Car owners often ignore recall campaigns, only remembering they have an open one impacting their car when they head to the dealer for another unrelated repair. Due to this lack of attention or sometimes even care, many drivers end up experiencing preventable accidents.
According to a series of news reports, two major automakers are recalling vehicles over air bag issues that have already caused injuries and deaths, both in the United States and abroad.
Reports show that Mazda and Ford are adding 380,000 vehicles to the list of cars recalled over the Takata air bag problem. The issue is associated with the inflators, which may explode. This is due the chemical used in these air bags, which could burn too fast under certain circumstances. As a result, the pressure will blow apart the metal canister, posing a major risk to occupants as metal shrapnel may fly into the cabin, hitting a person in the face or neck.
So far, 20 people have died in accidents related to the air bag inflator issue. And, unfortunately, hundreds of others have been injured.
Recalled vehicles include the 2004 through 2006 Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series trucks, which are also made by Ford.
While these vehicles have already been recalled over these air bags, the replacement also contained ammonium nitrate. Now, this recall is being launched to make sure that the new air bag inflators do not use the same chemicals.
This is important because while these vehicles have been fixed, they have not been fitted with air bags that work differently enough not to pose any risk.
Air bags, like any other safety feature, are essential in ensuring that drivers and passengers are not exposing themselves to unnecessary risks.
We hope this announcement is spread far and wide and that all impacted car owners will be alerted to the issues associated with the recall.
If you would like to read more, follow this link. For any questions or concerns you want addressed, reach out directly to Ford for more information.
