Ford Motor Co. and Mazda North American Operations have recently issued a „do not drive“ warning for over 457,000 vehicles equipped with recalled Takata airbags, according to a press release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This warning comes as a response to the potential dangers posed by these airbags, which have been known to explode upon deployment, causing serious injuries or even death to vehicle occupants.
The recall affects approximately 67 million airbags used by 19 different OEMs, all of which have been identified as potentially hazardous due to the use of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate as a propellant. This propellant has been linked to violent explosions that can send metal shrapnel into the faces of those inside the vehicle. The NHTSA has confirmed that 27 people have been killed and 400 injured in the U.S. as a result of these defective airbags, with even minor crashes posing a risk of explosion.
The warning issued by Ford and Mazda covers all unrepaired recalled vehicles from Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, and Mazda that are equipped with the faulty airbags. Mazda’s warning specifically applies to model years 2003-2015, encompassing 83,893 vehicles, while Ford’s warning covers model years between 2004-2014, totaling 375,290 vehicles. The NHTSA emphasizes that older model year vehicles are at a higher risk of airbag ruptures, with some vehicles now being over 20 years old.
In response to the recall, Ford and Mazda are offering free towing, mobile repair, and loaner vehicles to affected owners. Ford has committed to notifying known owners of the affected vehicles every month through various communication channels. Owners are urged to check if their vehicle is part of the recall and to contact their dealership to schedule a free repair as soon as possible.
For more information on the Ford and Mazda recalls, owners can visit the respective websites provided in the press release. Additionally, collision repairers can use tools such as NHTSA’s Recalls Lookup Tool to check a customer’s vehicle for recalls by entering the license plate number, VIN, or Year Make and Model. Staying informed about recalls is crucial for ensuring the safety of vehicle occupants and preventing potential accidents caused by defective airbags.
In a related development, General Motors (GM) recently issued a recall for over 900 vehicles equipped with Takata airbags, including certain model year 2013 Buick Veranos, Chevrolet Volts, Sonics, and Camaros. GM dealers will replace the front driver airbag module on affected vehicles for free, with notifications set to begin on September 11. This serves as another reminder of the importance of addressing recalls promptly to prevent any potential harm to vehicle occupants.
Overall, the „do not drive“ warning issued by Ford and Mazda underscores the critical need for vehicle owners to take immediate action in response to recalls involving Takata airbags. By prioritizing safety and following the guidance provided by manufacturers and regulatory agencies, individuals can help prevent accidents and protect themselves and others on the road.
