The Recall Desk
CriticalNHTSA·16V036000·Announced 2016-01-25

Ford Recalls 2004-2006 Rangers for Air Bag Inflator Rupture Risk

Ford is recalling 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles because the driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious injury or death.

What this means for you

Highest-severity recall. Risk of serious injury or death is documented or strongly suspected. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that the defect could result in 'serious injury or death,' which aligns with the NHTSA criteria for Critical severity involving potential fatalities.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles manufactured between March 24, 2003, and May 4, 2006. The recall applies to Rangers manufactured in North America.

The defect involves the driver side frontal air bag inflator module. Upon deployment, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment, the rupturing inflator could release metal fragments that strike vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag inflators free of charge. The recall began on February 26, 2016, and supersedes recall 14V-343. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
FORD RANGER
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Air Bag
Hazard
Affected units
361,692

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • RANGER

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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