How to Claim a Replacement or Refund for Ford Airbag Recall?

Driving is full of potential problems, but as a vehicle owner, you do your best to minimize them. Unfortunately, even with all the efforts you make, there are some things that are out of your control. Some problems are a result of the way your car's model was made. If you would like to stay updated on , DoNotPay can help.

Ford Has Recalled Vehicles With Takata Airbags

There is a nationwide to replace airbag inflators that could explode when deploying. Ford has recalled five models from their line:

2004 - 2011 Ford Ranger
2005 - 2014 Ford Mustang
2005 - 2006 Ford GT
2006 - 2012 Ford Fusion
2007 - 2010 Ford Edge

Ford has identified this as recall number 21S12. This particular wave affects about 2.6 million cars, but it is part of a larger recall. The manufacturer petitioned to have these models exempted because they used different materials, but the construction was similar enough that the petition was denied. Owners started being notified via mail April 1st, 2021.

This is just the most recent development in a recall process that began in late 2014. These models all potentially contain Takata airbag inflators. There have been 27 deaths reported worldwide in relation to this defect.

How the Airbag Defect Could Affect You

You may have already received a recall notice as part of an earlier wave. If you are receiving multiple notices, there are a few possible reasons. Ford notes that some repairs were done as interim solutions, and newer letters are for the permanent fix. It is also possible that you are involved in multiple recalls, one for the driver's side and the other for the passenger's side.

Bursting of Inflator

The front airbag inflator on the driver's side contains a drying agent that can degrade over time due to humidity and cycling between hot and cold temperatures. The wear could cause the inflator to burst when the airbag is deployed, potentially turning parts into shrapnel and resulting in injury or death. When you take your car to be repaired, the dealer will replace the airbag's inflator or the airbag module. Don't be concerned if only one airbag has repairs done. Your airbags could have different suppliers.

Low Risk of Airbag Explosion

If your vehicle is part of this recall, do not disable your airbags. Ford notes that "the issue is the airbag inflator... and not the actual airbag". Ford and the NHTSA have said that there is a low risk of your airbag exploding, so your vehicle is still safe to drive, but your airbags do need to be repaired. There are some vehicles that have been identified as high-risk, including the 2006 Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series.

Other Recalled Vehicles

The Ford Motor Company contains several subdivisions and has partnered with other automakers over its long lifespan. As a result, this wave of recalls from Ford also involves several vehicles from other brands:

2006-2012 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ
2006-2011 Mercury Milan
2007-2010 Lincoln MKX
2007-2009 Mazda B-Series

To date, this issue has opened investigations involving almost 100 million vehicles. The recall primarily affects models made between 2002 and 2015 across 19 different manufacturers. Those at the highest risk include Honda, Acura, Ford, and Mazda models. These vehicles are considered unsafe to drive without repairs. Takata has gone bankrupt over the course of the investigation, but that has not affected the availability of repair parts.

There was a separate Takata recall in 2019 and 2020 that also resulted in airbags exploding or, conversely, not inflating quickly enough. The root cause of this issue was determined to be the seal around the inflator. Affected manufacturers included Toyota, BMW, Audi, Honda, Mitsubishi, and Isuzu.

How to Check for Safety Recalls on Your Vehicle Using DoNotPay 's Car Recall Monitor

If you own a vehicle, whether it's used or new, it's crucial to check for recalls. Driving a recalled vehicle can lead to accidents and fatalities. Here's how the Car Recall Monitor works:

Enter your vehicle information, including the make, model, and year.
We'll automatically check against the NHTSA database to see if your vehicle has been involved in any recalls.
We'll generate a report, summarizing all of the recalls, including the recalled date, NHTSA campaign number, required remediations, and more.

Let DoNotPay Dial the Dealership

If your vehicle has been recalled, you're entitled to a free repair. Regardless of whether it's a used or new car, you can use the DoNotPay Car Recall Repair product to schedule an appointment at your local car dealership and get your vehicle repaired.

How the Car Recall Repair product works:

Enter your vehicle information, including the make, model, and year.
Tell us about the recall and which part of the vehicle is impacted.
Enter the car dealership you want to visit or let us contact the closest one near you.
Enter the ideal date(s) and time(s) you want to schedule your appointment for.
Enter your Vehicle Identification Number.

And that's it! DoNotPay will contact your local dealership to request an appointment and ask for your vehicle to be repaired for free.

Find Out if You Have Other Recalled Products in Your Home

DoNotPay can alert you to any recalls involving products you've purchased. Send DoNotPay your receipts so we can do the work for you. Our services aren't limited to cars. We can notify you about any product, including