentially causing severe injuries or even death. The danger exists even in minor crashes or as a result of the air bags‘ age or exposure to high heat and humidity.
According to the NHTSA, 27 people in the U.S. have been killed by the defective Takata air bags, with at least 400 others sustaining injuries. Despite previous recalls addressing the issue, the 457,000 vehicles covered by the current „Do Not Drive“ warning have not undergone the necessary repairs, leaving drivers vulnerable to the risk of explosion.
Ford and Mazda are the two automakers affected by the warning, with Ford’s recall encompassing 374,290 vehicles manufactured between 2004 and 2014. The models included in the warning range from Rangers and GTs to Mustangs, Fusions, Lincolns, Mercury Milans, and Edges. Mazda’s warning covers 82,893 vehicles produced from 2003 to 2015, including the B-Series, Mazda6, MazdaSpeed6, RX-8, MPV, CX-7, and CX-9.
Owners of these vehicles are advised to check if their cars are subject to an open Takata air bag recall and to contact their dealership promptly to schedule a free repair. Towing and loaner vehicles are also being offered free of charge to facilitate the repair process and ensure the safety of affected drivers.
Earlier this year, Toyota and General Motors issued similar „Do Not Drive“ warnings for 61,000 older models, including the Matrix, RAV4, Corolla, and Pontiac Vibe, due to the Takata air bag issue. Nissan, BMW, and Stellantis have also issued recalls related to Takata air bags, underscoring the widespread impact of this safety concern.
In light of the potential dangers posed by the defective Takata air bags, it is crucial for owners of the affected Ford and Mazda vehicles to heed the NHTSA’s warning and take immediate action to address the issue. Prioritizing safety and compliance with recall notices can help prevent tragic accidents and protect both drivers and passengers on the road.