Ford and Mazda Issue New “Do Not Drive” Warnings for Vehicles Equipped with Takata Airbags

Last month, Ford and Mazda both issued new “Do Not Drive” warnings for vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. The warnings cover vehicles that were already subject to recalls due to having defective airbags installed. While some vehicles equipped with defective Takata airbags have since had their airbags replaced (or are no longer on the road), these defective airbags still present serious risks for many drivers and passengers—who can find themselves in need of an experienced airbag injury lawyer in the event of an airbag failure or explosion.

Ford’s August 2024 “Do Not Drive” Warning for Vehicles Equipped with Defective Takata Airbags

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Ford’s “Do Not Drive” warning on August 13, 2024. In its announcement, the NHTSA states that the warning covers “all unrepaired, recalled Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles . . . that are equipped with non-desiccated Takata airbags.” It specifically covers the following vehicles:

• 2004-2011 Ford Ranger
• 2005-2006 Ford GT
• 2005-2015 Ford Mustang
• 2006-2012 Ford Fusion
• 2006-2012 Lincoln MKZ
• 2006-2012 Mercury Milan
• 2007-2010 Ford Edge
• 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX

In total, Ford is warning nearly 375,000 vehicle owners not to drive their vehicles until they have had the opportunity to get their airbags replaced at a dealership. As the NHTSA clearly warns, “If you have one of these vehicles, do not drive it until the repair is completed and the defective airbag is replaced.” More information is available on Ford’s recall website.

Mazda’s August 2024 “Do Not Drive” Warning for Vehicles Equipped with Defective Takata Airbags

The NHTSA also announced Mazda’s latest “Do Not Drive” warning for vehicles equipped with defective Takata airbags on August 13. This warning covers approximately 83,000 Mazda vehicles that were already subject to airbag-related recalls. The vehicles covered under the warning include:

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

Similar to the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles listed above, if you own one of these Mazda vehicles and have not yet had your vehicle’s airbags replaced, you should not drive your vehicle until you have the chance to do so. More information is available on Mazda’s recall website.

NHTSA Warns of Increased Risk with Aging Vehicles—Including Risk of Injury or Death

In addition to warning about the risks associated with Takata’s defective airbags generally, the NHTSA is also warning owners of older vehicles that their vehicle’s age could increase the risk of a dangerous airbag failure. Referencing the vehicles covered by Ford and Mazda’s “Do Not Drive” warnings, the NHTSA states that “[s]ome of these vehicles are now more than 20 years old, which increases the risk of an airbag rupturing in a crash.” As the NHTSA goes on to state, “[i]f an explosion occurs, it can severely injure or kill vehicle occupants.”

What if you need to be able to drive? Or what if you can’t afford to get your car towed to the dealership? According to the NHTSA, Ford and Mazda are both offering “free towing, mobile repair and, if necessary, loaner vehicles” for vehicle owners affected by the latest “Do Not Drive” warnings. If your local dealership is unwilling to provide these services, you can contact Ford or Mazda directly for more information.

Why Is It Important to Get Defective Takata Airbags Replaced?

Is it worth going through the trouble to get your vehicle’s Takata airbags replaced? The short answer is “Yes.” To date, Takata airbag failures and explosions have been blamed for at least 28 deaths and 400 injuries—and as long as Takata airbag-equipped vehicles remain on the road, these numbers will continue to rise. As the NHTSA explains, due to the severe risks that Takata’s defective airbags present, “[e]ven minor crashes can result in exploding Takata airbags that can kill or produce life-altering, gruesome injuries.”

While an airbag’s failure to properly deploy can be extremely dangerous in any accident scenario, Takata airbags are prone to exploding upon impact. As a result, not only can they fail to provide protection, but they can also cause serious (if not fatal) injuries. Common injuries caused by defective Takata airbags include:

• Bone fractures and soft tissue injuries
• Chest injuries
• Eye and facial injuries
• Injuries caused by metal shards and fragments
• Severe burns
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Other internal injuries

The only way to avoid the risk of a Takata airbag exploding in a collision is to have the airbag replaced. Again, if you aren’t sure whether your vehicle has been recalled (or is subject to a “Do Not Drive” warning), you can visit the manufacturer’s recall website for more information. An airbag injury lawyer can help you as well, and if it is too late to avoid serious airbag-related injuries, you should speak with an airbag injury lawyer as soon as possible.

What if You Didn’t Get Your Ford or Mazda Vehicle’s Airbags Replaced in Time?

This raises another important question: What if you didn’t get your Ford or Mazda vehicle’s airbags replaced in time? If you or a loved one has suffered airbag-related injuries, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Many victims and families have already filed successful personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. If you think you may have a claim, an experienced airbag injury lawyer can help you decide whether to come forward and if you have a lawsuit, your lawyer can fight to recover just compensation on your behalf.

Do You Need Help? Talk to an Experienced Airbag Injury Lawyer for Free

Do you need to know more about seeking financial compensation for serious or fatal injuries caused by a defective Takata airbag? If so, we strongly encourage you to contact us for more information. We handle cases involving vehicles manufactured by Ford, Mazda and other automakers nationwide. To arrange a free, no-obligation consultation as soon as possible, call us at 866-247-2247 or tell us how we can reach you online today.