Ford is urging people to stop using the 2006 Ranger model.
Ford is urging owners to stop using the 2006 Ranger after two deaths were reported due to Takata airbags.
Ford and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are urging some owners of 2006 Ranger models to immediately stop using their vehicles because the Takata airbag inflator assembly may rupture, sending metal fragments flying that could injure occupants.
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Ford Ranger vehicles manufactured between August 10 and December 15, 2005, are being recalled in North America. |
Ford stated that there are currently 2,902 2006 Ranger pickup trucks equipped with Takata airbags. Specifically, 2,712 vehicles are in the U.S. and 190 in Canada, manufactured between August 10, 2005, and December 15, 2005.
"Affected vehicle owners should contact Ford immediately. Ford will send repair teams to their homes, or owners can drive their vehicles to the nearest dealership for free repairs," NHTSA wrote in a statement.
Ford and the NHTSA's strong appeals stem from the discovery of two deaths in a 2006 Ranger due to a ruptured airbag inflator assembly. The most recent incident occurred on July 1, 2017, in West Virginia, with a previous one in January 2016. However, the data is updated up to December 22, 2017.
The Takata airbag recall is a global safety issue that will persist for years to come, especially with the recent announcement that an additional 3.3 million vehicles are affected. The reason for the Takata airbag recall is the use of airbag inflator assemblies containing ammonium nitrate. This compound ignites too quickly, ejecting metal fragments towards the vehicle's occupants.