Analysis shows Mazda and Ford lead in critical safety advisories, with airbag defects remaining the primary concern
Key findings:
- Study by DeMayo Law Offices reveals 2.12% of all vehicle recalls between 2014-2024 were classified as “Do Not Drive,” affecting millions of vehicles
- 47.22% of “Do Not Drive” advisories explicitly mention a risk of death, meaning these warnings are critical
- Airbag defects account for 47.22% of all “Do Not Drive” orders, followed by suspension (16.67%) and brake system issues (9.72%)
When automakers issue ‘Do Not Drive’ advisories, lives hang in the balance. These urgent warnings instruct vehicle owners to immediately stop using their cars due to critical safety defects that pose an imminent risk of injury or death.
The seriousness of such warnings was highlighted by recent news, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed the 28th death linked to defective Takata airbags, part of a recall affecting 67 million airbags in vehicles across the U.S.
Unlike typical recalls where repairs can be scheduled, ‘Do Not Drive’ advisories are issued when the danger is so severe that even driving to a dealership for repairs is considered too risky. The NHTSA warns that even minor crashes can cause these airbags to deploy improperly, potentially causing fatal or life-altering injuries.
To understand the impact of these warnings, experts at DeMayo Law Offices conducted an in-depth analysis of vehicle recall data from the NHTSA database from 2014-2024. The study focused on the frequency and impact of ‘Do Not Drive’ advisories, examining the most severe cases.
A spokesperson for DeMayo Law Offices revealed, “This study quantifies what we’ve observed in our practice: ‘Do Not Drive’ advisories represent the most critical safety concerns in the automotive industry. Drivers need to be aware of the potential dangers.”
Analysis of “Do Not Drive” Advisories:
The study revealed that between 2014 and 2024, 72 out of 3,403 vehicle recalls were classified as “Do Not Drive” orders, representing 2.12% of all recalls during this period. While this percentage may seem small, it translates to an estimated more than 8 million vehicles deemed too dangerous to operate.
The frequency of these critical advisories has fluctuated over the years, as shown in the table below:
Table showing annual frequency of “Do Not Drive” advisories from 2014 to 2024
| Year | Recall | Do Not Drive | Percent |
| 2014 | 277 | 8 | 2.89% |
| 2015 | 279 | 4 | 1.43% |
| 2016 | 302 | 4 | 1.32% |
| 2017 | 296 | 10 | 3.38% |
| 2018 | 315 | 14 | 4.44% |
| 2019 | 313 | 9 | 2.88% |
| 2020 | 303 | 2 | 0.66% |
| 2021 | 381 | 6 | 1.57% |
| 2022 | 348 | 5 | 1.44% |
| 2023 | 356 | 7 | 1.97% |
| 2024 | 233 | 3 | 1.29% |
This data highlights significant variations in the frequency of “Do Not Drive” advisories, with a peak in 2018 at 4.44% of all recalls, and a low in 2020 at 0.66%. This variability suggests that while improvements have been made in some years, the issue of severe safety defects remains a persistent concern in the automotive industry.
DeMayo Law notes, “Some years, we’ve seen a rise in cases related to critical safety issues, while other years have been quieter. However, the prevalence of ‘Do Not Drive’ advisories in this data is alarming.”
Vehicle Models and Manufacturers Most Affected
The study also identified the manufacturers most frequently affected by “Do Not Drive” advisories:
Table showing automakers most affected by “Do Not Drive” advisories (2014-2024)
| Company | Number of Do Not Drive Recalls | Percentage |
| Mazda North American Operations | 19 | 26.39% |
| Ford Motor Company | 16 | 22.22% |
| BMW of North America, LLC | 8 | 11.11% |
| Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC | 5 | 6.94% |
| Porsche Cars North America, Inc. | 4 | 5.56% |
| General Motors, LLC | 4 | 5.56% |
| Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. | 4 | 5.56% |
| Subaru of America, Inc. | 3 | 4.17% |
| Kia America, Inc. | 2 | 2.78% |
| Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) | 2 | 2.78% |
The study reveals a concerning pattern among automakers issuing “Do Not Drive” advisories. Mazda North American Operations tops the list at 26.39%, followed closely by Ford Motor Company at 22.22%. This high frequency is most likely attributed to the ongoing Takata airbag crisis. The crisis has plagued the automotive industry since the early 2000s, escalating into a global issue in the mid-2010s, prompting one of the largest automotive recalls in history.
In August of this year, Ford and Mazda issued a critical warning for over 457,000 older vehicles equipped with potentially explosive Takata airbag inflators. This crisis has affected numerous automakers and been linked to dozens of deaths in the U.S. over the last decade. Ford’s position is further solidified by a 2016 recall affecting nearly 1.9 million vehicles across multiple models, including Rangers, Fusions, and Mustangs, due to similar airbag issues.
BMW of North America (11.11%), Mercedes-Benz USA (6.94%), and Porsche Cars North America (5.56%) round out the top five manufacturers affected. General Motors and Volkswagen Group also show significant involvement, each accounting for 5.56% of advisories.
Common Causes of “Do Not Drive” Advisories:
The analysis revealed the primary component safety issues leading to “Do Not Drive” advisories, as shown in the table below:
Table showing primary vehicle components leading to “Do Not Drive” advisories (2014-2024)
| Rank | Component | Occurrences | Percent |
| 1 | Airbags | 34 | 47.22% |
| 2 | Suspension | 12 | 16.67% |
| 3 | Service brakes, Hydraulic | 7 | 9.72% |
| 3 | Steering | 7 | 9.72% |
| 5 | Power Train | 5 | 6.94% |
| 6 | Wheels | 3 | 4.17% |
| 7 | Electrical System | 2 | 2.78% |
| 8 | Structure | 1 | 1.39% |
| 8 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1.39% |
The analysis of “Do Not Drive” advisories reveals a range of critical safety issues across vehicle components. Airbag defects dominate, accounting for 47.22% of all advisories. Advisories issued for cars using Takata airbags significantly contribute to this high percentage.
Suspension problems rank second at 16.67%, often involving risks of sudden loss of vehicle control. Brake system issues and steering defects tie for third place at 9.72% each, presenting dangers of sudden braking failure or loss of steering control respectively.
Power train problems (6.94%) round out the top five, potentially causing unexpected vehicle movement or power loss while driving. Less frequent but still critical are issues with wheels (4.17%), electrical systems (2.78%), vehicle structure (1.39%), and fuel systems (1.39%).
DeMayo Law points out, “Each category poses unique and severe risks. Suspension failures lead to rollovers, while brake malfunctions cause high-speed collisions. This data clearly highlights the need for comprehensive safety measures across all vehicle systems, not just in airbag manufacturing and installation.”
Impact on Consumer Safety
Their analysis of “Do Not Drive” advisories revealed alarming statistics about their severity and potential consequences. The following table summarizes their findings:
Percentage of All Recalls with Do Not Drive advisory, Risk Of Death
| All Recalls | Do Not Drive Advisory | Do Not Drive with Risk Of Death | |
| Total | 3404 | 72 | 34 |
| Percent | 100% | 2.12% | 1.00% |
Percentage of Do Not Drive Advisories with ‘Risk of Death’
The data showed what percentage of “Do Not Drive” advisories explicitly mentioned a risk of death.
| Do Not Drive Advisory | with Risk Of Death | Percent |
| 72 | 34 | 47.22% |
The data showed that 47.22% of “Do Not Drive” advisories explicitly mentioned a risk of death, underscoring the critical nature of these warnings.
The gravity of these advisories becomes clear when considering real-world cases. For example, the NHTSA urged ARC Automotive Inc., based in Knoxville, Tennessee, to recall 67 million airbag inflators in the U.S. due to the risk of explosion and shrapnel projection. However, the company refused.
Drivers who continue to use affected vehicles risk not only their own lives but also those of their passengers and other road users. Beyond physical harm, drivers may face legal repercussions and insurance issues for knowingly operating an unsafe vehicle.
Importance of “Do Not Drive” Advisories
DeMayo Law’s comprehensive analysis of “Do Not Drive” advisories reveals a troubling pattern of severe safety defects in the automotive industry. While these critical warnings represent a small percentage of overall recalls, their potential impact on consumer safety is profound.
Key findings include:
- 2.12% of all recalls between 2014-2024 where “Do Not Drive” advisories
- Nearly half of these advisories explicitly mentioned a risk of death
- Airbag defects remain the leading cause of these severe warnings
- Mazda and Ford were the manufacturers most frequently issuing these critical recalls
The potentially life-threatening nature of these defects shows just how important it is to address “Do Not Drive” advisories immediately upon receipt.
Call to Action for Consumers:
Consumers must prioritize staying informed about vehicle recalls to protect themselves and others on the road.
If you receive a recall notice, especially a “Do Not Drive” advisory:
- Stop driving the vehicle immediately.
- Contact your dealer right away to arrange repairs or alternative transportation.
- Do not attempt to drive the vehicle to the dealership – request a tow if necessary.
To stay informed and check for recalls:
- Use the NHTSA’s Recall Lookup Tool: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Sign up for NHTSA recall alerts: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa/subscriptions
- Download the SaferCar app for real-time recall notifications
For additional vehicle safety information, visit the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety page: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle
Experts at DeMayo Law Offices concluded:
“Over the years, we’ve seen how serious these ‘Do Not Drive’ warnings can be. This study backs up what we’ve experienced – these aren’t minor issues, they’re major safety concerns. While a statistic in the range of 1-3% might seem low, it actually translates to millions of affected vehicles. It could still impact you. Each one of these warnings represents real danger to drivers and passengers.
“We hope this study helps people understand why it’s so important to stay on top of vehicle safety information. Bottom line: these warnings need to be taken seriously for everyone’s safety on the road.”
ENDS
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About DeMayo Law Offices
Established on September 1, 1992 by Michael A. DeMayo, DeMayo Law Offices have grown to over 140 legal professionals across three offices (Charlotte, Hickory, and Monroe). The firm focuses on representing individuals who have been wronged and seriously injured or who have died as a result of the negligence of another in North and South Carolina. Additionally, they handle a variety of Mass Torts across the United States. Beyond providing excellent legal assistance, the firm is proud of its several community service projects designed to educate youth and prevent unfortunate accidents.
Methodology
This study analyzed vehicle recall data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database for the period 2014-2024. The data was filtered to isolate “Do Not Drive” advisories, which were then analyzed for frequency, affected manufacturers, and underlying causes. Percentages and totals were calculated based on this filtered data set.
Data for this release was sourced from nhsta.gov
Information on Ford recall was sourced from media.ford.com
Data on 67 million airbags being recalled was collected from npr.org
Ford and Mazda recall: Forbes
Takata airbag crisis linked 28th death: USA Today.
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Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
