Takata Airbag Recall Grows: Ford Recalls 391K Ranger Trucks After Man Dies

The Takata airbag recall has taken on a life of its own.

U.S. regulators announced today that last year’s Takata airbag recall will expand yet again after the recent death of a South Carolina man, bringing the total number of cars affected to a staggering 28 million.

Various makers, including Volkswagen, Audi, Saab, Mercedes-Benz and others are expected to be recalled in the coming days, with Ford leading the charge and announcing their recall today.

Ford is now recalling nearly 391,000 of their 2004-2006 Ranger pick-up trucks made in the U.S. and Canada, due to faulty driver’s air bag inflators in the vehicles made by the Takata Corp.

The malfunctioning inflator in the Rangers is what caused the latest death and prompted this new recall.

The man who died, Joel Knight, 52, of Kershaw, was struck in the neck by metal shrapnel after his 2006 Ranger hit a cow in the road and struck a fence on December 22, 2015.

Knight is the 10th confirmed death worldwide due to the inflators; in addition, more than 100 people have been hurt.

The government advises those who own a 2004-2006 not to drive their vehicles and speak with their car dealer about repairs and replacements; they caution drivers NOT to disable the airbag as that is dangerous and against the law.

Ford is expected to start sending letters to owners around February 22nd; drivers should be aware that while Ford is working to get the proper replacements, they may not be immediately available.

Anyone with questions can call Ford at: 1-800-392-3673 Monday-Friday from 8 A.M.-8 P.M. EST or go to their website.

What do you think of Ford recalling vehicles due to the ever-growing Takata airbag issue?

Tell us below and be sure to follow all my latest consumer news reports on Twitter!


Have A Question? Ask Jessica!

  • Jessica: Hi, I'm Jessica, the Consumer Press AI, can I help you with a consumer question?

Working... ...


Author Profile: Consumer Expert Tracy Ortiz

I am a mom to 2 little boys: a 10 year- old and an 8 year-old and they are the only things I love more than writing. I am an avid reader, a big sports fan and love a good deal. Most of all, I love keeping up on the latest consumer news and sharing my findings with all of you. When I'm not writing I'm painting- check out my latest in my shop: etsy.com/shop/paintmeapicstudios

Retrieved Start Time: 
Retrieved End Time: