Ford Motor Co. and Mazda North American Operations have issued „do not drive“ warnings for more than 457,000 vehicles due to recalled Takata airbags. These airbags have been the source of recalls in the past and have been linked to severe injuries and fatalities in the event of a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has advised drivers not to drive these vehicles until the defective airbags are replaced.
Ford’s warning covers 374,290 models from the years between 2004 and 2014. These models include popular vehicles such as the Mustang, Fusion, Edge, and Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr. Mazda’s warning covers 82,893 models from the years between 2003 and 2015, including the Mazda6, MazdaSpeed6, RX-8, and CX-7. If your vehicle is on the list of affected models, it is crucial to contact your dealership for a free repair as soon as possible.
The Takata airbag crisis has led to the largest automotive recall in history, with millions of inflators being recalled globally. The risk of an airbag rupturing in a crash is heightened in older vehicles, as seen in the case of Nissan’s recent warning for vehicles manufactured between 2002 and 2006. Nissan advised owners of certain models not to drive their cars due to concerns over exploding airbags, emphasizing the potential for serious injury or death.
In the U.S. alone, 27 people have been killed by defective Takata airbags, with hundreds more injured. Even minor crashes can trigger the airbags to explode, causing life-altering injuries. Ford and Mazda are offering free towing, mobile repair, and loaner vehicles to affected customers to ensure their safety.
It is essential for vehicle owners to check if their Ford or Mazda vehicle is affected by the Takata airbag recall and to take immediate action to have the airbags replaced. By following the recommended steps and contacting the dealership for a free repair, drivers can help prevent potential harm and ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers on the road.