South Florida community leaders and Heidi King, deputy administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), recently urged Florida residents to check their vehicle identification numbers to know if their vehicles are under the defective Takata airbag recall.
The NHTSA has prioritized vehicles in South Florida to be repaired first as the area has the highest risk in the country. Worldwide, there have been at least 23 deaths, including three in Florida, and more than 300 injuries.
Defective Takata airbags send metal shrapnel into the cabin of the vehicle when the device deploys. In most cases, the airbag deployed after a minor fender bender.
“I am deeply concerned over the high number of unrepaired defective airbags in vehicles here in South Florida,” King said. “I cannot stress strongly enough the urgency of this recall – these airbags can be deadly. If your vehicle is under recall, do not delay in getting it to your dealer for a free repair. It could save your life or the life of someone you love.”
The vehicles most at risk and under a “do not drive” warning are the Model Year 2006 Mazda B-Series and Ford Rangers trucks. They should be repaired immediately.