Ford Says “Do Not Drive” One of These 33,000 Pickup Trucks

March 28, 2018

Ford Motor Company recently issued a warning to the owners of around 33,000 2006 Ford Ranger pickup trucks that they should not drive their vehicles until a potentially defective airbag inflation system can be repaired.

The warning comes after a similar warning was issued to 2,900 Ford Ranger owners following two deaths that were linked to airbag inflators placed in trucks built on the same day. The company has now expanded this warning to Rangers built in a “broader timeframe,” according to news reports.

Mazda Corp. plans to issue a similar expanded warning to drivers of 2006 Mazda B-Series trucks, which Ford also built.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected trucks pose “an immediate risk to safety.” Owners should schedule a repair immediately in order to protect themselves and others who might ride in the truck.

Repairs can be done for free at any authorized Ford dealership. Ford and Mazda have also promised to provide loaner vehicles free of charge to truck owners who are getting their vehicles fixed.

Vehicle Recalls Because of Defective Airbag Inflators

Approximately 391,000 Ford Rangers built between 2004 and 2006 have been recalled due to defective Takata airbag inflators. However, only a few of those were placed under the additional “Do Not Drive” warning after a death in 2015 and another death in 2017 were linked to defective airbag inflators installed in two Ford Rangers built on the same day. The initial warning only covered the other Ford Rangers on the road that were also built that day.

Ford estimates that about 25 percent of the original 2,900 “do not drive” vehicles have been repaired to date. Takata estimates that 125 million vehicles worldwide contain the defective airbag inflators and have been, or will soon be, recalled.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Product Liability Attorney in Morris County, NJ

At Hoyt & Hoyt, our experienced personal injury & product liability lawyers focus on protecting every client we serve. To learn more, call us today at 973 718-7744 for a free and confidential consultation.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.