Ford Recalls Nearly 232K Rangers Over Faulty Air Bag Inflator Replacement

Ford Motor Co. has issued a recall for 2004 to 2006 Ranger vehicles due to concerns that replacement front passenger air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly. The recall, which affects 231,942 vehicles, was prompted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) citing an increased risk of injury during a crash if the inflator is not installed properly.

This recall comes after the vehicles had received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall.

The recall is expected to begin on May 22, with notification letters being mailed to owners of the impacted vehicles. Dealers will inspect and reinstall the front passenger air bag inflator, if needed, for free.

This recall is part of a broader issue with air bags that has been going on for over a decade. The exploding air bags made by Takata have caused at least 33 deaths worldwide, including 24 in the United States, since 2009.