(WWJ) Two automakers have issued a rare "Do Not Drive" advisory for more than half-a-million vehicles.
WWJ Auto Beat Reporter Jeff Gilbert says this alert, coming Tuesday, involves the earlier-publicized Takata airbag recall, which is the largest in automotive history.
Now, Ford and Mazda are issuing the warnings for a long list of older-model vehicles ranging from 2004 to 2012 models; about 375,000 of them made by ford, and 83,000 by Mazda.
"They have been recalled, but the airbags have not been replaced in most of these vehicles," Gilbert explained.
"Now the older the vehicle, the greater the danger," he said.
Officials have said at least 27 people have been killed in the U.S. alone by these Takata air bags, which can spew shrapnel when they deploy. In addition, more than 400 people have been injured.
Ford said the advisory applies to all customers who have not completed these recalls, including driver and passenger airbag inflators in these vehicles:
• 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks
• 2005-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles
• 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles
It also applies to passenger airbag inflators in these vehicles:
• 2006-2012 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ / Zephyr vehicles
• 2007-2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles
• 2007-2011 Ford Ranger trucks
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If this is has been known issue for a number of years, then why the dire warning?
Gilbert said oftentimes you can wait to bring your car in. In this case, however: "A lot of these vehicles are older models that have been through a lot of different owners. And, you know, in some cases, people just ignore recalls because they think it won't happen to me."
"This is to try to get people's attention." Gilbert said.
Since there is a risk of serious injury or death, the automakers are urging people not to drive the cars until the repairs can be made.
If you have an older vehicle — even if it's not a Ford or a Mazda — and have any concern that it could have an unrepaired Takata airbag, you can check with the dealer, they'll have all that information.
If your vehicle needs to be repaired, many dealerships will offer a free loaner vehicle while your car is in the shop.
Ford said it will continue notifying known owners about the recalls every month with the updated "Do Not Drive" advisory.
To see if your vehicle is part of the recall, visit www.ford.com/support/recalls/ or nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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