Ford and Mazda have issued an urgent advisory for owners of specific car models, urging them not to drive due to potentially dangerous airbag inflators. These inflators, supplied by Takata, have been linked to various fatalities and injuries. The advisory affects approximately 457,300 vehicles in the U.S., with owners being urged to seek immediate repairs.
The issue of defective Takata airbag inflators has persisted over the years, with previous recalls affecting millions of vehicles globally. The airbags can explode upon deployment, causing severe injuries or fatalities. This new advisory by Ford and Mazda brings renewed attention to the ongoing safety concerns associated with these inflators. Recent actions highlight the continuous risk and the necessity for vehicle owners to take the recalls seriously to prevent potential accidents.
Models and Makes Affected
According to Mazda, around 83,000 of their vehicles are impacted, covering models such as the B-series, Mazda6, Mazdaspeed6, RX8, CX-7, CX-9, and MPV from various model years. In a press release, Mazda North American Operations stated,
“The DO NOT DRIVE impacts all customers that have not completed 1317F, 1417G, 1817L, 1917L, 2118A, and 2618F [recalls].”
Ford’s Vehicle List
Ford identified that 374,300 vehicles, including the Ford Ranger, Mustang, GT, Fusion, Edge, and various Lincoln and Mercury models, should not be driven until their airbags are replaced. The NHTSA emphasized that some of these vehicles are over 20 years old, increasing the likelihood of airbag ruptures.
The defective Takata airbags have been a significant concern in the automotive industry, with more than 67 million airbags recalled in the U.S. alone over the past years. The NHTSA reported that these faulty airbags have resulted in 27 fatalities and over 400 injuries. Ford and Mazda’s recent advisory underscores the persistent danger that these airbags pose, even years after initial recalls.
Ford and Mazda have confirmed they have the necessary parts available for the repairs. Both companies are providing multiple services, including mobile repairs, towing, and loaner vehicles, to facilitate the replacement process. Ford stated on its website that dealers can inform owners about the time required for recall repairs, while Mazda estimated that the installation of new inflators takes roughly an hour. Both companies are actively reaching out to affected customers.
The ongoing issue of Takata airbag inflators highlights the critical importance of complying with recall notices for vehicle safety. Owners of the affected models are strongly urged to contact their local dealerships to arrange for immediate repairs. The proactive measures by Ford and Mazda aim to safeguard customers from potentially fatal airbag malfunctions, making it imperative for vehicle owners to act swiftly.
