Why Haven't You Replaced Your Faulty Takata Airbag Yet?
It’s been nine long years since Ford, Mazda, and several other automakers first started ringing the alarm bells about Takata’s ticking time bomb of an airbag inflator.
You’d think by now, after all the headlines, recalls, and horror stories, that every last one of these death traps would be off the road. But no—Ford says there are still around 374,300 vehicles in the U.S. alone carrying these lethal devices, with another 765,600 globally. Mazda adds 83,000 more to the tally. And so, here we are again, with Ford, Mazda, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issuing yet another do-not-drive warning, desperately trying to reach those who’ve somehow missed the memo.
Let’s be clear—this is no overreaction. Back in 2022, NHTSA confirmed what everyone feared: another life lost, this time in a 2006 Ford Ranger, because a Takata airbag inflator did what it wasn’t supposed to do. It exploded, sending shrapnel into the cabin and killing the driver. That made it 23 deaths in the U.S. alone.
Ford isn’t mincing words here. They’ve repeatedly warned that the older these vehicles get, the more likely it is that these inflators will fail in a crash, potentially turning the airbag into a grenade. We’re talking about cars like the 2005-2014 Mustang, the 2007-2011 Ranger, and a host of others from the 2004-2012 model years. Mazda’s list is just as alarming, with vehicles ranging from the 2003-2015 Mazda6 to the CX-9.
Ford’s been relentless in trying to get these parts replaced—121 million outreach attempts in the U.S. alone. Letters, emails, texts, phone calls, even knocking on doors. They’re offering free towing, mobile repairs, and loaner vehicles.
This is the full list of affected vehicles from Ford and Mazda. If you or someone you love have one of the vehicles on the list and aren't sure if the airbag recall has been completed, make sure you find out, like right now!
2005-2006 GT
2005-2014 Mustang
2006-2012 Fusion
2006-2012 Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr
2006-2012 Mercury Milan
2007-2010 Edge
2007-2010 Lincoln MKX
2007-2011 Ranger
2004-2009 B-Series
2003-2008 Mazda6
2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6
2004-2011 RX-8
2004-2006 MPV
2009-2013 Mazda6
2007-2012 CX-7
2007-2015 CX-9
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An experienced automotive storyteller known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge and experience having been part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic and built cars that raced in TCR, IMSA, and IndyCar.
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There were MANY MANY more brands and models involved in a Takata airbag recall and I'm sure there are just as many incomplete recalls for those as well. It's good to refresh everyone's attention on this but why focus on Ford and Mazda? In fact the most urgent models that people are being urged not to drive until the airbag is replaced are mostly other brands - https://www.nhtsa.gov/takata-recall-spotlight/do-not-drive-warning
not that the airbag recall should be overlooked but really "23 deaths in the U.S. alone"
more people died today already just by walking to the toilet.
not to mention all the accidents by people driving too fast in a vehicle woth more power thna necessary.