Detroit Evening Report: Ford issues ‘do not drive’ advisory for vehicles with Takata air big inflators

Plus, former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick to speak at an Oakland County Republicans fundraising dinner and more stories in the latest “Detroit Evening Report” podcast.

In this Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, photograph, the company logo shines off the grille of an unsold 2019 F-250 pickup truck at a Ford dealership in Littleton, Colo.

In this Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, photograph, the company logo shines off the grille of an unsold 2019 F-250 pickup truck at a Ford dealership in Littleton, Colo.


Ford Motor Company has issued a rare “do-not-drive” advisory for several models. The affected vehicles have officially been recalled — but some owners have yet to have repairs made.

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The older vehicles have Takata airbag inflators, which could spew shrapnel if the airbags are deployed, posing a risk of serious injury or death for drivers and passengers.

The recall affects about 374,000 Ford cars and trucks in the U.S. that have not been repaired yet. Affected vehicles include:

  • 2004-2006 Ford Ranger pickups
  • 2005-2014 Ford Mustangs
  • 2005-2006 Ford GTs
  • 2006-2012 Ford Fusions, Mercury Milans and Lincoln MKZs
  • 2007-2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles
  • 2007-2011 Ford Rangers

The recall also affects another 82,000 Mazdas.

Ford says customers should not drive the vehicles anywhere to get repairs. Dealers can tow vehicles directly to their facilities. They will also offer a free loaner vehicle to customers if needed.

More stories for Aug. 14, 2024:

  • Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick will be a featured speaker at next week’s Lincoln Day Dinner in Novi. The event is a major fundraiser for the Oakland County Republican Party.
  • Dearborn is holding its first-ever community health survey. The city’s health department is starting the initiative to get a better understanding of residents’ health status and access to health care assets.
  • The Michigan Gaming Control Board has voted to renew the licenses of Detroit’s three casinos. The one-year renewal affects the MGM Grand Casino, Motor City Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown.
  • The city of Detroit announced that it’s now offering free wi-fi in five parks. Residents can use the service in Bradby, Chandler, Clark, McDuffy and Palmer Parks.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

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Author

  • Jerome Vaughn
    Jerome Vaughn is News Director at 101.9 WDET. His interest in news reporting began when he was five years old, after his mom bought him a yellow Panasonic ball and chain radio.