Ford Motor Company has issued a critical do-not-drive advisory for owners of specific vehicle models that have not yet undergone repairs under three previous safety recalls related to Takata airbag inflators. This urgent notice, issued today, aims to prompt immediate action from affected vehicle owners to prevent potential life-threatening risks.
The recalls, identified as 15S21, 17S42, and 19S01, were first announced in 2015 and involve Takata non-desiccated airbag inflators, which are prone to explosion due to their age. The inflators can rupture during a crash, expelling sharp metal fragments that can cause serious injury or death to occupants. This advisory marks the second do-not-drive notice issued by Ford concerning Takata-related recalls, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Globally, approximately 765,600 airbag inflators in Ford and Lincoln vehicles are impacted, including 374,300 in the United States. Despite Ford’s extensive efforts to reach affected customers—resulting in over 121 million contact attempts and a 95% completion rate of Takata recalls in the U.S.—a significant number of vehicles remain unrepaired.
The do-not-drive advisory specifically applies to the following vehicles:
- Driver and passenger airbag inflators in:
- 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks
- 2005-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles
- 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles
- Passenger airbag inflators in:
- 2006-2012 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr vehicles
- 2007-2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles
- 2007-2011 Ford Ranger trucks
Ford is urging all affected vehicle owners to immediately contact their dealership for repair, which can be completed free of charge. To facilitate the process, Ford is offering several options, including mobile service, complimentary towing to dealerships, and free interim loaner vehicles if necessary.
