The DOT Is Reminding Owners The Ranger Is Still Under A Do Not Drive Warning

We reported the safety issue for Rangers a few weeks ago. But the U.S. Department of Transportation is reminding owners again to not drive vehicles with defective Takata airbags and to seek repairs immediately.

The agency specifically recognized Ford Rangers and Mazda B-Series trucks from 2006, which are under a “do not drive” warning. Fox News reports the agency said it is “deeply concerned” that they are not being returned for repairs quickly enough.

Chemicals used to inflate the airbags can deteriorate in some conditions, causing them to explode with too much force and blow apart a metal canister that can lead to hurling shrapnel. At least 22 deaths and more than 180 injuries have been linked to the defect. At least 50 million Takata air bag inflators have been recalled in the United States, millions more globally.

Manufacturers report only 49.2% of the 33,320 impacted Ford Rangers, and 55% of the 2,205 Mazda B-Series trucks have been fixed. Both automakers will have the vehicles towed to a dealership at no cost. The agency is urging consumers to visit NHTSA.gov and use a Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, to find out if their vehicle is included in the recalls.

“I cannot stress strongly enough the urgency of this recall – these airbags are dangerous,” said Heidi King, deputy administrator at the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Every vehicle must be accounted for now.”