Ford Motor Company has issued a recall of approximately 310,000 trucks in North America to address a potential issue with the driver’s front air bag. The recall affects certain 2004 through 2006 Ford Ranger trucks and 2005 through 2006 Ford GT sports cars.
The issue stems from a defect in the Takata air bag inflators, which can potentially rupture during deployment, causing metal fragments to fly out and injure occupants. This defect has been linked to at least 27 deaths worldwide, and millions of vehicles have been recalled globally due to the issue.
According to Ford, the affected vehicles were originally equipped with Takata air bag inflators that use ammonium nitrate as a propellant. Over time, exposure to high temperatures and humidity can cause the propellant to break down and become unstable, increasing the risk of rupture during deployment.
To address the issue, Ford will replace the driver’s front air bag inflator with a new one that does not use ammonium nitrate as a propellant. The company is also advising owners of affected vehicles to contact their local dealer as soon as possible to schedule a free repair.
This latest recall comes as part of a larger effort by Ford and other automakers to address the ongoing Takata air bag crisis. In 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began investigating the issue, which ultimately led to the recall of millions of vehicles in the United States.
In addition to Ford, other automakers affected by the Takata air bag recall include Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and General Motors. To date, over 63 million vehicles have been recalled in the United States alone due to the issue.
While no injuries or deaths have been reported in connection with this latest Ford recall, the company is urging owners of affected vehicles to take immediate action to address the issue. By replacing the faulty air bag inflator, Ford hopes to ensure the safety of its customers and prevent any potential accidents or injuries.
In conclusion, the recall of 310,000 Ford trucks to address the driver’s front air bag issue is a necessary step in ensuring the safety of vehicle occupants. While the Takata air bag crisis has been ongoing for several years, automakers like Ford are taking proactive measures to address the issue and prevent any potential accidents or injuries. If you own an affected vehicle, it is important to contact your local dealer as soon as possible to schedule a free repair.
