Ford calls for discontinuation of 2006 Ranger
Ford is urging owners to stop using the 2006 Ranger after two people were killed by Takata airbags.
Ford and the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are asking some 2006 Ranger owners to stop using their vehicles immediately because the Takata airbag inflator assembly can rupture, sending metal fragments flying and injuring vehicle occupants.
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Ford Rangers manufactured between August 10 and December 15, 2005, are being recalled in North America. |
Ford said there are currently 2,902 Ranger 2006 pickup trucks using Takata airbags. Specifically, 2,712 vehicles in the US and 190 vehicles in Canada, manufactured from August 10, 2005 to December 15, 2005.
"Affected vehicle owners should contact Ford immediately. Ford will send a repair team to their home, or drive them to the nearest dealer for free repairs," NHTSA wrote in a statement.
The call from Ford and NHTSA comes after two deaths in 2006 Ranger vehicles were reported due to airbag inflator ruptures. The most recent incident occurred on July 1, 2017, in West Virginia, and the previous incident occurred in January 2016. However, the data is up to December 22, 2017.
The Takata airbag recall is a global safety issue that will continue for years to come, especially with the recent announcement of an additional 3.3 million vehicles affected. The reason for the Takata airbag recall is that it uses inflators containing ammonium nitrate. This compound burns too quickly, and shoots metal fragments towards the occupants of the vehicle.
