The Ford Motor Company will move forward with a major recall concerning a problem with driver-side airbags.
According to the recall notice from the Dearborn-based automaker, about three million vehicles are being recalled because of an issue with Takata airbag inflators. Ford said inflators were installed as original equipment and contain a calcium sulfate desiccant, which may degrade over time with prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity.
The breakdown of the desiccant may result in the inflator not working properly in the event of a crash. While the problem may result in serious injury or death, Ford is not aware of any ruptures involving airbags containing the desiccant.
Ford had petitioned to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in August 2017, claiming that a recall for the driver-side airbags was not necessary. The NHTSA denied the automaker's petition in January 2021.
The recall notice said that 274,737 of the affected vehicles were sold in Canada. The action includes the 2006 to 2012 Ford Fusion, the 2007 to 2010 Ford Edge, the 2007 to 2011 Ford Ranger, the 2006 to 2011 Mercury Milan, the 2006 to 2012 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ, and 2007 to 2010 Lincoln MKX vehicles.
Recall notices will be mailed to affected vehicle owners beginning in early April. Dealers will replace the airbag inflator or airbag module at no cost.
The reference number for this recall is 21-S-12.
