Ford re-issues do-not-drive advisory for Ranger, Mustang, others over 'faulty' Takata airbag inflators

MANILA: Ford has re-issued a do-not-drive advisory on vehicles which have not yet been repaired under three safety recalls since 2015 involving Takata airbag inflators.

In a statement, the Blue Oval marque said that the recall advisory involved several models equipped with non-desiccated airbag inflators.

“This do-not-drive advisory is the second Takata related do-not-drive recall advisory issued by Ford and it is intended to encourage owners to complete the recall repairs immediately,” the company said.

Per Ford, the age of the affected vehicles makes it increasingly possible that a part inside the airbag will explode and expel sharp metal fragments during a crash — possibly causing serious injury or death to the driver or passengers.

The recall involved approximately 765,600 airbag inflators in Ford and Lincoln vehicles worldwide — including 374,300 in the United States.

Further, Ford noted that it is continuously reaching out to customers about the recalls — with more than 121 million outreach attempts to date in the Americas alone, “As a result, 95% of US customers completed Takata recalls,” the Dearborn-headquartered automotive firm said.

Customers who have not completed recalls 15S21, 17S42 and 19S01 involved the following:

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

Moreover, Ford assured the availability of parts and customers may request for a mobile service or have their units towed for repair. “Dealerships will also provide a free interim loaner vehicle, if necessary,” the company added.

Meanwhile, Ford Philippines said in its website that around 32,900 units (made up of the 2006-2014 Everest, 2004-2011 Ranger, and 2005-2014 Mustang) have been affected by the recall.

The time required for the repair is less than half a day, depending on the vehicle and will be free of charge.

“It’s crucial these vehicle owners check if they’re affected by using the VIN lookup tool on Ford's website www.ford.com.ph/Takata-airbag-recall, calling Ford Group Philippines Customer Relations Center (CRC) at telephone no. (02) 8866 9408 or 1-800-10736-3673, by emailing us at emailus@ford.com, or by contacting their local Ford Dealer,” the American automaker’s local distributor noted in its website.

“We understand recalls may be an inconvenience, however your safety is a top priority so it’s critical that you take action now,” it added.

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