Ford Issues Stop-Drive Warning for Vehicles with Takata Airbags
In a recent development, Ford has issued a stop-drive warning for vehicles involved in three past safety recalls related to Takata airbags. The affected vehicles include certain 2004–2011 Ford Ranger pickups, 2005–2014 Mustangs, 2005–2006 GTs, 2006–2012 Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr cars, and 2007–2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX SUVs.
Ford estimates that approximately 375,000 vehicles were impacted by the recalls in the United States, with 95 percent of owners having completed the necessary fix. However, the remaining 5 percent, which amounts to about 18,715 vehicles, are still on the road without the required repairs.
Recalls related to Takata airbags have been ongoing for several years now. In fact, this is Ford’s second “do not drive” advisory specifically related to this issue. The first recall was issued in 2015, and this recent stop-drive order is a reflection of Ford’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its customers.
According to Ford, a total of 765,000 airbags in Ford vehicles were part of the global recall, with 374,300 in the United States alone. To reach out to affected owners, Ford has made more than 121 million outreach attempts through various channels such as letters, emails, phone calls, and text messages. Additionally, they have conducted over one million canvassing visits to customers’ homes. As a result, 95 percent of impacted owners in the U.S. have completed the recall, leaving only the aforementioned 18,715 unfixed vehicles.
To make the recall process as convenient as possible for customers, Ford is offering free loaner cars if needed. Customers also have the option of requesting a mobile service, or they can have their vehicles towed directly to the dealership for the necessary repairs. Ford has taken these measures to ensure that owners can easily comply with the recall and have their vehicles fixed promptly.
For owners who are unsure if their vehicle is affected, Ford has provided a recall website and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tool for easy verification. By entering their vehicle information, owners can quickly determine if their vehicle is part of the recall.
In conclusion, Ford’s stop-drive warning for vehicles involved in the Takata airbag recalls demonstrates the company’s commitment to prioritizing customer safety. With the majority of impacted owners having completed the necessary fix, Ford is taking proactive steps to ensure that the remaining vehicles are repaired promptly. By offering free loaner cars, mobile service options, and a dedicated recall website, Ford is making the recall process as convenient as possible for its customers.