NHTSA Denies Ford, Mazda's Request for Time to Test Airbag Inflators

Nov. 20, 2017
Both automakers submitted these requests to avoid recalls that could involve approximately three million vehicles from Ford and 6,000 from Mazda. 

Nov. 20, 2017—Ford and Mazda's requests for more time to test Takata airbag inflators were denied by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), according to a Seattle Times report

Both automakers submitted these requests to avoid recalls that could involve approximately three million vehicles from Ford and 6,000 from Mazda. 

Here are the facts that played a factor in NHTSA's denial of both automakers' requests for more testing time:

  • Takata determined that the Ford and Mazda drivers' front inflators were defective on July 10. That finding forced Ford and Mazda to file defect reports covering the 2007-2011 Ford Ranger; the 2006-2012 Ford Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ; the 2006-2011 Mercury Milan; and the 2007-2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. Also covered were Mazda B-Series pickups from 2007 through 2009.
  • Ford and Mazda contend that testing by Takata didn’t show problems with their inflators. 
  • NHTSA said in documents posted Nov. 15 that the requests for a delay aren't reasonable or supported by current testing. 
  • NHTSA will accept public comment on the Ford and Mazda petitions for another month.

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