Ford and Mazda recall 457,000 cars

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a critical warning to owners of vehicles equipped with non-desiccated Takata airbags, urging them to cease driving immediately and seek repairs. This advisory follows a series of recalls initiated by Ford since 2015, affecting a significant number of vehicles due to the potential dangers posed by faulty airbag inflators. The NHTSA emphasized the importance of addressing this issue promptly, stating, "If you have one of these vehicles, do not drive it until the repair is completed." Ford's recall affects approximately 374,290 vehicles from model years 2004 to 2014, including popular models such as the Ford Ranger, Mustang, and GT. Meanwhile, Mazda has also issued a warning for 82,893 vehicles from model years 2003 to 2015, specifically targeting the B-Series trucks. The recalls are part of a broader issue involving 765,600 airbag inflators in Ford and Lincoln vehicles globally, with 374,300 of those located in the U.S. The age of many affected vehicles, some over 20 years old, heightens the risk of airbag ruptures during crashes. Takata inflators have been known to explode with excessive force, potentially injuring drivers and passengers with shrapnel. This ongoing safety concern has led to the recall of 19.2 million vehicles in the U.S., with regulators investigating the possibility of millions more being affected. Drivers are urged to take immediate action to ensure their safety.