Ford recalls over 150,000 cars that may have Takata airbags installed

Dearborn, MI – February 19, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 154,224 vehicles that may have had dangerous Takata airbag inflators installed again after undergoing a recall for this same issue. These inflators are at risk of exploding and hurling shrapnel that could injure or kill vehicle occupants. There are two separate recalls for this issue. The first includes:

  • 2004-2011 Ford Ranger trucks
  • 2005-2014 Ford Mustang sports cars
  • 2008-2012 Ford Fusion sedans
  • 2009-2011 Mercury Milan sedans
  • 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ luxury sedans
  • 2007-2010 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX luxury SUVs
  • 2006 Ford GT sports cars

The second recall includes:

  • 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks

Recall summary  

Ford dealers may have accidentally installed airbags containing these potentially lethal inflators during repairs for collision or theft damage after a recall related to this same issue was completed. It is not clear which particular Takata recall the company is referring to since many of these models were subjects to different recalls, albeit for the same issue.

These airbags were supposed to have been purged from Ford’s stock of replacement parts once new, safe ones became available. However, instead of that, they may have been put in 1,117 vehicles that comprise the first group. In the case of the second group, only 45 of over 150,000 cars contain the inflators but it is not clear which ones. Therefore, at the behest of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Ford is issuing a recall to address the issue.

Risks

Worldwide, Takata airbag inflators have killed at least 27 people, including two that ruptured and killed people riding in 2006 Ford Rangers.

A Ford spokesperson told Consumer Reports that none of the Ford Rangers in this recall are on the “Do not Drive” list of cars considered to be exceptionally high-risk. However, certain Ford Rangers are indeed on that list. You can check to see if your car is one of them here.

You can read more about the problems with Takata inflators in this article about GM’s recent Takata airbag recall. 

The repair

Ford dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace vehicles airbag inflators for free. Recall notifications go out the week of March 8, and will include more information about when and how to seek repairs.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 154,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. As of April 29, 2021, – the last date information was available – 5,693 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Note: July 17, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we have updated the number of cars that have been replaced to reflect the most up-to-date information.

Rebecca RandFord recalls over 150,000 cars that may have Takata airbags installed

Ford Explorers, Edges, and Tauruses recalled for bracket failure issue

Dearborn, MI – December 17, 2020 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has recalled 15,587 vehicles with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. A support bracket – which connects the engine to the front drive axle – may fail, and the driver may lose control of the vehicle. The recall includes:

  •  2014-2016 Ford Explorer SUVs
  •  2014-2015 Ford Taurus sedans
  •  2014-2016 Ford Edge SUVs

However, a Ford press release from November 13 mentions that the 2016 Taurus is also part of the recall and that only 2014 Edge SUVs are included. The reason for the discrepancy is not clear.

Recall summary  

Due to a design error, the bracket may not withstand the vehicle’s normal vibration. This could cause the bracket to crack. Because the bracket connects the engine to the front axle – which transmits the power from the vehicle to its wheels – this defect can cause a loss of “motive power” or “park function.”

Other Ford Explorer, Edge and Taurus recalls

There are several Ford Explorer recalls outstanding. In November, 2013-2017 Explorers were recalled for the third time due to a faulty suspension, as reported. 2020 Explorer SUVs and Edge SUVs were also recalled in September due to rearview cameras that may display a “distorted or blank” image, also as reported.

2015-2018 Ford Edge cars were recalled for leaking brake fluid  in August, while Ford Taurus sedans were subject to a recall in February due to toe link problems.

Risks 

Drivers in the recalled cars face a number of risks:

  • If the vehicle does not stay in park, the unexpected movement may cause a rollaway incident or an accident. The vehicle may roll into a person, another vehicle or a traffic lane.
  • A loss of power may prevent a driver from accelerating to merge into traffic and cause an accident.
  • Damage to other component parts may also cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and lead to an accident.

If the link shaft brackets cracks, drivers may notice “grinding, banging or clicking noise from the driveline” while driving, according to NHTSA.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to replace the link shaft bracket. The repair is free of charge, but the parts are not currently available. Ford sent owners an interim notification which explained the recall on November 30, 2020. Each owner will receive a second notification when parts are available for the repair.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 15,500 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydFord Explorers, Edges, and Tauruses recalled for bracket failure issue

General Motors vehicles recalled for potential fuel leaks

Warren, MI– December 10, 2020 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 194,105 vehicles due to missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator end cap. The missing bolts may result in a transmission oil leak, a loss of vehicle power or an engine fire. This General Motors (GM) recall includes:

  • 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze sedans
  • 2018-2019 Buick LaCrosse sedans
  • 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox SUVs
  • 2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse SUVs
  • 2018-2020 GMC Terrain SUVs
  • 2018 Chevrolet Malibu sedans
  • 2019-2020 Buick Encore SUVs
  • 2019-2020 Buick Enclave SUVs
  • 2019-2020 Cadillac XT4 SUVs
  • 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer SUVs
  • 2019-2020 GMC Acadia SUVs
  • 2020 Cadillac XT6 sedans

Recall summary  

Your vehicle’s transmission is designed to transfer engine power to the driveshaft. The start-stop accumulator shuts down the engine when it is not in use to achieve better fuel economy and cut down on emissions.

Each start-stop transmission accumulator is attached using four bolts. In the case of the recalled vehicles, due to a supplier software error, two of the required bolts are missing

Risks 

Missing bolts can create a number of issues:

  • Transmission oil leak: A leak may damage other engine parts, and driving the vehicle without the proper amount of oil or transmission fluid may damage the engine.
  • Loss of vehicle power: A loss of power may prevent the driver from accelerating into a busy road or onto a highway, increasing the risk of an accident. A power loss may also reduce the driver’s ability to speed up to avoid an accident. Finally, the vehicle may slow down on its own until it comes to a complete stop, increasing the risk of being struck by another vehicle coming up from behind.
  • Increased risk of fire: A fire can injure the vehicle occupants, or cause the driver to lose control and cause an accident. This article explains what you should do if you believe your vehicle is on fire.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to check the start-stop accumulator end cap and determine if any bolts are missing. If they are, the dealer will replace the end cap at no cost to the owner. GM expects the recall to begin on December 14, 2020.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This GM oil leak recall includes over 194,000 vehicles. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydGeneral Motors vehicles recalled for potential fuel leaks