Ford Issues Do-Not-Drive Warnings For Over 457,000 Vehicles

Urgent Recall: Ford and Mazda Issue Do-Not-Drive Warnings for Over 457,000 Vehicles Due to Defective Takata Airbags

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be taken as legal or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult relevant professionals for advice tailored to their specific circumstances.

Ford Motor Co. and Mazda North American Operations have issued urgent do-not-drive warnings for more than 457,000 vehicles equipped with defective Takata airbags. These airbags, which have been linked to 27 fatalities in the United States and over 35 deaths globally, pose a serious risk to vehicle occupants.

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Affected Models

Ford's recall affects 374,290 vehicles from model years 2004 to 2014. The specific models and recall campaigns are as follows:

• 2004-2006 Ford Ranger
• • Recall Campaigns: 17V787, 17V788
• 2005-2006 Ford GT
• • Recall Campaigns: 15V319
• 2005-2014 Ford Mustang
• • Recall Campaigns: 15V319, 16V384, 17V024, 18V046, 19V001
• 2006-2012 Ford Fusion
• • Recall Campaigns: 16V384, 17V024, 18V046, 19V001
• 2006-2012 Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr
• • Recall Campaigns: 16V384, 17V024, 18V046, 19V001
• 2006-2012 Mercury Milan
• • Recall Campaigns: 16V384, 17V024, 18V046, 19V001
• 2007-2010 Ford Edge
• • Recall Campaigns: 16V384, 17V024, 18V046, 19V001
• 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX
• • Recall Campaigns: 16V384, 17V024, 18V046, 19V001
• 2007-2011 Ford Ranger
• • Recall Campaigns: 16V384, 17V024, 18V046, 19V001

Mazda Vehicles

Mazda's recall affects 82,893 vehicles from model years 2003 to 2015. The specific models and recall campaigns are as follows:

• 2004-2006 Mazda B-Series
• • Recall Campaigns: 17V806, 17V807
• 2007-2009 Mazda B-Series
• • Recall Campaigns: 16V499, 17V013, 18V016
• 2003-2008 Mazda6
• • Recall Campaigns: 17V474, 18V402, 18V403, 18V404, 19V488, 19V781
• 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6
• • Recall Campaigns: 17V474, 18V402, 18V403, 18V404, 19V488, 19V781
• 2004-2011 Mazda RX-8
• • Recall Campaigns: 17V474, 18V402, 18V403, 18V404, 19V488, 19V781
• 2004-2006 Mazda MPV
• • Recall Campaigns: 17V474, 18V402, 18V403, 18V404, 19V488, 19V781
• 2009-2013 Mazda6
• • Recall Campaigns: 17V429, 17V457, 18V018, 18V717, 19V782
• 2007-2012 Mazda CX-7
• • Recall Campaigns: 17V429, 17V457, 18V018, 18V717, 19V782
• 2007-2015 Mazda CX-9
• • Recall Campaigns: 17V429, 17V457, 18V018, 18V717, 19V782

The defective Takata airbags have been linked to a number of fatalities and injuries. The primary issue with these airbags is the potential for the inflators to explode upon deployment, sending metal fragments into the vehicle's cabin. This can result in severe injuries or even fatalities to the occupants. To date, NHTSA has confirmed 27 fatalities in the United States alone, with an additional 400 individuals injured due to these defective airbags. Globally, the death toll exceeds 35. These numbers highlight the gravity of the risk associated with these airbags, making the recall and immediate repair of the affected vehicles a top priority for both manufacturers and regulatory bodies.

The Response from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

NHTSA has been at the forefront of addressing the Takata airbag issue, consistently urging vehicle owners to take the recall notices seriously. In light of the recent recall by Ford and Mazda, NHTSA has reiterated the importance of not driving the affected vehicles until the necessary repairs have been completed. NHTSA has provided resources for vehicle owners to check if their vehicle is part of the recall. Owners can visit the NHTSA website and use the Recalls Lookup Tool by entering their vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number. Additionally, the SaferCar app can be downloaded to automatically check for any open safety recalls. For vehicle owners, the immediate priority should be to determine whether their vehicle is part of the recall. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Check for Recalls: Visit the NHTSA website or use the SaferCar app to check if your vehicle is affected by the Takata airbag recall. You can do this by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number into the Recalls Lookup Tool.
2. Contact the Dealership: If your vehicle is affected, contact your automaker’s local dealership to schedule a free recall repair. Ford and Mazda are offering free towing services, mobile repairs, and, if necessary, loaner vehicles to facilitate the repair process.
3. Follow Manufacturer Warnings: Adhere strictly to any warnings issued by the vehicle manufacturer. If your vehicle is part of the recall, do not drive it until the airbag has been replaced and the repair is complete.
4. Sign Up for Alerts: To stay informed about future recalls, sign up for email alerts at NHTSA.gov/Alerts. This will ensure you receive timely notifications if your vehicle is affected by any future safety recalls.
5. Report Safety Defects: If you suspect your vehicle may have a safety defect that is not part of a current recall, contact NHTSA either online or by calling their Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

The recall of over 457,000 vehicles by Ford and Mazda due to defective Takata airbags is a crucial reminder of the importance of vehicle safety and the ongoing efforts required to address potential risks. With the support of NHTSA and the proactive measures taken by Ford and Mazda, vehicle owners are provided with the necessary tools and resources to ensure their safety. By following the outlined steps and adhering to the warnings, vehicle owners can navigate this recall effectively and mitigate the risks associated with the defective airbags.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be taken as legal or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult relevant professionals for advice tailored to their specific circumstances.

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Verified Sources:

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (.gov)
2. Stock Region