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Ford Ranger Recall 21V076: Front air bag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments

NHTSA campaign 21V076, reported February 17, 2021, 144,340 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain 2004-2006 Ford Ranger vehicles may have a replacement driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator that can explode over time. The propellant inside can degrade after long-term exposure to high humidity, heat and temperature changes, and this can cause the inflator to rupture when the air bag deploys in a crash.

If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments can strike the driver or other occupants, which may result in serious injury or death.

Ford will notify owners of this recall. Dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag modules and replace the module or inflator if needed, at no cost to you. Owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 (Ford recall number 21S05). The recall began March 17, 2021. Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) for open recalls and schedule a free repair at an authorized dealer.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 21V076Ford Motor Company
Component
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Ford Ranger200420052006