(NATIONWIDE) - We have an important alert for drivers of some Ford and Mazda vehicles.
Both companies have issued urgent "Do Not Drive" advisories for certain vehicles still equipped with faulty Takata airbags. Both automakers are urging owners of affected vehicles to stop driving them immediately until the airbags are repaired or replaced.
The recall impacts over 374-thousand Ford vehicles from model years 2004-2014 and nearly 83-thousand Mazda vehicles from model years 2003-2015. These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated Takata airbag inflators, which can explode with excessive force during a crash, potentially sending sharp metal fragments into the vehicle, causing severe injuries or death.
Repairs are being offered free of charge. Vehicle owners can check their recall status by visiting the Ford, Mazda, or NHTSA websites.