“Do Not Drive” Warning Issued for Ford Vehicles With Faulty Takata Airbags

In a serious safety move, Ford has issued a "do not drive" advisory affecting certain vehicles with Takata airbag inflators that could rupture upon deployment. The advisory covers several vehicle models manufactured between 2004 and 2014, including popular models like the Ford Mustang, Ford Ranger, and Lincoln MKX. This decision comes after more than 750,000 vehicles globally have been identified as having defective airbags, which could potentially cause severe injury or death if not addressed.

The Ongoing Takata Recall Saga

The Takata airbag scandal is one of the largest recalls in automotive history, spanning multiple automakers worldwide. The issue revolves around non-desiccated airbag inflators, which have been found to deteriorate over time. The result? During a collision, these inflators can rupture, turning what should be a life-saving safety device into a deadly hazard by shooting metal fragments into the vehicle's cabin.

The latest advisory from Ford targets vehicles that have not yet undergone recall repairs. 

Models Affected by the Advisory

The vehicles impacted by this advisory include:

• 2004-2006 Ford Ranger
• 2005-2014 Ford Mustang
• 2005-2006 Ford GT
• 2006-2012 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr
• 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX
• 2007-2011 Ford Ranger

If your vehicle is on this list and hasn’t been repaired, Ford is providing solutions like free towing services to dealerships and even free interim loaner vehicles to keep drivers safe while repairs are being made.

Who Is Liable? Know Your Rights

The Takata recall brings to light several legal questions regarding consumer safety, manufacturer responsibility, and ongoing liabilities. Airbag inflator issues are not new, and this isn’t Ford’s first recall involving these faulty components.

In fact, Ford is also in the midst of a "recall of a recall," reinspecting more than a quarter-million vehicles after the company found that airbags may have been incorrectly installed or the fixes were never made when car owners took their vehicles in to get repaired.

With the proper safety testing and quality assurance, these defective airbags would have never made it to market and would have never endangered, injured, or—in some instances—killed unsuspecting consumers. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that vehicles on the road are safe, and failing to do so can lead to liability claims. If you or someone you love has been affected by these faulty airbags, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

What Should I Do About the Ford Airbag Recall?

If you own one of the vehicles listed in this advisory, the next steps are clear: check if your vehicle is affected, and if so, arrange for immediate repair. Even if your vehicle hasn’t shown signs of issues, the risk is too significant to ignore.

To verify whether your vehicle is subject to the recall, you can visit Ford’s official recall website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recall page. Once identified, contact your dealership immediately for a free repair.

Ford’s latest advisory is a reminder of the ongoing risks posed by Takata airbag inflators—an ongoing issue that has led to the largest automotive recall in history. If you have any concerns about the safety of your vehicle, don’t wait until it’s too late. Take action now to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers.

For more details on the affected vehicles and steps to follow, visit Ford’s official website or contact a local dealership. If you or a loved one has already been affected by a faulty airbag inflator, Morgan & Morgan’s team of experienced attorneys is here to help you navigate the complex legal landscape and fight for the compensation you need and deserve to move forward with your life.