Ford is recalling about 154,000 Ford Ranger pickup trucks from model years 2004 through 2006 in order to replace airbags in 45 of them. The recall is the latest expansion in the largest recall in automotive history. More than 100 million vehicles, built by at least 19 different automakers, are subject to the recall to replace airbags.
The airbags have inflators built by now-closed automotive parts supplier Takata. A defective component can rupture, sending hot metal shrapnel into the cabin. The inflators have been responsible for more than 400 injuries and 27 deaths worldwide.
This case is unusual because Ford doesn’t know for certain which Ranger trucks contain the defective inflators. Ford says dealerships may have used some Takata airbags in repairs. Hence, the automaker needs to recall 154,000 vehicles to look for the Takata components and replace them when found.
Despite the massive recall campaign, NHTSA says that nearly 17 million recalled vehicles in the U.S. may still have Takata airbags. Check whether your car has been affected at our recall center.
