"Do Not Drive" Advisory Issued | Millions Affected
A second "Do Not Drive" advisory has been issued by Ford Motor Company, urging owners of certain model year 2004-2014 vehicles to immediately stop using their cars due to potentially faulty Takata airbags.
This latest action highlights the ongoing safety concerns surrounding Takata airbags and the importance of addressing long-standing recalls.
The Takata Airbag Crisis
The Takata airbag crisis began in the early 2010s when it was discovered that certain Takata airbag inflators could explode with excessive force upon deployment, potentially sending metal shrapnel into the vehicle's interior and causing serious injury or death to drivers and passengers.
This issue prompted a massive global recall, impacting millions of vehicles across various manufacturers.
Ford's Urgent Warning
Ford's current advisory focuses on three previously announced recalls (15S21, 17S42, and 19S01) issued between 2015 and 2019 for vehicles equipped with Takata non-desiccated airbag inflators. These inflators can degrade over time and pose a significant safety risk in the event of a crash.
According to Ford, approximately 765,600 airbag inflators are affected globally, with 374,300 located in the U.S.
Despite extensive outreach efforts, including millions of letters, emails, phone calls, text messages, and even in-person visits, Ford estimates that a significant number of vehicles remain unrepaired.
"The age of these vehicles makes it increasingly possible that a part inside the airbag will explode and expel shrapnel when deployed in a crash," said Jeff A. Nagel, Ford's group vice president for Global Quality. "This is a serious safety risk, and we urge customers to stop driving these vehicles until the repair is complete."
Affected Vehicles
The Ford recall includes several models from 2004-2014, including:
Fiesta (2006-2012)
Fusion (2006-2012)
Ranger (2006-2011)
Escape (2007-2011)
Edge (2007-2010)
Mustang (2005-2014)
Taurus (2007-2010)
Transit Connect (2010-2013)
Ford is offering free repairs to all affected vehicles, which involve replacing the Takata airbag inflators with new, safer ones.
Owners can check if their vehicle is included in the recall by visiting Ford's website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and entering their vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
Addressing the Ongoing Takata Issue
Ford's urgent "Do Not Drive" advisory highlights the ongoing concern surrounding unrepaired Takata airbags.
While the initial recall announcement occurred several years ago, a significant number of vehicles remain unaddressed.
The NHTSA estimates that millions of vehicles with potentially dangerous Takata airbags are still on the road nationwide.
Vehicle recalls are issued when a manufacturer identifies a safety defect that could pose a risk to drivers and passengers. It's crucial for car owners to take these recalls seriously and schedule repairs promptly.
Resources like the NHTSA website provide valuable information on open recalls and can be a vital tool for ensuring safe driving.
Ford's "Do Not Drive" advisory serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with unrepaired safety recalls.
By prioritizing safety, increasing awareness, and ensuring timely repairs, we can work towards reducing accidents and fatalities on our roads.