Ford and Mazda Issue Urgent Do Not Drive Warnings

Mazda and Ford Warn Owners Of Over 457,000 Vehicles To Stop Driving Them

Recall Affects Vehicles Equipped With Takata Air Bags

Ford and Mazda have issued an urgent "do not drive" warning for more than 457,000 older vehicles equipped with non-desiccated Takata air bags.

These previously announced recalls (15S21, 17S42 and 19S01, the first issued in 2015) involve several vehicle models, including the Mazda B-Series, Tribute and MX-5 Miata; the Ford Ranger, Escape and Explorer; and the Mercury Mariner and Mountaineer.

The automakers are urging customers of recalled vehicles to contact their local dealer to schedule a free repair. Until the repair is complete, drivers are advised not to drive the affected vehicles.

The Takata air bags have been linked to several deaths and injuries worldwide. The inflators in the air bags can explode with too much force, sending metal fragments into the vehicle's occupants.

Ford and Mazda are working with Takata to address the issue and have urged customers to take the recall seriously.