Ford, Mazda expand exploding Takata airbag recall to over 450K vehicles, urge owners to stop driving

[Digimaus]

 

Ford Motor Co. and Mazda North American Operations have issued urgent “Do Not Drive” warnings for over 457,000 vehicles equipped with defective Takata airbag inflators. This advisory affects a wide range of older models, urging owners to cease driving their vehicles until the necessary repairs are completed.

 

The Scope of the Recall

Ford: Over 374,290 vehicles from the 2004 through 2014 model years, including:

• 2004-2006 Ranger
• 2005-2006 GT
• 2005-2014 Mustang
• 2006-2012 Fusion
• 2006-2012 Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr
• 2006-2012 Mercury Milan
• 2007-2010 Edge
• 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX
• 2007-2011 Ranger

 

Mazda: Nearly 82,893 vehicles from the 2003 through 2015 model years, including:

• 2004-2006 B-Series
• 2007-2009 B-Series
• 2003-2008 Mazda6
• 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6
• 2004-2011 RX-8
• 2004-2006 MPV
• 2009-2013 Mazda6
• 2007-2012 CX-7
• 2007-2015 CX-9

 

The Danger of Defective Takata Airbags

The Takata airbag inflators in these vehicles pose a severe safety risk. In the event of a crash, the inflators can explode with excessive force, causing the metal canister to rupture and shoot sharp fragments into the vehicle cabin. This defect has resulted in at least 27 fatalities and over 400 injuries in the United States alone, with a global death toll of at least 35.

 

Immediate Actions for Vehicle Owners

Those with affected vehicles must discontinue driving and contact their dealerships to initiate the repair process. Both Ford and Mazda are offering free towing services, mobile repairs, and loaner vehicles to facilitate the repair process. Owners may also check their vehicle’s recall status on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and entering their vehicle’s VIN or license plate information. Alternatively, Ford owners can check their recall status here, and Mazda owners can check here.

 

A Wider Issue

This recall is part of an unprecedented series of recalls in U.S. history, involving at least 67 million Takata inflators. The root of the problem lies in the use of ammonium nitrate within the inflators, a chemical compound prone to degradation under conditions of high temperature and humidity, leading to the risk of explosion. The defective airbags have previously led to the bankruptcy of Takata Corporation.

 

Similar Issues with Other Automakers

This is not the first time automakers have faced issues with Takata airbags. BMW recently recalled over 394,000 vehicles due to similar concerns with driver-side airbags that could explode. The ongoing recalls highlight the critical importance of addressing these safety defects promptly to prevent further injuries and fatalities.

 

The urgent “Do Not Drive” warnings issued by Ford and Mazda underscore the critical need for vehicle owners to take immediate action. With the potential for catastrophic injuries or fatalities, it is imperative that affected vehicles are repaired as soon as possible.

 

• https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/ford-mazda-do-not-drive-warnings-takata-air-bags
• https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ford-mazda-do-not-drive-notice-takata-recalls-2014/
• https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/ford-mazda-warn-owners-stop-driving-older-vehicles-112802066
• https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-recalls-defects/takata-airbag-recall-everything-you-need-to-know-a1060713669/

 

Image: Proseuxomai | Dreamstime.com