DEARBORN, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Ford is sounding the alarm with a do-not-drive advisory for several models equipped with potentially deadly Takata airbags. This advisory affects approximately 374,290 vehicles from model years 2004-2014, including various Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury models. The warning follows a series of recalls aimed at addressing the defective airbags, which have been linked to injuries and fatalities due to their propensity to explode and release sharp metal fragments upon deployment.

The affected vehicles include:

• 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks
• 2005-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles
• 2005-2006 Ford GT 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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Ford, headquartered in Dearborn, MI, has initiated global outreach efforts, “including letters, emails, phone calls, text messages, and more than a million canvassing visits” to ensure that owners are aware of the recalls (Ford Media). Even though 95% of U.S. customers have already addressed the Takata recalls, there remain vehicles on the road with unaddressed airbag issues, prompting this advisory.

To facilitate the recall process, Ford offers several options:

• Mobile Service: Technicians can perform repairs at the owner’s location.
• Free Towing: Ford will tow vehicles to dealerships for repair at no cost.
• Interim Loaner Vehicles: If necessary, Ford will provide a free loaner vehicle while repairs are being completed.

This advisory is part of a larger national effort to address the fallout from the Takata airbag crisis. Thus far, 27 people in the U.S. have lost their lives due to defective Takata airbags, with at least 400 others suffering injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues to stress the importance of addressing these recalls promptly to prevent further tragedies.