Philly-Area Ford, Mazda Pickup Drivers Warned Of Airbag Dangers

PHILADELPHIA — Federal transportation officials on Monday issued a warning for drivers in the Philadelphia area related to potential airbag issues with some Ford and Mazda pickup truck models.

"The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is deeply concerned that certain higher-risk MY [model year] 2006 Ford Rangers and Mazda B-Series trucks with defective Takata airbags are not being repaired fast enough," regulators said in a prepared statement. "These vehicles are under a 'do not drive' warning and the air bags must be replaced immediately. NHTSA is issuing a second public plea to owners to schedule a free repair today for their own safety and the protection of their loved ones."

Mincing no words in conveying the urgency of the recall, NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi King noted affected vehicles were under a "do not drive" warning, with the need to replace air vehicles' air bags immediately: "NHTSA's number one priority is making sure that everyone is safe on our roads. I cannot stress strongly enough the urgency of this recall – these airbags are dangerous," said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi King. "Every vehicle must be accounted for now."

The agency called on members of the media, safety advocates and other to help spread the urgent message to ensure the warning reaches owners of affected vehicles in addition to Philadelphia.

Those other markets include: New York, New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; San Francisco; Austin, Texas; Dallas; Fort Worth, Texas; Houston; Galveston, Texas; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; Boston; Miami, Fla.; Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Fla; Phoenix; San Diego, Calif; Portland, Ore; Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif; San Antonio, Texas; West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla; Knoxville, Tenn; Wilmington, Del; and the U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico.

"According to the manufacturers, 49.2 percent of the 33,320 impacted MY 2006 Ford Rangers have been mitigated, and 55 percent of the 2,205 impacted Mazda B-Series trucks have been mitigated," NHTSA officials said.

Car owners can visit NHTSA.gov to find out if their car or truck is under recall, searchable via vehicle identification number (VIN).

Vehicle owners of affected cars should contact their local dealers, which are required to make necessary repairs free of charge.

Story by Tony Cantu

Image via Shutterstock